Nippon Labs OS2 LC/UPC to LC/APC Fiber Patch Cable, Simplex Single Mode 9/125, 1–3 m

This is a single fiber singlemode patch cord with LC connectors on both ends, but with two different polishes: one end is UPC and the other is APC. That makes it a hybrid transition cord, for the boundary where a UPC based patch field meets an APC based passive optical network. It is the one cable in this range where the two ends are not interchangeable, so orientation matters when you install it.

Specifications

• Fiber type: OS2 singlemode, 9/125
• Fiber mode: Simplex, 1 strand
• Connectors: LC to LC
• Polish type: UPC to APC
• Wavelength: 1310nm and 1550nm
• Insertion loss: 0.3 dB or less
• Return loss: LC/UPC end 55 dB or better, LC/APC end 65 dB or better
• Fiber standard: ITU-T G657A1
• Fire rating: UL listed, OFNR riser rated
• Jacket material: PVC
• Jacket color: Yellow
• Jacket outside diameter: 2.0mm
• Core: Corning
• Lengths available: 1m, 2m, 3m
• Packaging: 1 piece in a zip bag

Good for

• Bridging a UPC terminated LC patch panel to an APC port on a passive optical network splitter or optical network terminal
• Short in rack jumpers where one side of the link was built to UPC and the other to APC, without recrimping or replacing either field
• Test and turn up work where you need to land a UPC instrument or transceiver on an APC drop for a short run

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 product is OS2 singlemode with a 9/125 core and a yellow jacket, so it belongs on singlemode equipment and long distance links running at 1310nm and 1550nm. It will not work with multimode transceivers.

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.

Why does this cable have one UPC end and one APC end? It is a transition cord, made for the point where a UPC based patch field meets an APC based passive optical network. The polish on each connector still has to match the socket it goes into, so plug the APC end only into an APC port and the UPC end only into a UPC port. Getting them the wrong way round gives a poor connection and can damage the end face.

Simplex or duplex? Simplex is a single fiber, for bidirectional transceivers that send and receive over one strand, and for passive optical network drops. If your transceivers have separate transmit and receive ports, you need a duplex cable instead.

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.

How do I tell the two ends apart? By the connector body color: APC bodies are green and UPC bodies are blue by convention. Both ends here are the same LC format and will physically fit either socket, so check the color before you push it home.

Why are the two return loss figures different? The angled APC end face reflects stray light out of the core, which is why the APC end is specified at 65 dB or better while the flat polished UPC end is specified at 55 dB or better. The link as a whole is limited by the weaker of the two, so plan around the UPC figure.

Often bought with

• OS2 LC/UPC to LC/APC Fiber Patch Cable, Duplex Single Mode 9/125, 1–5 m: same LC/UPC to LC/APC connectors in duplex for separate transmit and receive
• OS2 LC/APC to LC/APC Fiber Patch Cable, Simplex Single Mode 9/125, 1–15 m: same LC/APC simplex with APC polish on both ends
• OS2 LC/UPC to SC/APC Fiber Patch Cable, Simplex Single Mode 9/125, 1–10 m: same LC/UPC simplex with SC/APC on the other end