Mode Conditioning Patch Cables Overview

Fiber optic patch cables play an important role in fiber optic connection. There are numbers of fiber patch cables on the market, ranging from the standard fiber patch cables to special fiber patch cables, such as mode conditioning patch cables, bend insensitive patch cables, traceable fiber patch cables, etc. This article will not introduce all of these fiber jumpers, only focus on the mode conditioning patch cables.

 

Why Need Mode Conditioning Cables?

 

Transceiver optics used in Gigabit Ethernet (1000BASE-LX) launch only single-mode long wave signals (1310 nm). This poses a problem if an existing fiber network utilizes multimode cables. When a single-mode signal is launched into a multimode fiber, the phenomenon known as DMD (differential mode delay) can create multiple signals within the multimode fiber. This effect can confuse the receiver and produce errors. Mode conditioning cables utilize an offset between the single-mode fiber and multimode fiber to eliminate DMD and the resulting multiple signals allowing use of 1000BASE-LX over existing multimode fiber cable system.

What Are Mode Conditioning Fiber Patch Cables?

 

Mode conditioning patch cables are required when Gigabit 1000BASE-LX routers and switches are installed into existing multimode cable plants. They are used to adapt the single-mode output of Gigabit Ethernet (1000BASE-LX) transceivers to a multimode cable network. They are fully compliant with IEEE 802.3z application standards.

 

The conditioned channel of mode conditioning patch cables consists of a single-mode fiber which has been fusion spliced to a multimode fiber in an offset manner, with a precise core alignment and angle. The non-conditioned channel of mode conditioning patch cables consists of one length of multimode cable. Light is launched on to the multimode fiber of the conditioned channel at a specific angle, giving the patch cord its mode conditioning properties. The fusion splice is protected by a black over-wrap. The other side has both a multimode and single-mode cable end. This side of the cable connects to the Gigabit transceiver equipment with the single-mode leg connecting to the transmit side. The side has two multimode cable ends connecting to the cable plant.

Things You Should Know When Using Mode Conditioning Patch Cables

 

Use mode conditioning patch cables in pairs. It means that you will need a mode conditioning patch cable at each end to connect the equipment to the cable plant. So then these cables are usually ordered in even numbers. The only reason to order an odd number of mode conditioning cables is to have a spare on hand. Mode conditioning patch cables can only convert single-mode to multimode. If you want to convert multimode to single-mode, then a media converter will be required.

If your Gigabit LX switch is equipped with SC or LC connectors, please be sure to connect the yellow leg (single-mode) of the cable to the transmit side, and the orange leg (multimode) to the receive side of the equipment. It is imperative that this configuration be maintained on both ends. The swap of transmit and receive can only be done at the cable plant side.

 

If some customers remain reluctant to deploy MCP cables, and for customers using OM3 or OM4 cables, please measure the power level before plugging the fiber into the adjacent receiver. When the received power is measured above -3dBm (in 1000BASE-LX links), a 5-dB attenuator for 1300 nm should be used and plugged at the transmitter source of the optical module on each side of the link. Actually, OM3/OM4 MCP can also work in this event. While whether all multimode fiber types require mode conditioning, you can contact the manufacturer of your installed cable for the answer.

Summary

 

Mode conditioning patch cables are duplex multimode cords that have a small length of single-mode fiber at the start of the transmission leg. The basic principle behind the cords is that you launch your laser into the small section of single-mode fiber. The other end of the single-mode fiber is coupled to multimode section of the cable with the core offset from the center of the multimode fiber. FS.COM provides various types of mode conditioning patch cables with different connectors. All these mode conditioning patch cables are in high quality and low price. For more details, welcome to visit www.fs.com or contact us over sales@fs.com.

Originally published: www.fiberopticshare.com/mode-conditioning-patch-cables-overview.html

FS.COM LC Fiber Patch Cables Solution

Fiber optic patch cables, also called fiber optic patch cords or fiber jumpers, are composed of fiber optic cables terminated with fiber optic connectors on both ends. They are designed to interconnect or cross connect fiber networks within structured cabling systems. Various types of fiber jumpers can be found on the market, such as LC patch cables, SC patch cables, etc. This article will mainly introduce the most commonly used fiber patch cables—LC fiber patch cables.

 

Standard LC Fiber Patch Cables

 

LC fiber patch cables are terminated with LC connector(s) on one or both end(s), which feature the RJ-45 latch style with low insertion loss and low back reflection. The LC fiber patch cables can be classified into single-mode (yellow) or multimode (orange or aqua), simplex or duplex by the fiber types, and according to the fiber connectors on both ends, they can be divided into LC-LC, LC-SC, LC-ST, etc. Moreover, the polishing types of the connector are available in UPC (blue) and APC (green).

 

LC Uniboot Fiber Patch Cables

 

LC uniboot fiber patch cables offer a more compact design when compared to standard LC duplex zipcord assemblies. The uniboot patch cords contain two LC connectors encased in a common housing with one boot, terminated on a single, round, two-fiber cable. So they allow duplex transmission within a single cable and maximum connectivity performance can be delivered in a minimal footprint. LC uniboot fiber patch cables condense the cable management to half the space used by regular zipcord patch cables. They can offer the best solution for high-density applications. FS.COM provides a series of LC uniboot fiber patch cables which can significantly reduce cable management spaces and improve fiber cable management effectiveness and flexibility at the same time.

 

LC Push-Pull TAB Fiber Patch Cables

 

LC push-pull tab fiber patch cable has the same components and internal structure as the standard LC fiber patch cords, except a tab attached to the connector used for pushing or pulling the whole connector. The push-pull tab looks simple but it is linked to the latch of the LC connector. When the tab is pulled, the latch will be unlocked easily and the LC connector can be pulled out from the patch panel without difficulty. It has been proved that LC push-pull tab fiber patch cords can increase cable density more than 50%.

 

Keyed LC Fiber Patch Cables

 

Secure keyed LC fiber patch cables are designed to prevent unauthorized and inadvertent changes in highly sensitive applications such as data centers and secure IT networks where multiple physical layer classifications may exist. They are utilized in mission critical circuits where networks are segregated by color for identification and protected from accidental moves, adds, or changes. The LC connectors, which have specific color codes and functional keyed features to identify and manage restricted network connections, are the essences of the keyed LC fiber patch cables. Generally, there are twelve physically discreet, color-coded keying options each carrying a different color to facilitate network administration. Each LC keyed connector will mate only with the same-color LC keyed adapter, or the keying will prevent them from carrying the signal.

 

Conclusion

 

Four different LC fiber patch cables have been explained in this article. And each of them have their own features. The reason why LC fiber patch cables are more popular is that the LC connectors can be field-installed on any cable construction and provide high performance, reliability and ruggedness. All of the four kinds of LC fiber patch cables can be offed by FS.COM. Besides, other kinds of high-density fiber patch cables are also available, such as MTP/MPO trunk cable or harness cable. For more details, please visit www.fs.com.

Related Article: www.fiberopticshare.com/high-density-cabling-solutions-push-pull-tab-lc-uniboot-fiber-patch-cables.html

Related Article: www.fiberopticshare.com/keyed-lc-connectivity-solutions-ensure-secure-fiber-network.html

Originally published: http://www.fiberopticshare.com