OpticReach Offer a wide variety of optical patch cables.
To help assist the selection of the correct product we have provided a basic Patch Cable guide.
Basic Patch Cable Options:
Simplex Pigtails
Pigtails are ideal for Optical Distribution Frames, or termination Panels. Factory terminated connectors that can be spliced onto multi-fibre cables. The benefits these bring are big costs savings over field terminated connectors, which although very convenient do not meet the same quality standards as a factory termination when it comes to Return Loss & cable retention.
Simplex patch Cable
Simplex patch cables are supplied in various cable constructions, well suited to Telecom networks where simplex patching is required (WDM, Core networks). Single-mode patch cables are frequently supplied as simplex patch cables.
Duplex Patch Cable
Duplex Patch cables offer a convenient solution to networks that need Transmit and Receive legs. Various cable constructions are available including duplex cables with additional ruggedisation to improve crush resistance.
Duplex (DX) Fanout / Breakout Cable
Duplex Breakout Cables offer the benefit of an additional jacket over the traditional patch cable. These are well suited for areas that do not have dedicated cable management solutions for optical patch cables.
Breakout Cable
Breakout Cables can be supplied in various fibre counts ranging from 2 fibres to 24 Fibres. Essentially the cable is constructed from simplex cables bound in an outer jacket. These cables are well suited to tie-cables that are not able to be routed via an optical distribution panel. For example Equipment-2-Equipment.
Different Connector Styles:
SC Connector
The SC is one of the most widely used connectors for single mode applications due to its excellent performance. SC connector from OpticReach uses a 2.5mm premium quality pre-radiused zirconia ferrule. It features a simple snap-in (push-pull) connection design for quick patching.
FC Connector
FC connectors use 2.5mm precision ceramic Zirconia ferrules. Developed specifically designed for telecommunication applications it features a threaded coupling for very durable connections. The FC has been a popular choice in Telecom applications in the past but is now being overtaken by SC connectors.
ST Connector
The ST is an extremely popular connector for multi-mode fibre optic LAN applications. It utilises a 2.5mm diameter precision ferrule made of ceramic zirconia. It mates with the adaptor by a spring-loaded bayonet socket; this does come with limitations as the ferrule is connected to the spring meaning the connector can be disconnected by pulling the jacket.
LC Connector
LC connectors are equipped with a sprung snap in latch similar to those found on RJ45 network cables, the internal working of the LC are very similar to the SC, however the Ceramic Ferrule is 1.25mm in diameter rather than 2.5mm.
E2000 Connector
E2000’s are a high quality connector that features a spring-loaded shutter integrated into the body. This protects the ferrule from dust and scratches but more importantly restricts laser radiation. The connector uses a 2.5mm precision ceramic Zirconia ferrule.
MU Connector
The MU connector is essentially a miniature version of the SC connector with a 1.25mm ferrule. Like the SC it has a push-pull snap-in latching mechanism unlike the LC connector which utilises a snap in latch.
MTRJ Connector
MTRJ connector is based on a miniature two-fibre ferrule, it is developed to be very similar to an RJ45 copper cable. The size is similar to an RJ45 connector making this well suited to Multi-mode LAN applications. Two pins are used to improve the fibre alignment when two connectors are mated.
MPO Terminations
MTP and MPO are connectors Developed for ribbon fibre termination. Making quick and reliable connections for multiple fibres in a single patch. Like the MTRJ Connectors Precision guide pins can be located in the ferrule to improve the core alignment, this makes it necessary to have 2 connector variants Male and Female. Due to the multi-fibre ferrule core alignment is less precise than a single fibre ferrule insertion losses are generally higher.
Cable Construction Options:
Simplex Tight Buffered Fibre
Tight buffered fibre terminations are relatively fragile and are ideally suited to applications where the fibres are enclosed in Distribution panels or ODFs.
Simplex Patch Cable
Simplex patch cable is available in 1.6mm to 3mm jackets, different jacket diameters allow the user to determine what is the most critical Density / Crush resistance. All Jacketed Simplex Patch cable are supplied with aramid yarn to increase the cable strength and crush resistance.
Duplex Patch Cable (Zipcord / Shotgun)
Duplex patch cables are essentially two simplex cables that have their jackets fused together during manufacture. Their construction allows for them to be separated without damage to create cable 'breakouts'. Similar to the simplex cables duplex zipcables are available in 1.6mm to 3mm jackets, different jacket diameters.
Ruggedised Duplex Patch Cable
Ruggedised patch cables offer a secondary protection outside of the standard jacket. This additional protection makes the cables more suitable for running in areas that do not have dedicated optical cable management solutions.
