Nippon Labs OS2 LC/UPC to SC/APC Fiber Patch Cable, Simplex Single Mode 9/125, 1–10 m

This is a single fiber singlemode patch cord that changes both the connector format and the polish along its length: an LC/UPC connector at one end and an SC/APC connector at the other. It is built for the awkward junction where LC based UPC equipment has to reach an SC/APC terminated passive optical network port. Because the two ends differ in every respect, this cord only goes in one way round.

Specifications

• Fiber type: OS2 singlemode, 9/125
• Fiber mode: Simplex, 1 strand
• Connectors: LC to SC
• 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, SC/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, 5m, 10m
• Packaging: 1 piece in a zip bag

Good for

• Landing an LC/UPC switch SFP or media converter onto an SC/APC port on a carrier supplied optical network terminal
• Connecting a UPC based LC patch field to an SC/APC splitter port without rebuilding either side
• Riser runs between floors where an OFNR rated jacket is required and the two ends of the link use different formats

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.

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.

Which end is which? The small latching LC connector is the UPC end, with a blue body by convention, and goes to your LC equipment or LC patch panel. The larger square push pull SC connector is the APC end, with a green body by convention, and goes to the SC/APC port. The connector formats are different, so the cord cannot be fitted backwards by accident.

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

Often bought with

• OS2 LC/UPC to SC/APC Fiber Patch Cable, Duplex Single Mode 9/125, 1–5 m: same LC/UPC to SC/APC connectors in duplex for separate transmit and receive
• OS2 SC/UPC to SC/APC Fiber Patch Cable, Simplex Single Mode 9/125, 1–5 m: same SC/APC simplex with SC/UPC instead of LC/UPC on the other end
• OS2 LC/UPC to LC/APC Fiber Patch Cable, Simplex Single Mode 9/125, 1–3 m: same LC/UPC simplex with LC/APC on the other end