All You Need to Know About FTTH Drop Cable Patch Cords

What is an FTTH Drop Cable Patch Cord?

An FTTH drop cable patch cord is a specialized fiber optic cable that comes pre-terminated with connectors (such as SC, FC, or LC) at one or both ends. Unlike standard patch cords used in data centers, drop cable patch cords are designed to withstand harsher installation environments while maintaining flexibility for indoor routing.

Purpose of Usage: It is primarily used to bridge the connection between the Fiber Access Terminal (FAT) outside the building and the Optical Network Unit (ONU) inside the user's home. The pre-terminated connectors, featuring PC, UPC, or APC polishing, allow for instant connectivity without the need for complex field termination tools.

Indoor Pre Terminated Drop Cable

Outdoor Pre Terminated Drop Cable

Hardened Pre-Terminated FTTH Cable

Indoor Fiber Optic Pigtail

Indoor Distribution Patch Cord

Why Choose Pre-Terminated Drop Cable Patch Cords?

Transitioning from field splicing to using pre-terminated drop cable patch cords offers distinct advantages for network operators and installers:

• Elimination of Splicing: The "Plug and Play" nature means technicians do not need fusion splicing machines at the customer premises, significantly reducing installation time.
• Cost Efficiency: By speeding up the deployment per end-user connection, the total labor and equipment costs for the fiber network are drastically reduced.
• Superior Performance: Factory-terminated connectors undergo rigorous testing to ensure low insertion loss and high return loss, which is often difficult to consistently achieve with manual field termination.
• Versatility: Available in various lengths (from 0.5m to 200m+), they adapt easily to different distances between the distribution box and the home terminal.

Technical Specifications and Materials

The durability and performance of a drop cable patch cord rely on its high-quality construction materials.

1. Fiber Core Options

Depending on the bending requirements of the installation route, customers can choose specific fiber grades:

• G652D: Standard single-mode fiber, suitable for general straight runs.
• G657A1 & G657A2 (Bend-Insensitive): These are highly recommended for FTTH applications. They allow the cable to be stapled or bent around tight corners (like door frames or walls) without significant signal loss.

2. Jacket Materials

• LSZH (Low Smoke Zero Halogen): The preferred choice for indoor use. In the event of a fire, it emits minimal smoke and no toxic halogen gases, ensuring safety in residential areas.
• PVC: A durable option often used for specific outdoor or general-purpose runs.

3. Reinforcement Members

To protect the delicate fiber core from tension and crushing, the cable includes strength members tailored to the configuration:

• Steel Wire: Provides excellent tensile strength, ideal for aerial suspension.
• FRP (Fiber Reinforced Plastic): A non-metallic strength member that prevents lightning interference and is lighter in weight.
• Aramid Yarns (Kevlar): Used in flexible round cables to provide strength while maintaining high flexibility.

Configurations and Types

Drop cable patch cords are designed in different shapes to suit specific installation pathways:

Conclusion

With the global push for high-speed internet, FTTH technology is the gold standard for bandwidth, reliability, and low latency. The FTTH drop cable patch cord acts as the vital artery in this system, enabling economical and rapid "last mile" connectivity. Whether you need a 2.0*3.0mm butterfly cable for a residential apartment or a robust Figure-8 cable for an aerial drop, selecting the right patch cord configuration ensures a stable and future-proof network.