Fiber Optic Patch Cord

Fiber Optic Patch Cord – The Ultimate FAQ Guide

Figure 1 Fiber Optic Patch Cord

Bwinners fiber optic patch cord is simply a cable that has a connector on both ends. Some people call it a jumper. So, if you come across the name jumper, know that it is referring to a patch cord.

To give you a clear picture of what patch cords are, we can say that these are fiber-optic cables that have caps at both ends. The two caps allow it to rapidly connect a cord to a switch or any other computer or a telecommunication device.

Is that their only role? No, you can also use fiber optic patch cords to connect terminal boxes, receivers, and transmitters.

Indeed, patch cords play a very vital connection role in networks. They are an integral component of local area networks (LAN), and their role in such networks is to connect switches to serves.

But that’s not all. They also provide storage as well as monitoring traffic access points in networks. So, if you have a LAN serving whatever purpose, the chances are that you will require some good fiber optic patch cords if you want excellent performance.

To perform their role effectively, and avoid signal loss, fiber optic patch cords have a solid structure. For this reason, fiber optic patch cords are usually shorter than the normal connector cables out there in the market.

Since network requirements tend to vary, you can also order custom lengths fiber optic patch cords. With a good manufacturer such as Bwinners, you can have your cords made in a way that they have a low insertion loss while performing their role well.

Do you want to learn more? We have answered all the questions you may have about fiber optic cords. So, just before you start the purchase process, take the time to check our list of questions about patch cords and their answers.

1) How Many Types of Fiber Optic Patch Cord Connectors Are There?

Figure 2 How Many Types of Fiber Optic Patch Cord Connectors Are There?

Fiber optic patch cords have connectors at both ends. These connectors can be any of the following types:

Lucent Connector (LC)

Subscriber Connector (SC)

Straight Tip (ST)

Ferrule Connector (FC)

Multi-fiber Push On (MPO)

Multi-fiber Termination Push On (MTP)

You can use these different types of connectors to plug into different devices. The ports at the end of the devices, determine the appropriate type of connector.

2) How Are Fiber Optic Patch Cord Classified?

Fiber optic patch cords are classified based on different parameters. Here are the various ways in which the classification is done:

By Connector Configuration
Under this criterion, fiber optic patch cords | Fiber Patch Cables are classified by the type of connector configuration on both ends of the cable. Some of the most common connector configurations are:

FC-FC

FC-SC

FC-LC

FC-ST

SC-SC

SC-ST

By Transmission Medium
Under this type of classification, fiber optic patch cords can either be single mode or multimode.

Single-mode fiber optic patch cords have a longer transmission medium/distance. Fiber Patch Cables are also yellow and often have a blue connector.

Multimode fiber optic patch cords have a shorter transmission medium/distance. Fiber Patch Cables are also either orange or grey, but with a black connector.

By Construction of Inserted Core Cover
Fiber optic patch cord inserted core cover can either conform to UPC, APC, or PC configuration. UPC inserted types are usually flat, APC inserted type is oblique, and PC is used to reduce back reflection.

3) What Other Names Are Given to Fiber Optic Patch Cord?

Figure 3 What Other Names Are Given to Fiber Optic Patch Cord?

Users of fiber optic patch cords often give them different names. While there might not be an official list of synonyms for these fiber patchcord, here are other names you are likely to hear:

Fiber jumper cables

Fiber optic jumpers

Duplex fiber jumpers

Fiber patch cables

Network glass

Network fiber

Fiber wire

LAN fiber

You are also likely to find even more other names that people use to refer to fiber optic patch cords. In most cases, people give them names depending on how they use them.

4) What Steps Should I Follow to Choose the Right Fiber Optic Patch Cord?

Your choice of the right fiber optic patch cord should depend on what you intend to use the cord for in your network. Here are vital steps that you can follow, so you get the most appropriate type that will make your work easy:

Step#1: Choose the Appropriate Type of Connector
Types of connectors can be LC, SC, FC, SC, MPO, and MTP. Both ends of the fiber optic patch cord | fiber patchcord have one of these types of connectors.

If you ports at the ends of your devices are identical, you can use a combination that looks like LC-LC, SC-SC, or MTP-MTP. If they are not identical, you can use combinations such as LC-ST, LC-SC, or MPO-MTP.

Step#2: Choose Whether Single Mode or Multimode Is Appropriate
Do you know the difference between these types fiber patch cord? Well, generally, single-mode cords use 9/125um glass fiber. Multimode, on the other hand, uses 50/125um or 62.5/125um glass fiber.

If you want to create a network connection for transmission of data over a long distance, then single-mode fiber optic cable type. For a short distance, a multimode cable type will do the job well for you.

Step#3: Choose the Appropriate Type of Fiber Optic Patch Cord
Figure 4 Simplex and Duplex Types of Fiber Optic Patch Cord
As you can see from the picture, the simplex fiber patch cord type only have one cord at the end of the fiber connector.

Duplex, on the other hand, has two patch cables that are put side by side. You’ll mostly find duplex cords in transceivers.

Your type of connection is what determines whether you need to use simplex or duplex type of cords. Some connections need simplex, while others need a duplex. So, you just need to find out what your connection needs.

Step#4: Choose Appropriate Cable Length
The lengths of fiber optic patch cables usually range between 0.5m and 50m. You can use any length of cable as long as it meets your needs.

To avoid waste or taking cables that might not be long enough to do your work, measure the distance between the devices you want to connect. You can add a small allowance, but what you buy should not be too long.

Step#5: Choose the Right Type of Connector Polish
Polish types are either UPC or APC. To make the right choice you ought to know the difference between these two types fiber optic patchcord.

APC generally has a lower loss than that of UPC. They are, therefore, better when it comes to performance.

You should also note that APC connectors are widely used these days in many applications. You’ll find them in FTTX, PON, and Wavelength –Division Multiplexing (WDM) among others.

APC and UPC are also different when it comes to their colors. Here are pictures of these two:
Figure 5 UPC and APC Polish Connector
The green one is APC, while the blue one is the UPC.

Step#6: Choose the Right Type of Cable Jacket
Cable jackets usually come in three types. These are:

Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)

Optical Fiber Nonconductive Plenum (OFNP)

Low Smoke Zero Halogen (LSZH)

So, what is the difference between these three jacket types? Well, they differ in features and also in functionality.

PVCs do not degrade easily. They are resistant to oxidation. You can, therefore, use them safely in horizontal runs emerging from the wiring center.

OFNPs have space within their building components. Space allows the free movement of air. They are, therefore, the best for use in vertical runs in between the floors.

LSZHs are the best if you want the flame retardant type of cables. They are the best when it comes to using in between floors of a building.

You can easily pick the most appropriate type for your work by just looking at their features.

5) What Are the Characteristics of Fiber Optic Patch Cord?

Fiber optic patch cords generally have the following characteristics:

Good repeatability

Good interchange properties

Relatively good adaptability to the environment

A relatively low insertion loss

A relatively higher return loss

6) What Factors Should I Look at When Selecting Fiber Optic Patch Cord?

You can only get the best fiber optic patch cord if you do the right selection. Here are the most important factors that you should look at when doing the selection:

Type of Cable
While there may be different ways of classifying fiber optic cords, there are usually two types of cords as you have already noted. These are Single-mode and multimode codes.

Your choice of the type of fiber optic patch cord to choose should depend on the type of network or connection you want to make. So, do the selection based on what is most appropriate for your network.

Number of Strands
The one important thing you should note here is that fiber optic patchcord only allow the flow of signals in only one direction, unlike copper patch cords. So, when it comes to strands, fiber optic patch cords can either be simplex or duplex.

Simplex is simple a single strand fiber optic patch cord. Duplex fiber optic patchcord, on the other hand, are connectors bonded together. You will mostly find them in pairs.

If you want to make a connection in a network such that you’ll be able to transmit as well as receive information, you’ll need two strands. In that case, a duplex type of fiber optic patchcord will do the job for you.

Cable Length
Length of cables is given in ether meters of feet. Your needs dictate the length of fiber optic patch cable that you should get.

It is better to get a little longer cable than to get one that won’t do the job. So, always try to get the exact measure of the cable length that you require.

Type of Connector
Different types of fiber optic patch connectors are designed for various devices. You should, therefore, know which type is appropriate for your network.

They are made in a unique way to accommodate as many interconnection styles with as many devices as possible. Figure 6 below shows the various connector types:
Figure 6 Types of Fiber Optic Patch Connectors

7) How Do I Terminate Fiber Optic Patch Cables?

Terminating fiber patch cables is often an easy task. You can use two different methods to do the termination.

The first option is by utilizing the connectors at the two ends of the cable. That is to say, you can connect LC to LC or FC to FC depending on the type of cable that you are using.

The other option when terminating is to use hybrid termination. It simply means taking advantage of the two different connectors at both ends of the cable. So, you can, for instance, connect ST to SC or FC to LC.

8) How Do I Connect Fiber Patch Cables?

To connect fiber patch cables, follow these easy steps:

Step#1: Remove Safety Cap
Fiber optic patch cables have rubber caps on the connectors at both ends. You have to remove them if you want to connect cables. Please, when you remove them, remember to keep them well.

Step#2: Remove Transceiver Cap
Fiber optic transceivers to have caps. You need to remove them too since you’ll use the parts in creating the connection.

Step#3: Cable Connector Insertion
You can now, at this stage, insert the fiber optic cable connector to the uncapped optical transceiver.

Step#4: Fasten Cables to Complete the Connection
You have to fix and fasten the fiber optic patch cables. You can do so by using fixing elements. Place them on the loop to help them maintain their correct shape.

9) How Do I Disconnect Fiber Patch Cables?

Here is how you can easily and safely disconnect fiber patch cables:

Step#1: Disable Interface
You have to first disable the interface where the fiber optical transceiver was installed. You can do so by simply running a command.

Step#2: Unplug the Connector
Carefully and without using excessive force, unplug the cable connector to break it away from the transceiver.

Step#3: Cover the Transceiver
You removed the cap on the transceiver when you were doing the connection. You must, therefore, cover it again with the safety cap when you disconnect.

Step#4: Cover the Connector
Using the caps you had removed, cover the cables. Covering them with rubber safety caps helps in keeping them in good condition. You should, therefore, cover them since you will have to reuse them again.

At this stage, you are done with the disconnection. If you want to connect them again, follow the earlier procedure of connection given in question#8.

However, while it looks easy to connect and or disconnect fiber patch cables, you need to be a little bit more careful. Here are useful tips that you can consider, so you have a safe connection or disconnection process:

You need to understand the layout of your network well

Always use safety glasses when doing the job

Avoid excessive pulling or even squeezing of the cables. Pay attention to their bending radius

Do not allow the jumpers to hang freely from fiber optic transceivers

Avoid looking directly at fiber optical patch cable ends. It is harmful to your eyes

Avoid inserting the cables to multiple devices. They will wear out faster

Always clean the working area after completing the job

Your safety should always be a priority when doing any job that deals with fiber optic cables. A small mistake can cause serious damages.

10) How Do I Choose Between Single Mode and Multimode Fiber Optic Patch Cord?

Figure 7 How Do I Choose Between Single Mode and Multimode Fiber Optic Patch Cord?

You’ll agree with us that this is the first decision you have to make when searching for optical cords. You have to decide whether you are going to use single-mode or multimode type.

However, you should also note that this is not a simple decision. You do not just pick any. You have to know the differences between them. Most importantly, you need to know where to use each of these types of fiber optic patch cords.

Single Mode Fiber Optic Patch Cords
Single-mode fiber optic patch cords are the best if you want to transmit signals over a considerably long distance.

You will thus often find single-mode cords in large areas. Some notable examples include use in campus colleges and large cable TV networks.

How do you identify these optical fibre patch cords? They are mostly yellow. Here are the pictures of single-mode fiber optic patch cords:
Figure 8 Single-Mode Fiber Optic Patch Cord
Multimode Fiber Optic Patch Cord
You will mostly find multimode fiber optic patch cords in short distance signal transmission networks.

Typical applications of these optical fibre patch cords are in local area networks and also in audio-visual applications. All these are mostly those within buildings, or simply, within short distance applications.

You can notice these cords by their unique color. They mostly have aqua or orange color code, as you can see in the picture below:
Figure 9 Multimode Fiber Optic Patch Cord
An important thing you must also note about multimode fiber optic patch cords is that the aqua type is a bit superior. They offer great performance and best for fiber channel, 10Gbs, 40Gbs, and even 100Gbs Ethernet applications.

11) Can I Use a Single-Mode Fiber Optic Patch Cord in Place of a Multimode Patch?

No, single-mode fiber optic patch cords cannot work in a place where you need to use multimode cords.

If you try to connect, the link will fail. You will not even see the green light. So, when you find multimode modules in your connections, and you only have a single-mode type, do not waste your time trying to connect.

You need to get the right cords for all your connections.

12) How Is Fiber Optic Patch Cord Constructed?

A fiber optic patch cord is constructed from a high refractive index core. However, the core has a surrounding of a low refractive index core coating.

Both the core and the coating have aramid yarns that serve to add more strength to these two very vital parts. They have a protective jacket that surrounds them.

The core is transparent to allow the transmission of fiber optic signals. The transparency also ensures that there is little loss, especially if the transmission is over a long distance.

You should also note that the low refractive index of the coating helps reflect light into the core. It, therefore, minimizes further the loss that would occur if there were no such coating as part of the construction.

One other thing you need to understand is the protective role of the outer jacket and the aramid yarns. They minimize the likelihood of damage to the core and the coating as well.

13) What’s the Size of a Standard Fiber Optic Patch Cord?

Figure 10 What's the Size of a Standard Fiber Optic Patch Cord?

A standard fiber optic patch cord has a diameter of 125 µm. That is to say that it is a little wider than that of a strand of human hair, which is approximately 100 µm.

You also beware that single-mode cables have a diameter that measures 9 µm. Multimode cables, on the other hand, have a diameter that measures 50 / 62.5 µm.

You may wonder how such cables evolved. Well, many years ago, that used not to be the size. The development or production of smaller fiber optic cables started around mid-2000. It came as a result of the need to develop reduce bend radius types of fiber optic cables.

With time, the size reduction has not only helped reducing space occupancy, but it has also increased the effectiveness of signal transmission.

14) What Are the Applications of Fiber Optic Patch Cords?

You will find fiber optic patch cables in several connections that include usage in:

Telecommunication networks

Computer fiber networks

Fiber test equipment

Cable TV connections

When it comes to specific applications, fiber optic patch cords are used in:

Fiber optical communication systems

Local area networks (LAN)

Fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) applications

Fiber optical sensors (FOS)

Communication rooms

You must have already noticed that these are everyday applications. Almost everyone needs them these days.

For reliability and excellent performance, you need to find the best fiber optic patch cords. You can get them from reliable manufacturers. Bwinners is one such great producer of these cords.

15) What Are the Four Major Components of Fiber Optic Patch Cords?

Fiber optic patch cords have four major components. Irrespective of the brand of fiber optic patch cord that you use, there are certain components that all of them must have to function properly.

For your information, a fiber optic cord can only serve its purpose if it has the four major components that a cord must have to do its work. These are:

Optic Fiber
These are the major components of the cords. They have the light carrying core as well as the cladding. These are the parts that trap light into the core.

As you have already noted in the earlier questions. Fiber optic patch cord cables come in two types. They can either be single or multimode type.

Buffer Coating
Optic fibers usually come with a protective coating. It helps prevent any possible damage, especially during connection and thereafter.

You should, however, note that the type of coating often varies to suit different types of applications.

The coating also serves different protective roles depending on the materials used to make them. Some are resistant to high temperatures, while others are resistant to fire.

Finally, the other thing you need to note about the coating is that it acts as a seal.

Jacket
The jacket is simply the external covering of the fiber optic patch cord. While it mainly protects the fiber, its major role is to strengthen the cord.

You should also understand this vital component as a holder. It is the part that holds together all other components of the fiber optic patch cord.

Aramid Yarns/Strength Members
The aramid yards or aramid strength members as you will most likely hear are string fibers. In most cases, these fibers are resistant to heat. They, therefore, provide the needed tensile strength that cables need to perform their function.

Here is an illustration of how the aramid yarns work. When doing the connection, you will most likely pull the cable to the connector. In the process, the aramid yarns help you keep the cable strong enough without breaking during the process.

All these four components serve a very vital role. Your fiber optic patch cord will only help you do the connection if and only if all these components are there. Most importantly, they must be in good working condition.

16) What Is a Fiber Optic Patch Panel?

Figure 11 Fiber Patch Panel

Bwinners fiber optic patch panel is a device that has many ports. The multiple ports in it are useful in organizing cables. Each port in the panel has a cable going in different directions. The cables serve different functions to complete the fiber optic patch panel system.

You should, however, note that patch panels can be very small or large. It all depends on where you want to use it. If you want a few ports use a small panel. On the other hand, if you want hundreds of ports, you might need a large fiber optic patch panel.

17) What Is a Fiber Optic Patch Panel Used For?

The role or work of a fiber optic patch panel is to connect multiple devices. So, if you have various IT devices that you would like to connect, you need to use a panel.

You can use fiber optic patch panels in different environments. Some of the areas that you can use a panel, but not limited to:

Data centers

Communications closets

Central offices of a telephone company

Each port in a patch panel has a role to play in creating connections. So, the panel bundles several connections to connect one network to another. For instance, if you want to connect a WAN to a LAN, you will require a patch panel.

18) What Are the Advantages of a Fiber Optic Patch Panel?

Without a doubt, a patch panel is an important component of any data center or network. You need it to complete your system and render it functional. Here are other advantages:

Facilitating Data Transmission
Patch panels perform the role of facilitating the transfer of signal or data from one point to another. In any case, that is their main function in any network.

Important in Scaling Up a Network
You can add new devices to your network only if you have a patch panel. With a good panel, you may not require to run cables end to end.

Reduce Clutter of Cables
You must always keep your network space organized. With a fiber optic patch panel, it is pretty simple to do so. You can even run as many connections as you want just with one single large patch panel.

Reduce Installation Costs
With a good fiber optic patch panel, you do not need to use long cables. Short ones will do the work, hence you save the cost you would have spent on long fiber optic cables.

Ease of Maintenance
Fiber optic cable tests, repair, and replacements are easy to do when you have a fiber optic patch panel. It is also a bit quick to do maintenance work when you have an organized network with a good patch panel.

19) What’s the Best Way to Manage a Fiber Optic Patch Panel Cable System?

Figure 12 What's the Best Way to Manage a Fiber Optic Patch Panel Cable System?

You must have realized that it can be a bit challenging to manage a fiber optic patch panel. It is, in fact, very easy for things to get messy or tangled because of too many cables.

To keep the system organized you need to do a few things. An organized system helps prevents issues such as signal outages arising from someone unplugging the wrong cable. You can perform the following activities:

Use Color-Coded Cables
You will identify cables easily if they are color-coded. It will also help you know the different types in your system.

So, whether your fiber optic patch panel cable system is small or a big one, use color-coded cables. It helps keep the place in an easy to manage way. Most importantly, it becomes easy to troubleshoot in case of any problem.

Label Cables Correctly
You can label cables as a way of identifying and grouping them correctly. The best way to do it is to label both ends, and along the middle as well.

Labeling not only helps in keeping the system organized, but it also helps the technician know that they are handling the right ones. So, make sure that all cables have the right labels.

Takeaway Point
You need to have the right plan for your patch cable system right from the start. It is easy to handle things. You will also less experience confusion, unlike when you do not have any plan for keeping your system organized.

20) What Modes Do I Utilize In Fiber Optic Patch Cords?

At the moment, there are three modes that you can use in fiber patch cords. These three modes are:

Single-mode
Single modes use 9/125 micron fiber cables. Also, as already explained before in this article, they have a single-mode connector at both ends with fiber cables.

Multimode
Multi modes use 62.5/125 micron or sometimes 50/125-micron cabling. You can terminate them only with multimode connectors.

10G Multimode
This type uses 50/125-micron fiber. They are, in most cases, best for use with 10GB Ethernet. Also, unlike the traditional multimode, these are best for long distances. So, if you have a network that goes even for up to 300 meters, you might have to consider using them.

In a nutshell, you need to understand what mode is best for your network. As you have already noted, the major difference here is the size and the types of connectors you can terminate with these modes.

As a reminder, you need to always remember that you cannot use one in place of another as they serve different functions.

21) What Are the Problems of Aging Fiber Optic Patch Cords?

Figure 13 What Are the Problems of Aging Fiber Optic Patch Cords?

If you have used a fiber-optic network for many years, you might have to start thinking of getting a new system in place. You want to know why? Aging fiber optic patch cords often have the following problems:

Slower Speeds
These days, there are great improvements in speeds of signal transmission in fiber. So, if you continue to use aging fiber, you are likely to experience the problem of speeds.

A while ago, speeds of 10megabits per second were great, but these days, there are speeds of even up to 1 gigabit per second. You should, therefore, upgrade your system if you want to enjoy amazing speeds.

Contamination
Over time, dirt, dust, oil, and other contaminants tend to build up in networks. That means that aging fiber optic patch cords have lots of contaminations that threaten their normal functionality.

To deal with the problem of contamination, you need to do regular cleaning. If you clean and maintain them properly, your aging cords will still serve you. You might, however, have to replace them soon for a great performance.

Likelihood of Failure
Failure resulting from overuse is another likely problem of aging fiber optic patch cords. It often happens when you use modern devices, yet your network has aging cords.

If you want to enjoy better performance, you need to update your aging cords and other parts of the system. You can only enjoy the best performance if your system has the right components in good working condition.

22) What Factors Can Reduce the Performance of Fiber Patch Cords?

Figure 14 What Factors Can Reduce the Performance of Fiber Patch Cords?

One of the features of a fiber-optic network whether at home or business is a super great performance. You may not, however, enjoy that because of many reasons. Here are some of the factors you should keep an eye on as they reduced performance:

Mixing Different Types of Fiber Optical Patch Cords
If you mix different types of fiber optic patch cords, you are causing a big problem. The immediate effect of your mixed system is a poor system.

To avoid such a mess, ensure that you match the right types of patch cords. That should happen right from the installation to avoid later issues.

Incorrect Cord Lengths
If you get cords that are too short the chances are that the connections won’t be strong. As a result, you are likely to experience poor performance.

Cords should neither be too short nor too long as they will likely become too much tangled in the system. Take the right measures and ensure that all cords in your network are of the appropriate length.

Tight or Overstretched Cords
You should make sure that you avoid any excessive slack when using fiber patch cords. It usually happens in cross-connections. The effect is that stretched cords will also stretch the connectors. It, therefore, becomes a little bit hard to work on such a panel.

You can avoid that by getting the right little spacious working area, so you do not have to overstretch things. You should also ensure that your cable management channels are sufficient to avoid overloading.

Use of Lower-Rated Patch Cords
If you use a low-rated patch cord, the one thing you need to be sure about is the fact that performance won’t be good. This problem often arises as a result of the confusion that comes with mixing up stuff while setting up your network.

You can avoid the use of such cords by getting all color-coded cables. It will help you know whether or not you are using the right cords. At all costs, ensure that all the cords you use are all of the same or even higher bandwidth.

If you can keep all these things in mind while doing your connection, you won’t have issues of poor performance. Note that your system’s performance depends on how you do the connections and installation.

23) How Do I Avoid Performance Reducing Factors for My Fiber Optic Patch Cords?

You can implement a couple of measures that will help you avoid the poor performance problem. Here are some of the ways that you can use to stop performance reducing factors we have already highlighted:

Use Good Quality Cords
Get high-quality fiber optic patch cords from reputable manufacturers. One such manufacturer is Bwinners Company. You can even plan to have cords best suited for your system. Performance depends largely on the quality of cords that you use.

Use Factory-Terminated Fiber Optic Patch Cords
Factory-terminated fiber optic patch cords tend to offer better performance than those that you have to terminate yourself. You should also note that you are likely to cause damage when polishing cables before you terminate them.

Bwinners sells some of the best factory-terminated fiber optic patch cords. You can get in touch, so you get such cords and rest assured of excellent performance. Quality and functionality are also verified.

Use Clear Information When Making Connections
Whether you are the one doing the connections, or you have a technician to do the work, always use correct information. You should spend a great deal of time getting the right information first before you begin doing the work.

Avoid Forcing Cords to Fit Spaces
If the space you have is limited, forcing cables is will often cause issues. Similarly, if cords do not have sufficient lengths, pulling or bending the beyond the limit will cause performance issues. Instead of pulling or forcing, just create more space or get appropriate lengths of cords/cables.

You need to keep all these in mind whenever you are dealing with any fiber project. Most importantly, remember these when handling fiber optic patch cords. That is how to avoid performance issues.

24) What Aspects Should I Pay Attention to When Maintaining Fiber Patch Cables?

There are two most important aspects that you need to pay attention to when maintaining fiber optic patch cables. These are:

The Art of Keeping Your Fiber Optic Patch Cables Clean
Clean cables are essential for reliable and functioning fiber-optic networks. It is, therefore, necessary to keep patch cables clean as often as possible.

One of the leading causes of failure in fiber optic networks is contamination. Unlike other network components, fibers are sensitive to even the lowest levels of contamination.

Once dust covers the cables, it compromises the transmission of signals. But that’s not all. Dust and other components also contribute to further damage through wear and tear.

You ought to know that signal loss due to contamination contributes to poor performance in fiber-optic networks. If you run a business, you know what that means. It is simply an indication that you are going to make losses.

To avoid all that, you need to keep fiber optic patch cords and other network components clean. More specifically, you need to clean the connectors as regularly as possible.

The Art of Storing Fiber Optic Patch Cables Properly
Since fiber optic patch cords are reusable, you need to know how to store them properly. You should, however, note that storing fiber optic patch cords is a little bit tough process.

Small mistakes while storing can damage your cords. You might, therefore, not be able to use them again thereafter.

When storing fiber optic patch cables, you need to know a few things. First, never stretch them too much. Secondly, avoid bending them as it causes damage.

You should note that while some damage or breakage in cables can be visible, there is greater damage you may not see. The loss resulting from the damage is not something that you can easily see with your naked eyes.

25) What Are the Best Cleaning Methods for Fiber Patch Cables?

You should know the cleaning process for fiber patch cables first before you try to do the cleaning. Proper cleaning helps create reliable and robust fiber-optic connections in your network.

You can clean your fiber optic patch cables using two methods. These two methods are:

Dry Cleaning
Dry cleaning is simply the use of a push-type cleaner or even a reel-type cleaner to remove any dirt or dust in the connector.

You need to use the dry cleaning option when you want to get rid of airborne contamination. It works well and is effective in removing any impurities that tend to affect patch cables, especially the connector part.

After dry cleaning, some dirt can remain on the connector. So, to clean it well, you should do a wet cleaning almost immediately.

Wet Cleaning
If you want a more aggressive cleaning than dry cleaning, this might be an option. You, however, need to be a little bit extra careful when wet cleaning your patch cables.

For wet cleaning, you need to wipe first the end face against the area that’s wet, then move on to the dry area. In so doing, you remove any residue on the end face.

Generally, wet cleaning is effective when removing light oil residue and any airborne contamination.

26) How Many Types of Cleaning Solutions Can I Use To Keep Connectors On Both Ends of Fiber Optic Patch Cords Clean?

You will find a variety of cleaning solutions out there in the market. However, you need to understand those that are good for cleaning connectors on your fiber optic patch cords. Here are the three types worth knowing:

Fiber Cleaning Wipes
Fiber cleaning wipes are very effective in cleaning patch cords. You can use them either dry or together with a fiber cleaning agent like alcohol.

Wipes are usually lint-free and won’t also cause any scratches or damage on cords, or optical jumpers. So, use them and enjoy complete removal of any unwanted contaminants of your fiber optic patch cords.

Reel-Type Cleaners
You can use reel-type cleaners if you want a solution that you can use on almost all types of fiber optic connectors. You can use it not only on those that are on patch cords but even on other connectors you want to clean.

You should note that reel-type is a non-alcoholic type of cleaner. It is a special type that is made to remove the widest range of contaminants. You can use it to remove debris, dust, dirt, and oil on connectors.

One precaution when using this type of cleaner is that you need to know how to apply it. You should avoid reverse cleaning as you do the cleaning using this cleaner. Reverse cleaning often back wipes contaminants. So, wipe forward only without reversing.

Foam Swabs
Foam swabs are also another type of cleaner that you can use. They are the best if you want to clean connectors and fiber adaptors with sizes ranging from 1.25mm to 2.5mm.

All foam swabs are made of polyurethane or polyester. They, therefore, offer superior cleaning performance to connectors and adapters.

Other than using foam swabs to clean fiber optic patch cords, you can use them on other devices as well. For instance, you can use them on the computer, camera lens, and even on printers.

27) How Do I Handle Fiber Optic Patch Cords When Replacing Them?

You might have to replace fiber optic patch cords for various reasons. Maybe they are causing huge loss or are no longer transmitting a signal in the network. In such instances, you need to get new ones.

While new fiber optic patch cords will solve the problem, you need to do a few other things. In most cases, other factors contribute to failure. Those are the areas you need to also fix during replacement.

You should observe the following to avoid any future damage:

Use Proper Installation Tools
You need to use the right tools when designing a fiber optic cable pathway. Doing so helps protect cables and cords. A small mistake resulting from the use of the wrong tools can cause serious damage and failure.

Avoid Too Much Bends on Tight Spaces
If you are doing the replacement in a tight space, especially on high-density patching areas, you need to take care. You should avoid bending the cables too much beyond their specified bend radius.

You can easily cause damage without noticing that you’ve done it. To avoid such scenarios, you need to get the right lengths of cables. You won’t have to bend them too much if they have the necessary size.

Avoid Hitting the Fiber Patch Cords Ends (Connectors)
You should avoid, by all means, hitting the connector. If by mistake you hit it against anything, the ends are likely to break.

You can avoid hitting them by using protective caps. Each of them disconnects the ends, and you want to store them, ensure that you use the caps.

Inspect the Cords to Identify Any Faults
You need to find a way of identifying if there is any damage to the cords. For accuracy, you can use fiber microscopes. They will help you find out if there any faults. If any, you need to fix them immediately.

Generally, most of the problems that occur when replacing fiber optic patch cords are to do with how you handle things. If you exercise care and follow the right procedures, you are likely to avoid all.

28) Can I Get a Modified Fiber Optic Patch Cord for My Network?

Yes, you can get a modified fiber optic cord for your network. You only need to get in touch with a manufacturer and let them know the kind of modification you need.

Modified types of cords are best if you are building networks that ought to have specific features.

Specific features are mostly in terms of lengths of cables, connector types at the end, and any other special features you may want.

To get modified fiber optic patch cords, you need to be precise as to what you need. That means you need to provide certain information to the manufacturer.

29) What Information Should I Provide to My Manufacturer If I Want to Get a Modified Fiber Optic Patch Cord?

You may want modified fiber optic patch cords for various reasons. Maybe you are dealing with a unique network, or you want to complete your project in a limited space. In such instances, getting customized or modified fiber optic patch cables would be great.

You can, however, only get the best-customized cords if you have the correct information about the kind of cords you want. That means you need to provide specific information to the manufacturer, so you get the exact type you want.

The information you need to provide is:

Quantity as well as the lengths in meters

Type of fibers you need. Specific if simplex, Duplex or both

The number of each type that you need

The type of connector at both ends

Provide information on whether you need single mode or multimode

If you want multimode specify if you need 62.5/125, 50/125, or 50/125 laser-optimized

Provide information on whether you plenum or PVC jacket

With all these details, it becomes easy for the manufacturer to produce the exact type of fiber optic patch cord that you need.

You may also get specific questions from the manufacturer to help capture as precise information as possible.

With a good manufacturer such as Bwinners, you won’t worry about the kind of information they need from you. They already have an outline of what you need to provide.

Whenever possible, you need to always use customized fiber optic patch cords. They are easy to use, and chances or failure are minimal, unlike when you buy any cords out there in the market.

30) Which Company Can I Use To Get the Best Modified Fiber Optic Patch Cords?

Bwinners is the best company that you can contact if you want to get high-quality modified fiber optic patch cords.

With a team of knowledgeable and highly experienced fiber optic experts, you can rest assured that you will get the best products.

For over two decades, the company has not only invested in the best technology, but it has also widened its scope. You can contract it for cords as well as other fiber optic products.

At Bwinners, we boast of the best machines that produce unmatched products. For instance, we have the best metal sheet workshop run by the best technicians. We also have modern laser cutting machines, CNC bending machines, and standard assembly lines, among others.

So, whether you want a few fiber optic patch cords or even a whole stock, we can meet your needs fully.

You can write to us or call us anytime, and we will be glad to help you.