The Characteristics and Applicatoins of Fiber Optic Patch cord and Fiber Optic Pigtail

Fiber optic pigtails and fiber optic patchcord are two common network connection components for fiber optic networks. They have many common characteristics, and at the same time, there are some differences in some aspects. Understanding the similarities and differences between the two will help you make the best choice for your project application. Let's talk about the similarity and difference between fiber jumper and fiber pigtail through two aspects of structure and application.

Structure Comparison of Fiber Pigtail and Fiber Patch cord
Optical fiber pigtails, also called pigtail cables, refer to fiber optic cables that have connectors at one end and bare fiber core at the other end. They need to be connected to the cores of other fiber optic cables through fusion splicing. Optical fiber patch cord, also called fiber jumper, fiber patch lead or fiber patch cable, refers to a short optical fiber cable with connectors at both ends. The connector types at both ends of the fiber optic cable can be the same or different. The figure below shows you a fiber jumper and pigtail.

12 Fibers Bulk Pigtais SC 0.9mm LSZH PVC Fiber Jumper LC UPC-LC UPC OM3 Duplex LSZH

Fiber pigtails and fiber jumpers have a lot common structures. They are available in single-mode and multi-mode fiber types, and both can be made into simplex and duplex connector types. In addition, whether it is a fiber jumper or a fiber pigtail, it can be connected with a variety of fiber connectors, including FC, SC, ST, LC, MTRJ, MPO, MTP, MU, SMA, E2000, etc.
The main difference between optical fiber pigtails and optical fiber jumpers in structure is that the optical fiber jumper is a fixed-length optical fiber cable with connectors at both ends, and the optical fiber pigtail is an optical fiber cable with connectors at only one end at both ends cable. In addition, a complete fiber patch cord can be cut into two shorter fiber pigtails.

Application Comparison of Fiber Pigtail and Fiber Jumper
Fiber pigtails and fiber patch cable provide interconnection and cross-interconnect applications in the network connection of access equipment, and are generally widely used in telecommunications rooms and data centers. They are available in OM5, OM4, OM3, OM2, OM1 and OS1 / OS2 fiber types, which can meet the requirements of Gigabit Ethernet, 10 Gigabit Ethernet and high-speed Fibre Channel network connection. However, they also have their own application areas.
Optical fiber pigtails support terminal connection applications of On-site welding. It should be installed where it is protected and requires fusion splicing, so fiber pigtails are usually connected to fiber management equipment such as fiber distribution frames (ODF), splice boxes and fiber distribution boxes. The application of fiber pigtails can be seen everywhere, but the most common is the combination application with other optical components. For example, waterproof fiber pigtails, with thick polyethylene (PE) outer jackets and large diameters, are generally used in outdoor applications.

MPO to LC 24 fibers Optic Trunk jumper

ODVA LC Waterproof Outdoor Fiber Optic Patch Lead

UnitekFiber.com focuses on the development of optical fiber products, and can provide a series of high-quality fiber pigtails and fiber jumpers with connectors such as LC, SC, ST, FC, MPO, MTP. These fiber jumpers and fiber pigtails support low insertion loss, excellent repeatability, and custom lengths. Our products use a unique grinding process and polishing sheet to ensure excellent optical performance and good product stability, which can ensure long-term safe and reliable operation of the product.
If you neen more information or support on fiber optical products, please don’t hesitate to contact us sales@unitekfiber.com, we will try our best to support you.