As our needs for faster communications and data have grown, so has our need for faster mediums of data transfer. Fiber has emerged as a convenient option because it achieves data transfer rates that are faster than those of copper connections. In the context of optical fiber connections, we require fiber optic runs that connect different equipment. These runs are known as fiber jumpers. Strictly speaking, fiber jumpers are fiber optic cables that are terminated using fiber optic connectors on both ends.
Using Fiber Optic Jumpers
Fiber optic numbers are used in indoor applications such as connecting cable TV or fiber-to-the-home installations. They can also be used to connect fiber optic patch panels or connection distribution centers to work station outlets.
These days, fiber jumpers can have different types of cables and connections on them. Because of this, it can be difficult to differentiate one fiber jumper from another. Below, we will look at how you can go about choosing the right fiber jumper and how you can differentiate between the different cable and connector types.
Cable Types
Fiber jumper cables are generally divided into singlemode and multimode jumper cables. These cables differ in the diameter of the fiber, the classification of their strands, transmission speeds, jackets and so much more.
Singlemode fiber jumpers have a diameter of 9 microns. Although singlemode fiber jumpers are classified as either OS1 and OS2, many manufacturers choose to create dual-rated cables so their cables fall under both classifications.
Multimode fiber jumpers, on the other hand, come in different diameters, with the ones in use being cables of 50 and 62.5 microns in diameter. The 50-micron cables are also classified as either OM2, OM3, or OM4.
To ensure compatibility, the type of cable used in the fiber jumper should match the one used in the network cabling so it is easier to connect the two inside the patch panel.
Fiber Cable Structure
The main difference between copper and fiber jumper cables is that copper jumpers can transmit data in both directions while fiber jumpers can only do so in one direction. This is because copper jumpers have multiple wire strands while most fiber jumpers have one strand of glass.
The equipment that the fiber jumper will be connected to usually requires two fiber strands, one to send and one to receive data and information. A simplex fiber jumper has only one strand of glass and one connector at each end. This means that you would have to use two simplex cables to send and receive data.
Alternatively, you can use a duplex cable. This is a cable that has two fiber cables and two connections at each end. Duplex cables are usually marked “A” or “B” on both ends or use connector boots of different colors to eliminate confusion. The cables and connectors of a single duplex cable are usually bonded in pairs.
Jacket Diameters
Fiber optic jumpers are available on jackets of different diameters. Jackets are the materials that surround the fiber cable to protect it from the elements. Jackets can come in diameters of 2 or 3 millimeters. Cables that have thinner jackets (1.6-2 mm) are suitable for installations within single racks. This is because they take up less space and you can use more of them in a single run. They are also very flexible which makes them easier to run.
If you need fiber jumpers to run between racks or from a rack to a patch panel, more robust cables with thicker jackets are preferred. The larger diameter makes these cables more rigid and therefore suitable for these applications.
Jacket Material
The jacket material is also chosen according to where the cables will be installed. For example, fire-resistant jacket materials are preferred in installations where there is a risk of a fire, or where there are combustible products present. Here, the jumpers are of the “Plenum Rated” classification as opposed to the “Riser Rated” classification.
Connection Types
For most installations, the types of connectors used on both ends of a fiber jumper cable are of the same type. However, some fiber jumper cables can have different types of connectors on both ends if they are to be used to connect equipment that uses different types of connectors.
In cases where a technician does not know the type of connector used in the field, they will use “Pigtails” rather than patch cables. Pigtails are cables that have a connector on one end and are unterminated on the other end.
Length
The length of the fiber jumper cables used will depend on the distance to be covered. The distance is measured in meters or feet.
If you need fiber optic jumpers for your network or data installation, the guide above should make things easier for you. You can select the best type of cable by considering the factors we have looked at above.
