Fibre cables and patch cords

Buying guide

The first difference between optical cables is the fibre type: single-mode covers long distances and is what providers use, while multi-mode serves short runs inside buildings. Outdoor cable has a protective sheath and often a steel messenger wire for hanging from poles. A patch cord is a ready-made short cable with connectors on both ends; a pigtail has a connector on one end only, and the other is spliced onto the line. The connector polish type – UPC or APC – must match on both sides.