A fiber optic patch cord, also known as a fiber optic jumper, is a type of fiber optic cable with connectors on both ends for active optical path connections. If only one end has a connector, it is typically referred to as a pigtail.

Fiber optic patch cords consist of two main components: the fiber cable and the connector. They are classified based on two main standards: the structure of the connector and the shape of the ceramic ferrule in the connector.

Common connector structures include:

FC (commonly known as round head)

SC (commonly known as large square head)

LC (commonly known as small square head)

MPO/MTP (multi-core connector)

The shapes of the ceramic ferrules in the connectors mainly include:

PC (Physical Contact): The ferrule surface is ground into a slight spherical shape with PC polishing.

APC (Angled Physical Contact): The fiber end face is usually ground into an 8° inclined surface.

UPC (Ultra Physical Contact): The end face of the UPC connector is not completely flat, but has a slight curvature for more precise docking.

To describe a connector, both the structure of the connector and the shape of the ceramic ferrule need to be included, such as: FC/APC is a round head oblique core connector.

Since patch cords usually have two ends, to clearly describe a patch cord, we need to consider the connectors at both ends: FC/APC-FC/APC, FC/UPC-SC/UPC, etc.

In addition, based on different transmission media, fiber optic patch cords can be divided into single-mode and multi-mode jumpers:

Single-mode Fiber: Generally, the fiber optic patch cord is represented in yellow, and the connector and protective sleeve are blue; the transmission distance is longer.

Multi-mode Fiber: Generally, the fiber optic patch cord is represented in orange, and some are represented in gray, the connector and protective sleeve are beige or black; the transmission distance is shorter.