In the modern information age, optical fiber communication technology has formed the foundation of many network systems. Fiber optic patch cords are essential for both long-distance and local area networks (LANs). Fiber optic patch cords are an efficient and dependable connecting medium, and their significance in data transfer cannot be overlooked.
Definition of fiber optic patch cord
Fiber optic patch cords, also known as Fiber Patch Cords or Fiber Jumpers, are optical fiber connection components used to transmit optical signals. It is made up of optical fibers, connectors, and protective sleeves and is mostly used for connecting devices to optical fiber cabling networks. In network cabling, fiber optic patch cords function similarly to copper cable patch cords, but their transmission performance and bandwidth greatly outperform copper cables.
The core part of the optical fiber jumper is the optical fiber, which is composed of core, cladding and coating. The core part of the optical fiber is the main channel for optical signal transmission, the cladding plays a role in limiting the diffusion of optical signals, and the coating layer provides physical protection. The selection and installation of connectors have a direct impact on the performance of fiber optic jumpers. Therefore, connector type, quality and installation technology are all important factors affecting the quality of fiber optic jumpers.
Basic composition and working principle of fiber optic jumpers
The basic components of fiber optic jumpers include optical fibers, connectors and protective sleeves.
Optical fiber:
Core: The innermost layer of optical fiber, responsible for transmitting optical signals. The core diameter is usually 8-10 microns (single-mode fiber) or 50-62.5 micron (multimode fiber).
Cladding: Wrapped around the outer layer of the fiber core, it has a lower refractive index than the fiber core to ensure total reflection of the optical signal within the fiber core. The diameter of the cladding is typically 125 microns.
Coating: An outer protective layer, usually made of one or more polymer materials, that provides mechanical and environmental protection.
Connector:
Connectors are used to connect fiber optic patch cords to equipment or other optical fibers. Common connector types include LC, SC, FC, ST, etc. The selection of connectors is mainly based on the specific application environment and performance requirements.
Jacket:
The protective sleeve is the outermost layer of the optical fiber jumper and is used to protect the internal optical fiber from physical damage and environmental effects. The material of the protective cover is usually PVC or LSZH (low smoke halogen-free), and different materials are selected according to application requirements. The working principle of fiber optic patch cords is based on the total reflection of optical signals within the fiber core.
When the optical signal enters the fiber core, due to the difference in refractive index between the core and the cladding, the optical signal undergoes total reflection at the interface between the core and the cladding, thereby propagating within the fiber core. This propagation method ensures low attenuation and high bandwidth of optical signals in long-distance transmission.
Classification of fiber optic patch cords Fiber optic patch cords can be classified according to fiber type, connector type, transmission mode and application scenario.
Classification according to fiber type:
Single-mode Fiber Patch Cord:
The core diameter of single-mode fiber is small (about 8-10 microns) and only allows one light mode to pass through. Single-mode fiber optic patch cords are suitable for long-distance, high-bandwidth transmission, such as metropolitan area networks and long-distance backbone networks.
Multimode Fiber Patch Cord:
Multimode fiber has a larger core diameter (50 or 62.5 microns), allowing multiple light modes to pass through. Multimode fiber optic patch cords are suitable for short-distance, high-speed transmission, such as local area networks and data center internal connections.
Classification according to connector type:
LC connector fiber jumper:
LC connector adopts miniaturized design, low insertion loss, and is suitable for high-density wiring environments.
SC connector fiber jumper:
SC connector has a push-pull design for quick connection and disconnection, suitable for data centers and telecommunications networks.
FC connector optical fiber jumper:
FC connector uses a threaded connection method to ensure the stability and reliability of the connection, and is suitable for application scenarios that require high connection stability.
ST connector optical fiber jumper:
ST connector adopts plug-in design, easy to install, and is commonly used in industrial and campus networks.
Related recommended articles: Fiber optic patch cord connector types and their applications
Classification according to transmission mode:
Single-mode Patch Cord:
Used for single-mode optical fiber, with long transmission distance and high bandwidth.
Multimode Patch Cord:
Used for multimode optical fiber, the transmission distance is relatively short, but the cost is low, and it is suitable for short-distance high-speed transmission.
Classification according to application scenarios:
Standard fiber optic patch cord:
for general network connections.
High-density fiber jumpers:
used in high-density wiring environments such as data centers, usually usingMTP/MPO connectors.
Durable optical fiber jumper:
used in industrial environments, with high tensile and compression resistance, and adaptable to harsh environments.
Technical parameters of optical fiber jumpers
When selecting and using optical fiber jumpers, you need to pay attention to the following key technical parameters:
Insertion Loss:
Insertion loss is the optical signal loss caused by the connector and the fiber itself during the connection process of the fiber jumper. The lower the insertion loss, the better the signal transmission effect. Generally, the insertion loss of single-mode optical fiber jumpers is required to be less than 0.3dB, and that of multi-mode optical fiber jumpers is less than 0.5dB.
Return Loss:
Return loss refers to the signal loss caused by the reflection of the optical signal back to the light source during the connection process of the fiber jumper. The greater the return loss, the fewer reflections and the better the signal quality. The return loss of single-mode fiber jumpers is generally required to be greater than 50dB, and that of multi-mode fiber jumpers is greater than 20dB.
Attenuation Coefficient:
The attenuation coefficient represents the signal attenuation per unit length of the optical fiber during transmission, usually in dB/km. The attenuation coefficient of single-mode fiber is generally less than 0.4dB/km, and that of multi-mode fiber is less than 3.5dB/km.
Bandwidth:
Bandwidth represents the maximum amount of data a fiber can transmit at a specific frequency. The bandwidth of single-mode fiber is infinitely high, mainly limited by the performance of the light source and receiver; the bandwidth of multi-mode fiber is limited by inter-mode dispersion, generally between 500MHz·km and 2000MHz·km.
Core Diameter:
The core diameter of single-mode fiber is 8-10 microns, and the core diameter of multi-mode fiber is 50 or 62.5 microns. Core diameter affects the modal and bandwidth performance of the fiber.
Cladding Diameter:
The cladding diameter is usually 125 microns, and the uniformity and roundness of the cladding have an important impact on the transmission performance of the optical fiber.
Operating Wavelength:
The working wavelengths of fiber optic jumpers are usually 1310nm, 1550nm (single-mode fiber) and 850nm, 1300nm (multi-mode fiber). Different wavelengths have different attenuation characteristics and bandwidth performance. Application scenarios of fiber optic patch cords Fiber optic patch cords are widely used in various network connections due to their high bandwidth, low loss and anti-interference capabilities.
The following are some typical application scenarios:
Data center:
The need for high bandwidth and low latency in data centers makes fiber optic patch cords the first choice. High-density fiber optic patch cords (such as MTP/MPO) are particularly common in data center cabling, which can effectively save space and simplify cabling management.
Related recommended articles: Data Center Fiber Patch Cables Comprehensive Guide
Telecom network:
Fiber optic patch cords are used in telecommunications networks for base station connections, long-distance backbone networks, and fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) scenarios. Single-mode fiber optic patch cords are widely used in telecommunications networks due to their long-distance transmission advantages.
Corporate network:
Enterprise networks require stable and high-speed internal connections. The application of optical fiber jumpers in backbone networks and LANs can provide high-quality data transmission services to meet various business needs of enterprises.
Medical industry:
Medical equipment and systems require high-reliability connections to ensure accurate and real-time data transmission. Fiber optic patch cords play an important role in medical device connectivity and data transmission.
Automated industry:
Fiber optic patch cords in industrial environments need to have high durability and anti-interference capabilities. Durable fiber optic patch cords can provide stable connections in harsh environments and ensure the normal operation of industrial equipment and systems.
International standards and specifications for fiber optic patch cords
The manufacture and use of fiber optic patch cords must comply with international standards and specifications to ensure their performance and compatibility. The following are some of the major international standards:
ITU-T G.652：
This standard specifies the technical requirements for single-mode optical fiber, including geometric dimensions, attenuation coefficient, dispersion characteristics, etc.
ITU-T G.657:
This standard specifies technical requirements and application scenarios for bend-insensitive single-mode optical fiber, and is suitable for fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) and other scenarios.
IEC 60793:
This series of standards covers general specifications, test methods and technical requirements for optical fibers and is applicable to various types of optical fibers.
TIA/EIA-568：
This standard specifies requirements for the design and installation of commercial building communications cabling systems, including performance specifications and test methods for fiber optic patch cords.
ISO/IEC 11801:
This standard specifies international specifications for general cabling systems, technical requirements and test methods for various types of cabling components, including fiber optic patch cords.
Fiber optic patch cord selection guide
When selecting fiber optic patch cords, you need to consider the following factors:
Bandwidth requirements:
Choose single-mode or multi-mode fiber optic patch cords based on your network’s bandwidth needs. For high-bandwidth, long-distance transmission, single-mode fiber optic patch cords are the best choice; for short-distance, high-speed transmission, multi-mode fiber optic patch cords are more cost-effective.
Transmission distance:
Transmission distance is an important consideration in selecting fiber type. Single-mode fiber optic patch cords are suitable for long-distance transmission, while multi-mode fiber optic patch cords are suitable for short-distance transmission.
Environmental requirements:
Choose the appropriate protective cover material and connector type according to the use environment. For example, in high-density cabling environments, choose high-density fiber optic patch cords with LC connectors; in industrial environments, choose durable fiber optic patch cords.
Insertion loss and return loss:
Choose fiber optic patch cords with lower insertion loss and return loss to ensure signal transmission quality.
Compatibility:
Make sure the fiber patch cords you select are compatible with existing equipment and network systems to avoid interface mismatches and performance degradation.
Conclusion
The performance and dependability of fiber optic patch cables, a critical connecting component in modern network systems, have a direct impact on the overall network’s stability and transmission efficiency. An in-depth understanding of the definition, basic knowledge, classification, technical parameters, application scenarios, and international standards of fiber optic patch cords can assist users in selecting and using fiber optic patch cords in practical applications, optimizing network performance, and improving data transmission quality. efficiency. With the ongoing advancement of optical fiber technology, Yingda optical fiber manufacturers will continue to play a key role in future network construction, laying the groundwork for the information society.
Comments