Nippon Labs OS2 LC/UPC to LC/UPC Fiber Patch Cable, Simplex Single Mode 9/125, 0.5–30 m

This is a single fiber singlemode patch cord with a flat polish LC/UPC connector on each end, the everyday combination for singlemode data links on switches, routers, media converters and LC patch panels. Both ends are identical, so it fits either way round. Within this range it is the plain UPC workhorse rather than a passive optical network or transition cord, and it comes in ten lengths from 0.5m up to 30m.

Specifications

• Fiber type: OS2 singlemode, 9/125
• Fiber mode: Simplex, 1 strand
• Connectors: LC to LC
• Polish type: UPC to UPC
• Wavelength: 1310nm and 1550nm
• Insertion loss: 0.3 dB or less
• Return loss: 55 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: 0.5m, 1m, 2m, 3m, 5m, 7m, 10m, 15m, 20m, 30m
• Packaging: 1 piece in a zip bag

Good for

• Patching a singlemode SFP in a switch or router to an LC/UPC port on a patch panel, the standard data center and telecom room jumper
• Bidirectional single strand transceiver links, where one fiber carries both directions
• Longer 15m to 30m runs between racks or up a riser shaft, where an OFNR rated jacket is required

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 is for singlemode equipment and long distance links 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.

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.

Can I plug this into an APC port? No. Both ends here are UPC, with a flat polished end face and a blue connector body by convention. An APC port expects an eight degree angled end face, green bodied by convention, and mating the two gives a poor connection and can damage the ferrule. For an APC port you need the APC version or one of the UPC to APC transition cords.

What length should I order? There are ten steps, from 0.5m to 30m. Measure the routed path rather than the straight line distance: include the drop down the rack, the run across the cable manager and a service loop so the connector is not pulled sideways. Take the next step up if you are between sizes.