Among optical fiber passive components, jumpers, pigtails, and adapters have similar names but different functions. Choosing the wrong one will result in the patch panel not being able to be terminated, or the on-site transfer being impossible. Let's first clarify the structural differences between the three.
The structural differences between the three
The jumper has connectors on both ends, and a section of optical cable in the middle, which is used for the movable connection between the equipment and the distribution frame and can be unplugged and plugged in at any time. The pigtail only has a connector on one end, and the other end is a bare fiber, which is used to be spliced with the optical cable to form an end, which is usually fixed inside the distribution frame. The adapter is also a flange. It has no fiber itself and only connects the two connectors accurately. It only solves the problem of interface docking, and does not contribute the bendable length itself. Therefore, the adapter must be prepared in conjunction with jumpers and pigtails, and you cannot just buy one of them.
Single core or dual core
The number of cores of the connector should be aligned with the link transceiver mode. Choosing the wrong one will result in an extra fiber that cannot be used or simply cannot be connected.
- Dual-fiber bidirectional transceiver each occupies one core and is equipped with a two-core jumper, such asLC-LC single mode dual core jumper.
- Single-fiber WDM only carries one core, and single-core jumpers or pigtails are used, such asSC-SC single mode single core jumper.
- The pigtails are coiled into the ODF for end-end splicing, and jumpers are used for on-site patching.
The EB-LINK optical passive series provides both jumpers and pigtails, and the armored type can be used at the end of the computer room and in areas prone to pressure.
When to use which
Jumpers are used for active links that require frequent plugging and unplugging; pigtails are used for the fixed end of the optical cable entering the distribution frame; adapters are used when the two connectors cannot match or need to be converted to an interface. Sort out their respective uses so that there will be no duplication or omission of items in the purchase list.
Defining the end-to-end method first and then selecting the components. After clarifying their respective uses, it can save a lot of temporary switching and rework on site.