Nippon Labs OS2 LC to SC Fiber Patch Cable, Duplex Single Mode 9/125, Yellow, 1–30 m

This is a singlemode fiber patch cable with an LC connector on one end and an SC connector on the other, for linking LC equipment such as SFP transceivers to SC terminated panels, ONTs and media converters. It is duplex, so one strand transmits and one receives inside a single jacket. The hybrid ends are what set it apart in this range: you get across an LC to SC mismatch with one cord instead of a cord plus an adapter.

Specifications

• Fiber type: OS2 singlemode
• Core and cladding: 9 / 125 micron
• Connectors: LC to SC
• Polish: UPC to UPC
• Configuration: Duplex, 2 strands
• Insertion loss: less than or equal to 0.3 dB
• Return loss: greater than or equal to 55 dB
• Jacket material: PVC
• Jacket outer diameter: 2.0 mm
• Jacket color: Yellow
• Lengths available: 1 m to 30 m, including a 1.5 m option

Good for

• Connecting an LC based switch or SFP into an SC terminated wall box, ONT or patch panel
• Long distance singlemode links where multimode would not reach, including between buildings
• Short equipment room jumpers, since the range starts at 1 m and includes a 1.5 m length

Choosing the right fiber

• Singlemode (OS2): a 9 micron core for long distance, from a few hundred meters up to tens of kilometers. Yellow jacket by convention
• OM3 multimode: a 50 micron core rated for 10 Gigabit to 300 meters. Aqua jacket by convention
• OM4 multimode: a 50 micron core rated for 10 Gigabit to 550 meters, and 40 or 100 Gigabit over shorter distances. Aqua or violet jacket
• OM5 multimode: wideband multimode for short reach 40 and 100 Gigabit over fewer fibers. Lime green jacket

This cable is OS2 singlemode with a 9 / 125 micron core, in the conventional yellow jacket. It is the right choice for long distance links and for anything terminated on singlemode transceivers, and it is not suitable for multimode equipment.

FAQ

Can I mix singlemode and multimode? No. The transceivers on each end have to match the fiber type, and mixing them will not pass a link. Check what the SFP or transceiver in your switch is rated for before ordering.

Duplex or simplex? Duplex is two fibers in one jacket, one to transmit and one to receive, which is what most switch and transceiver pairs need. Simplex is a single fiber, used with bidirectional transceivers that send and receive over one strand.

Which end goes where? The LC end is the small body with a squeeze latch, and normally goes into the SFP or transceiver in your switch. The SC end is the larger square body with a push pull action, and normally goes into the wall box, ONT or patch panel. Check both ports before ordering, because a cable with the ends reversed relative to your hardware is the most common reason one of these goes back.

Is the PVC jacket suitable for in wall or riser use? This cable has a PVC jacket, which is standard for equipment room and rack patching. It does not carry the OFNR riser rating, so if your run goes through a riser shaft or a plenum space, choose a riser or plenum rated cable and check your local code.

How should I handle the connectors? Leave the dust caps on until the moment you plug in, and never touch the end face. A fingerprint on the ferrule is one of the most common causes of a link that will not come up. Clean with a proper fiber cleaner, not with a cloth.

Often bought with

• OS2 LC to LC Fiber Patch Cable, Duplex Single Mode 9/125, Yellow, 1–30 m: same OS2 duplex cable with LC connectors on both ends
• OS2 SC to SC Fiber Patch Cable, Duplex Single Mode 9/125, 1–15 m: same OS2 duplex cable with SC connectors on both ends
• OS2 LC/UPC to SC/APC Fiber Patch Cable, Duplex Single Mode 9/125, 1–5 m: same LC to SC duplex with an APC polished SC end for an SC/APC ONT or wall box