Fibre Patch leads

[maxrebo]

I need to order a few fibre patch leads to connect a new build to our main site, silly question, do the patch leads need to be the same grade as the fibre cable run? OM3 or OM4 etc...

 

Thanks

Edited October 20, 2021 by maxrebo

[Norphy]

Simple answer, yes. The patch leads do need to be the same grade as the rest of the fibre run between the buildings. So if you've got OM3 multimode cable, you'll need OM3 multimode patch leads. Edited October 20, 2021 by Norphy

[Chaniel]

Simple answer, yes. The patch leads do need to be the same grade as the rest of the fibre run between the buildings. So if you've got OM3 multimode cable, you'll need OM3 multimode patch leads.

I would just like to add to this...

 

It's more about the same core diameter than grade. Multi-mode OM2/OM3/OM4 are 50/125 (afaik) so are all interoperable but the same as with copper, you'll be limiting it by using a lower standard patch lead. Personally I just buy OM4 patch leads.

Edited October 20, 2021 by Chaniel

[3s-gtech]

As above, you'll find OM2, OM3 and OM4 (and maybe OM5?) patch leads will work with 50/125µm but best to match up. We have a fun mix of fibre grades across site, with our CCTV on pre-OM1, OM1, OM3 and OM4 which makes fibre matching super-fun! Thankfully our main network is mostly OM4, with corresponding patch leads.

[maxrebo]

Thanks all,

Any preference in Brand? Any better than others?

[Davit2005]

I've used comms express ones quite a bit and never had an issue. In fact I have about 12 OM3 long patch cables at home running between different server cupboards, don't ask :-)

 

Also purchased some off amazon which have only used a few but again OK and some off cable monkey too.

[3s-gtech]

My last bulk load, when we went to 10G to edge switches last year, were from Amazon. The brands were Helos, Cables 2 Go and Good Connections. They were all grand, and cheap.

[maxrebo]

So I ordered these and can`t seem to get a connection, have I ordered the wrong ones?!

 

LC to LC Fibre Patch Cable 1m, OM4 Leads Multimode Duplex 50/125 Fiber Optic Cable LSZH for 40G/10Gb/1G SFP Transceiver, Media Converter - ipolex : Amazon.co.uk: Computers & Accessories

 

Yet to find out the Fibre grade as it was a external company who installed it.

[simpsonj]

I had the same issue, you may need to 'reverse the polarity' which essentially means swapping the connectors around (They'll look like they're connected together, but you should be able to split them).

[simpsonj]

I should add, you need to do this on one end of the fibre fly lead at each side of the connection.

[3s-gtech]

They're often the wrong way round for your connectors - you can split the connectors in the patch lead by twisting them up to down gently.

[maxrebo]

Ahh ok, I didn't know you could pull them out, will give that a try. Thanks again.

[slugshead]

We always have SC connectors installed on the patch panels for exactly that reason, the SC plugs are dead easy to split and put back together.

 

Then SC - LC flyleads

[Emily668]

10G Ethernet link length for OM3 limits up to 300 meter, OM4 up to 550 meter , indoor use or outdoor use?

[3s-gtech]

Either, with the correct spec cable.

[Davit2005]

10G Ethernet link length for OM3 limits up to 300 meter, OM4 up to 550 meter , indoor use or outdoor use?

 

Don't forget to use plenum rated cables if required by local regulations and outside cable protected from elements and if underground use armoured to help prevent rodent and other damage.