The difference between fiber optic pigtails and fiber optic patch cords

Because fiber optic pigtails and fiber optic patch cords have a lot in common, many people will not be able to tell them apart and often confuse them. In fact, the most intuitive difference between optical fiber pigtails and optical fiber patch cords is that only one end of the pigtail has a connector, while the optical fiber patch cord has connectors at both ends. The following article clarifies the difference between optical fiber pigtails and optical fiber patch cords.

The difference between fiber pigtail and fiber patch cord:

Optical fiber patch cord: Also called optical fiber connector, there are connectors at both ends. Similar to coaxial cable, but without the mesh shield, it is used as a patch cord from the equipment to the fiber optic cabling link. It is generally used for the connection between optical transceivers and terminal boxes.

At present, the fiber patch cords commonly used in network engineering are:

1. FC fiber optic patch cord: The external reinforcement method is a metal sleeve, and the fastening method is a turnbuckle. Generally used on the ODF side. (The most used on the patch panel)

2. SC-type optical fiber patch cord: the connector connected to the GBIC optical module. Its shell is rectangular, and the fastening method is plug-in and bolt-type, without rotation. (Most used on router switches)

3. ST-type optical fiber patch cord: It is often used in optical fiber distribution frames. The shell is round and the fastening method is a turnbuckle. (commonly used in optical fiber distribution frame)

4. LC-type optical fiber patch cord: the connector connected to the SFP module, which is made of a modular jack (RJ) latch mechanism that is easy to operate. (commonly used by routers)

Optical fiber pigtail: also known as pigtail, one end is the connector, and the other end is the broken end of the fiber core of the cable. It is mainly used to connect optical cables and optical fiber transceivers (couplers, patch cords, etc. are also used between them). It usually appears in the optical fiber terminal box and is connected with other optical fiber cores by fusion splicing, which can simplify the installation and maintenance of the cable system.

Pigtails are generally divided into single-mode pigtails and multi-mode pigtails. The wavelength of single-mode pigtail is 1310nm and 1550nm, and the transmission distance is 10km and 40km respectively; the wavelength of multi-mode pigtail is 850nm, and the transmission distance is 500m, which is used for short-distance interconnection. The FS pigtails are all made of precision ceramic ferrules, which have strong anti-pressure and drag performance, and comply with Telcordia and EIA/TIA standards.

The difference between optical fiber pigtails and optical fiber patch cords is introduced here. It can be seen that these are two types of products. We need to purchase products according to specific requirements. For product order, please contact sales@hj-net.com