The Differences between Fiber Pigtail and Patch Cable

12 Fiber Pigtail is one of the essential components as they enable lightning-fast data transmission across great distances. Two essential elements in this domain that are frequently highlighted are patch cables and fiber pigtails.

Fiber Pigtail: A fiber pigtail is a short, single strand of fiber that has bare fiber on one end and a connector pre-installed on the other. They usually come in several connection types (SC, LC, ST, or FC) based on the particular needs of the network. When terminating fiber optic cables within patch panels, fiber distribution frames ,or splice enclosures, these pigtails are essential.

Uses:

Splicing: Fusion splicing and mechanical splicing are the two main uses for fiber pigtails. Using a fusion splicer or a mechanical splice, personnel can mechanically align two optical fibers or fuse the bare fiber end of the pigtail with the bare fiber of the cable.

Termination: Pigtails function as an interface between the network’s distribution frames or patch panels and the incoming fiber cable. They offer a practical way to join the exposed fibers to connectors that function with network hardware.

Patch Cable

Short 12 Fiber Cable having connections on both ends are referred to as patch cables, jumper cables, or patch cords. Patch cables, in contrast to fiber pigtails, include connections at both ends, allowing you to utilize them right away to connect servers, switches, and routers among other network equipment.

Uses:

Flexibility and Accessibility: Patch cables enable rapid additions or modifications and offer flexibility in network setup. They eliminate the need for labor-intensive rewiring by making it simple to reconfigure network connections.

Variations:

Termination: Their termination is the main point of difference. Patch cables have connections on both ends, whereas fiber pigtails have a connector on one end and bare fiber on the other.

Application: Patch cables are used to link active network components, while fiber pigtails are mostly used for splicing and terminating within enclosures or patch panels.

Length: Because patch cables are meant to bridge the gaps between active network devices, they are often longer than fiber pigtails.

Connector Types: Although patch cables and 12 Fiber Pigtail are available in a variety of connector types, the selection criteria may vary depending on the particular applications and compatibility needs of each.