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Fiber Optic Cable Assemblies

Explore fiber optic cable assembly and data center connectivity solutions for telecom, broadband, OEM, industrial and specialized applications. Browse available data center products or contact PFP to discuss a custom fiber optic assembly requirement.

Fiber Optic Patch Cables, Patch Cords and Cable Assemblies
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Fiber optic patch cables and fiber optic patch cords are preterminated cable assemblies commonly used to connect network equipment, patch panels, enclosures and fiber distribution hardware. Depending on the industry and application, the terms patch cable, patch cord and fiber optic jumper may describe the same or a very similar connectorized assembly.
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The broader fiber cable assemblies category can also include fiber optic pigtails, breakout cables, harnesses, MPO or MTP assemblies and custom connectorized fiber builds. Each configuration serves a different purpose, so the correct selection depends on the equipment, fiber type, connector interface, cable construction and installation environment.
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Standard assemblies are often suitable when the connector combination, fiber type and length are already defined. A custom fiber optic cable assembly may be needed when a project requires nonstandard lengths, specialized connectors, protective tubing, unique labeling, unusual fiber counts or an application-specific cable construction.
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Fiber Optic Patch Cords and Jumpers


A fiber optic patch cord normally has a connector installed on both ends and is used to create a removable optical connection between two devices or connection points. Common applications include connecting network equipment to patch panels, linking distribution hardware and creating equipment interconnects in telecom rooms, laboratories and data centers.

Fiber optic jumpers can be manufactured as simplex or duplex assemblies and may use matching or hybrid connector combinations. Examples of common configurations include LC-to-LC, LC-to-SC, SC-to-SC, FC-to-FC and other connector combinations required by the equipment.

Before selecting a patch cord, verify the fiber type, connector interface, polish type, polarity, cable diameter, jacket requirements and total length. A mechanically compatible connector does not automatically mean that the complete assembly is optically or operationally appropriate for the system.

Fiber Optic Pigtails and Breakout Cables

 
Fiber optic pigtails generally have a connector installed on one end and an unterminated fiber on the other. The unterminated end is commonly spliced into another fiber, making pigtails useful for fiber distribution, equipment integration and permanent network terminations.
 
Fiber optic breakout cables separate multiple fibers into individually protected legs so they can be routed and terminated independently. Depending on the construction, a breakout or fanout assembly may use protective tubing, furcation components or reinforced legs to help organize and protect the individual fibers.
 
When specifying a pigtail or breakout cable, identify the fiber count, fiber type, connector interface, leg length, overall length and protection required for the installation.

MPO, MTP and High-Fiber-Count Cable Assemblies

MPO cable assemblies use a multifiber connector interface to combine several optical fibers within a single connection. MTP cable assemblies use a specific high-performance MPO-style connector system and are commonly associated with high-density fiber connectivity.

These assemblies may be configured as trunks, interconnects, harnesses or breakout assemblies. The correct configuration depends on the fiber count, polarity method, connector gender, key orientation, fiber type and network architecture.

Because polarity and connector configuration are critical, an MPO or MTP assembly should be selected using the requirements of the complete system rather than by connector appearance alone.

Custom and Specialty Fiber Optic Cable Assemblies

Custom fiber optic cable assemblies are used when an off-the-shelf patch cable does not meet the mechanical, optical or environmental requirements of the application. Customization may involve the connector combination, fiber type, cable construction, length, protective tubing, labeling or individual breakout-leg dimensions.

Specialty requirements may also involve large-core fiber, armored cable, high-fiber-count constructions, ruggedized protection or assemblies intended for specialized OEM, laboratory, industrial, medical or telecommunications equipment.

Provide PFP with the available cable, connector, equipment and application specifications. PFP can review the requirement and confirm whether an appropriate standard or custom solution can be supplied.

Selecting Singlemode and Multimode Fiber Cable Assemblies

Singlemode and multimode fiber cable assemblies are designed for different optical systems and should not be selected based only on connector type.
 
Singlemode assemblies commonly use 9/125 µm optical fiber and may be specified for telecom, broadband, FTTx and long-distance network applications. Multimode assemblies may use OM1, OM2, OM3, OM4 or OM5 fiber depending on the system, transmission requirements and installed infrastructure.
 
The connector housing color can provide a useful visual indication, but it should not replace verification of the actual fiber and polish specifications. Confirm whether the system requires UPC, APC or another connector end-face configuration before ordering an assembly.
 
Mixing incompatible fiber types, polish styles or connector interfaces can result in poor performance or prevent the connection from operating correctly.

How to Specify a Fiber Optic Cable Assembly

 

  • Before ordering a standard or custom fiber optic cable assembly, identify the following:
     

  • Fiber type: Specify singlemode, multimode or another required optical fiber.

  • Connector interface: Identify LC, SC, ST, FC, MTRJ, MPO/MTP or the equipment-specific connector.

  • Polish type: Confirm whether the connection requires UPC, APC or another end-face specification.

  • Connector combination: Specify both ends, such as LC-to-LC, LC-to-SC or another required configuration.

  • Fiber count: Determine whether the assembly is simplex, duplex, multifiber or high-fiber-count.

  • Cable construction: Identify the required jacket, outside diameter, breakout structure, furcation tubing, armor or other mechanical protection.

  • Length and tolerance: Provide the overall cable length and any individual breakout-leg dimensions.

  • Installation environment: Identify whether the assembly will be used indoors, outdoors, in a data center, inside equipment or in another specialized environment.

  • Polarity and orientation: For multifiber assemblies, document the required polarity method, connector gender and key orientation.

  • Performance and testing requirements: Provide any insertion-loss, return-loss, inspection, documentation or testing requirements specified by the system or project.

     

    Supplying complete information helps reduce compatibility problems and unnecessary revisions during quoting, manufacturing and installation.

Fiber Optic Cable Assemblies FAQ

  • A fiber optic cable assembly combines optical fiber, protective cable components and one or more installed connectors into a ready-to-connect or ready-to-splice configuration. Examples include patch cords, jumpers, pigtails, breakout cables, harnesses and multifiber assemblies.

  • The terms fiber optic patch cable, fiber optic patch cord and fiber optic jumper are frequently used for similar products: a connectorized fiber cable used to create a removable connection. The preferred name can vary by manufacturer, industry and application.

  • A patch cord normally has connectors installed on both ends. A fiber optic pigtail generally has a connector on one end and an unterminated fiber on the other so it can be spliced into a network, enclosure or equipment assembly.

  • Use the fiber type specified by the existing equipment, network design and optical transceivers. Singlemode and multimode fibers have different core dimensions and transmission characteristics. Connector compatibility alone does not confirm that the fiber is correct for the system.

  • Provide the fiber type, connector on each end, polish type, fiber count, cable construction, overall length, breakout-leg dimensions, installation environment and required testing. Drawings, equipment specifications or an existing part number can help clarify a nonstandard requirement.

  • MPO and MTP assemblies are used when several fibers must be connected through a compact multifiber interface. They are commonly associated with high-density interconnects, trunks and breakout applications. Fiber count, polarity, connector gender and orientation must be verified before selection.

Discuss Your Fiber Optic Cable Assembly Requirements

Browse the data center products above or contact Precision Fiber Products with your connector, fiber, cable and application requirements. PFP can review the information and help determine whether an available product or custom fiber optic assembly solution is appropriate.

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