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

This is a single fiber singlemode patch cord with an angled polish SC connector on each end, the format used on most carrier supplied hardware and on older patch panels and wall boxes. Both ends are identical, so it can be fitted either way round. It also has by far the widest length range in this group, from a 0.5m jumper inside a cabinet out to a 30m run between rooms.

Specifications

• Fiber type: OS2 singlemode, 9/125
• Fiber mode: Simplex, 1 strand
• Connectors: SC to SC
• Polish type: APC to APC
• Wavelength: 1310nm and 1550nm
• Insertion loss: 0.3 dB or less
• Return loss: 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: 0.5m, 1m, 2m, 3m, 4m, 5m, 7m, 8m, 10m, 15m, 20m, 25m, 30m
• Packaging: 1 piece in a zip bag

Good for

• Patching an SC/APC port on an optical network terminal or carrier demarcation box through to an SC/APC patch panel
• Short 0.5m to 2m jumpers between adjacent SC/APC panels and splitter trays inside one cabinet
• Longer 15m to 30m runs from a demarcation point to equipment in another room, including riser shafts where an OFNR 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 suits 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.

What is the difference between UPC and APC? APC connectors have an eight degree angled end face that reflects stray light away from the core, which gives much lower return loss. They are standard in passive optical networks and RF video. An APC connector must only be mated to another APC connector: plugging APC into UPC gives a poor connection and can damage the end face. APC connector bodies are green and UPC are blue by convention.

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.

What length should I order? There are thirteen steps here, from 0.5m up to 30m. Measure the actual routed path, not the straight line: allow for the drop down the rack, the horizontal travel across the cable manager and a service loop so the cord is not under tension at the connector. If you fall between two steps, take the longer one.

Will this fit an SC/UPC port? No. Both ends of this cord are SC/APC. An SC/APC connector will physically enter an SC/UPC adapter but the angled and flat end faces do not meet properly, which loses light and can damage the ferrule. If your port is UPC on one side, you need the SC/UPC to SC/APC hybrid instead.