Data centre links
Duplex multimode connections between optical equipment and patching fields.
LC, SC, FC, ST PATCH CORD
DUPLEX MULTIMODE FIBRE PATCH CORD
DUPLEX MULTIMODE PATCH CORD WITH LC, SC, FC OR ST CONNECTOR OPTIONS ACROSS OM1 TO OM5 FIBRE GRADES.
- Fibre-grade selectionMatch the OM grade to the installed link and transceiver interface.
- PolarityKeep the transmit and receive orientation consistent across the link.
- Connector selectionChoose the connector pair, duplex clip style, jacket and length for the project.
Technical specifications
Configuration and performance
Select the connector, fibre grade and cable construction for the intended link. The final order specification identifies the selected options and applicable limits.
Cable configuration
| Fibre mode | OM1 / OM2 / OM3 / OM4 / OM5 multimode |
|---|---|
| Fibre count | 2 cores duplex |
| Connector options | LC / SC / FC / ST |
| Polish option | UPC |
| Cable size | 1.8 × 3.7 mm / 2.0 × 4.1 mm |
| Length tolerance | ±50 mm |
| Cable colour | OM1/OM2: beige; OM3: aqua; OM4: violet; confirm other grades |
Connector interface references
| LC | IEC 61754-20 / TIA 604-10-A |
|---|---|
| SC | IEC 61754-4 / TIA 604-3 |
| FC | IEC 61754-13 / TIA 604-4-A |
| ST | IEC 61754-2 / TIA 604-2 |
| LSH option | IEC 61754-15 / TIA 604-16; confirm the selected assembly |
Optical performance
| Insertion loss | ≤ 0.30 dB |
|---|---|
| Return loss | ≥ 35 dB |
| Measurement methods | Insertion loss: IEC 61300-3-4 Method B; return loss: IEC 61300-3-6 Method B |
| End-face geometry reference | IEC 61755-3-1 |
| Visual inspection reference | IEC 61300-3-35 |
Mechanical and environmental
| Minimum bend radius | 7.5 mm |
|---|---|
| Operating temperature | -20°C to +70°C |
| Durability | 500 matings |
| Mating stability | <0.1 dB typical change after more than 500 matings |
| Ferrule alignment | Full ceramic zirconia (ZrO₂) |
Applications
Where this assembly fits
Enterprise networks
Short-reach backbone and equipment links.
High-density patching
LC duplex configurations where panel density is a priority.
Link planning
Fibre transmission distance comparison
Compare fibre grades and optical interfaces from 1G to 100G. These are link-planning references; cable length alone does not determine supported reach.
| Data rate | Interface | Fibre mode | Wavelength | Reference distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1G | 1000BASE-SX | OM1 / OM2 / OM3 / OM4 | 850 nm | OM1: up to 275 m; OM2/OM3/OM4: up to 550 m |
| 1G | 1000BASE-LX/LH | MMF / OS2 | 1310 nm | MMF: up to 550 m with the required launch conditions; 10 km-rated LX/LH module: 10 km on OS2 |
| 10G | 10GBASE-SR | OM1 / OM2 / OM3 / OM4 | 850 nm | OM1: 33 m; OM2: 82 m; OM3: 300 m; OM4: 400 m |
| 10G | 10GBASE-LRM | OM1 / OM2 / OM3 | 1310 nm | Up to 220 m; fibre bandwidth and mode-conditioning requirements apply |
| 10G | 10GBASE-LR | OS2 | 1310 nm | 10 km |
| 10G | 10GBASE-ER | OS2 | 1550 nm | Up to 40 km; verify the optical power budget |
| 10G | ZR long-reach optics | OS2 | 1550 nm | 80–100 km, depending on the selected module and link budget |
| 40G | BiDi | OM3 / OM4 / OM5 | Module-specific paired wavelengths | OM3: 100 m; OM4: 150 m; OM5: up to 200 m with a compatible module |
| 40G | 40GBASE-SR4 | OM3 / OM4 / OM5 | 850 nm | OM3: 100 m; OM4/OM5: 150 m |
| 40G | SWDM4 | OM3 / OM4 / OM5 | 850–940 nm | OM3: 240 m; OM4: 350 m; OM5: 440 m for the specified SWDM4 module |
| 40G | 40GBASE-LR4 | OS2 | 1310 nm band | 10 km |
| 100G | 100GBASE-SR4 | OM3 / OM4 / OM5 | 850 nm | OM3: 70 m; OM4/OM5: 100 m |
| 100G | SWDM4 | OM3 / OM4 / OM5 | 850–940 nm | OM3: 75 m; OM4: 100 m; OM5: 150 m for the specified SWDM4 module |
| 100G | 100GBASE-SR10 | OM3 / OM4 | 850 nm | OM3: 100 m; OM4: 150 m |
| 100G | 100GBASE-LR4 | OS2 | 1310 nm band | 10 km |
| 100G | 100GBASE-ER4 | OS2 | 1310 nm band | 40 km |
Use the exact transceiver specification, fibre bandwidth, connector loss and installation conditions to confirm the link. BiDi, SWDM4 and extended-reach results depend on the selected module. Parallel optics also require the correct fibre count and polarity.
Product view
Identify the connector
Match the connector format and polish to the port or adapter. LC uniboot is a duplex housing option; the exact configuration is selected with the cable.
Connector care
Clean the connector before mating
Contamination at either end face can affect the optical link. Use the cleaner size that matches the connector ferrule.
Use a 1.25 mm one-push cleaner for LC ferrules. Inspect the end face, clean it and inspect again before mating.
Use a 2.5 mm one-push cleaner for SC, ST and FC ferrules. Keep protective caps fitted until the connector is ready to use.
Duplex connection
LC uniboot polarity reversal
These procedures apply to the reversible connector designs shown. They do not apply to every simplex connector, fixed duplex housing or pigtail.
Polarity reversal of LC uniboot
For a reversible uniboot housing, release the cover, exchange the two fibre positions and close the housing. Verify the end-to-end A/B mapping before reconnecting.
Polarity reversal of flat clip LC uniboot
Use the method appropriate to the selected connector housing. Release the flat clip or cover without pulling the fibres, reverse the channel orientation and secure the housing.
Repositioning the removable clip
For the removable-clip design shown, rotate the connector body 180°, reposition the clip and check that it is fully seated.
Installation
Connect LC, SC, ST and FC interfaces
Check that the optical port is inactive before inspection. Align the mechanical key, use the correct coupling and avoid twisting or straining the fibre.
Align the connector key with the module keyway and insert until the latch engages. Press the latch to release; do not pull the cable.
Insert the clean LC connector in the correct orientation. Confirm the latch is engaged and maintain a relaxed cable route.
Align the key and push the SC housing straight into the port. Hold the connector housing when removing it.
Align the ST key before engaging the bayonet coupling. For FC, align the key and secure the threaded coupling without twisting the fibre.
Product questions
Frequently asked questions
What information is needed for an order?
Specify the connector and polish at both ends, fibre grade, simplex or duplex construction, jacket, finished length and quantity.
Does the cable determine the maximum transmission distance?
Supported reach depends on the transceiver interface, fibre bandwidth, installed-link loss and application. Use the comparison table for initial selection, then check the exact transceiver specification.
Can every LC connector reverse polarity?
No. The illustrated reversal methods apply to the reversible uniboot designs shown. A fixed duplex connector, simplex lead or pigtail may require a different method or may not support field reversal.
Can I request inspection information?
Include the selected configuration and required inspection records in your enquiry. The applicable test scope and document format are confirmed for that assembly.
Project enquiry
Confirm your cable configuration.
Send the connector ends, fibre grade, length, jacket, quantity and any polarity, labelling or inspection requirements.
