Fiber pigtails and fiber patch cords are fiber-based cabling solutions used in fiber optic networks. They have many similarities, but they also have slightly different designs and uses. Here’s what you need to know to make an informed decision about which one is right for your network.
Fiber Pigtail
A fiber pigtail uses fiber optic cabling to connect two pieces of network equipment. It has a fixed connector on one end and bare fiber on the other. Pigtails tend to be short in length. You can create two fiber pigtails by cutting the cable on a fiber patch cable.
Fiber optic pigtails are ideal for splicing into existing fiber optic cables. You can fuse the bare fiber cabling into your main fiber network, eliminating the need for a new connector. You can also use a fiber pigtail to splice directly into a fiber enclosure or patch panel.
Fiber Patch Cords
Patch cords use fiber connectors to connect two devices within fiber optic networks. They have fixed connectors on both ends of a fiber cable. Fiber patch cords are usually relatively short, with most under 30 meters.
You might use a fiber patch cord to connect to patch panels or a router to an optical switch. Their fixed fiber connectors offer plug-and-play operation, making them simple to use. You can choose from a wide range of connector types on patch cords, including:
- LC
- SC
- ST
- 4LC
- FC
- MTP(F)
When selecting a cord, you will find models with various combinations of these connector types. For example, you can purchase a cable with an LC to LC connection or one with an LC to FC connection. You can also select the cable length needed for your network equipment’s physical orientation.
Patch Cord and Pigtail Fiber Optic Cables
Both fiber optic patch cables and pigtails use similar cabling. The cabling can be either single-mode fiber or multi-mode fiber depending on your bandwidth needs. SM fiber transmits a single stream of light, while MM supports multiple streams. Common MM cable designations for fiber patch cords and pigtails include:
- OM1
- OM2
- OM3
- OM4
- OM5
Equal Optics also offers network cables that use OS2 fiber. These are ideal for connecting network components in data centers and for connections that span slightly longer distances than MM fiber can accommodate.
Key Differences Between Fiber Pigtails and Patch Cord
The main difference between a fiber pigtail and a patch cord is that the former has only one fixed connector while the latter has two. Otherwise, they use similar types of cables and connectors.
Because of this difference, technicians tend to use them for slightly different functions. Patch cords are ideal for plug-and-play use to connect two peripherals. Pigtails are more commonly found spliced directly into terminals or patch panels.
Shop Fiber Optic Cables
At Equal Optics, we work with you to find solutions that fit your network. We carry a full range of high-quality fiber patch cables and other network cabling solutions compatible with equipment from most major manufacturers. Whether you need a fiber pigtail, patch cord, or optical transceiver, we can help. Contact us to learn more.
