Fiber Optic Patch Cable Directory

Fiber Optic Patch Cable Directory

Looking for fiber patch cables?

We have them. SC, LC, ST or FC in singlemode or multimode. We can supply quality cables quickly, and at great prices.  Are you installing a brand new fiber optic network or repairing a legacy system? Use our fiber optic patch cord directory. It will help you determine what kind of cables you need for the job.


How are they classified?

They are classified by the type of end that is attached, as well as the type of fiber that is inside the cable. Patch cords are usually connected to the optical transmitter, receiver and terminal box. Most quality connectors are designed to have good alignment of the fiber and to lose very little light. Due to the nature of the connector assembly procedure, they are usually built at the supplier's manufacturing facility for the best possible quality.


Experts On Hand

Qualified experts are on hand to answer any questions you may have concerning fiber optics. A fiber optic patch cord is a length of fiber optic cable terminated at both ends with connectors that allow it to be rapidly and conveniently connected to telecommunication equipment. Whether they are called a patch cord, patch cable or fiber jumper cable, they all accomplish the same job. They enable a quick connection or disconnection of fiber optic cable, which makes them faster and easier than splicing. These fiber optic patch cords are terminated on either end with fiber optic connectors. The cords can be made with the same connector on each end or they can be designed to be made with different connectors at either end. Some common connector types are SC, LC, ST or FC. These particular cables are usually for indoor use only.

We make custom patch cables to your standards.


Single mode fiber is optical fiber that carries only one light mode.  It is most commonly used in long distance and or high bandwidth applications such as CATV networks.  Single mode fiber typically has a core size of 9 microns.  Many of today's single mode fibers are bend insensitive, meaning they are able to withstand very tight bend radii with very low loss.  Single mode patch cables typically have a yellow outer jacket.  Cables are in stock and ready to ship, and test results are provided with each assembly.

Multimode fiber networks are best suited for use in applications such as LAN and campus installations. Short distance data transmission and audio visual applications typically use multimode fiber networks. Multimode patch cables are typically orange or aqua in color.  Choose from our large inventory of quality multimode patch cables. FIS multimode patch cables are assembled using durable and reliable machine polished ceramic ferrules, not composite ferrules often used in low-cost assemblies. All LC assemblies are provided on 1.6mm cable.

These are specialized patch cables. PM fiber patch cords are built with polarization maintaining fiber. This ensures the polarization of both the input and output light. Connector alignment is important with this type of patch cable. This means special connectors are needed for these cables.

10 Gigabit 50µm OM3 Patch Cable

Multimode fiber networks are best suited for use in applications such as LAN and campus installations. Short distance data transmission and audio visual applications typically use multimode fiber networks. OM3 Patch Cables are made to provide bandwidth that will support transmission of 10 Gigabits per second, and they are used in networks that transmit information for distances up to 300 meters. The refractive index decreases towards the outer cladding and this increases speeds which means there can be data transmission over great distances.  OM3 multimode patch cables are typically aqua in color. Aqua patch cords are used in 10G, 40G and 100G applications. Each fiber cable is tested for insertion loss. Individual test results are provided. Cables are in inventory and ready to ship.

10 Gigabit 50µm OM4 Patch Cable

OM4 Patch Cables are made to provide bandwidth that will support transmission of 10 Gigabits, and can be used for applications up to 550 meters. The refractive index of OM4 fiber decreases towards the outer cladding. This increases speeds, which enables data transmission over longer distances.  OM4 multimode fiber patch cables typically have an aqua outer jacket in North America, but in Europe the outer jacket color most commonly found on OM4 patchcords is magenta.  OM4 fiber is used in 10G, 40G and 100G applications.

APC Simplex Patch Cable

A simplex patch cable is a length of fiber optic cable containing a single optical fiber that has connectors on both ends. Many times aramid yarn is part of the cable to provide strength and protection to the fiber.  APC (Angled Physical Contact) Patchcords are used when optical return loss is a concern. The connector endface is polished to an 8 degree angle. This causes any reflected light to travel into the cladding of the fiber instead of straight back down the core of the fiber to the transmitter which will cause damage to the transmitter over time. APC polished connectors are used in situations where back reflections must be kept to a minimum, such as CATV and RF applications.

APC Duplex Patch Cable

A duplex patch cable is a length of fiber optic cable containing two optical fibers and it has connectors on both ends.  Aramid yarn is typically part of the cable because it provides strength and protection to the fiber. Both of these are encased in an outer PVC jacket that is color coded to indicate the type of optical fiber inside. Duplex cable is most often found in a zipcord construction, similar to electrical appliance wire. Duplex cable allows transmission in both directions simultaneously. APC polished connectors are used in situations where back reflections must be kept to a minimum, such as CATV and RF applications.


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