Glossary
Glossary
Navigate complex terms with ease—our Glossary makes learning simple.
Welcome to the Glossary – your dedicated space for everything related to patch cord connectors. Here, you can browse all your questions and find answers in a simple, organized format. Whether you’re a beginner exploring networking basics or a professional looking to refresh your knowledge, our glossary offers clear, concise definitions and explanations for a wide range of terms associated with patch cords and their connectors.
From understanding the difference between LC, SC, ST, and RJ45 connectors to learning about fiber optic vs. copper patch cords, this glossary is designed to help you navigate the technical jargon with ease. Each entry is crafted to provide practical insights, helping you make informed decisions about the right connectors for your setup, installation, or project.
You can explore topics alphabetically, filter by categories, or use the search feature to find specific terms instantly. Our goal is to make learning quick, convenient, and reliable—so you can get the information you need without the confusion.
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What are CPRI Patch cords?
A CPRI patch cord is a specialized type of fiber optic cable used for CPRI (Common Public Radio Interface) applications. CPRI is a standard protocol used to connect remote radio heads (RRHs) to baseband units (BBUs) in wireless telecom networks — particularly in 4G LTE and 5G infrastructure.
Key Features of CPRI Patch Cords:
- Fiber Optic Cables: They’re typically single-mode fiber cables, used for high-speed, low-latency data transmission.
- Connectors: Common connector types include LC, SC, or E2000 — often LC-LC.
- Low Loss / High Performance: Designed for high bandwidth and low signal loss.
- Weatherproof / Outdoor Use: Many are built rugged with UV-resistant jackets or armored designs for outdoor deployment, especially on towers or rooftops.
- Length: Custom lengths available, often in meters (1m, 3m, 10m, etc.), depending on installation needs.
Where You’ll See It:
- Telecom towers
- 5G base station setups
- Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS)
Centralized RAN (C-RAN) deployments
Why It Matters:
The quality and reliability of a CPRI patch cord directly affect the performance of a mobile network — they carry critical control and user data between the baseband unit and the antennas.
What are different types of Fiber patch cords connectors?
There are several types of fiber optic patch cord connectors, and each type has its own design, use case, and performance characteristics. Here’s a breakdown of the most common types:
🔌 Common Types of Fiber Patch Cord Connectors
Connector | Shape | Use Case | Features |
LC | Small form factor, snap-in | Data centers, telecom, high-density panels | Compact, easy to use, very common |
SC | Square-shaped, push-pull | Cable TV, LAN, WAN | Durable, simple push-pull action |
ST (Straight Tip) | Round, bayonet twist-lock | Legacy networks, some industrial | Quick connect/disconnect |
FC (Ferrule Connector) | Threaded screw-on | High-vibration environments | Very secure connection |
MPO/MTP (Multi-fiber Push-On) | Rectangular, multi-fiber | High-speed networks (40G/100G/400G) | Can carry 8, 12, 24+ fibers in one connector |
E2000 | Rectangular, with spring-loaded shutter | Telecom and industrial | High-performance, self-protecting connector end |
MU | Miniature, like a smaller LC | Dense fiber systems | Compact, good for small spaces |
DIN | Metal body, screw-type | Industrial and military | Rugged, high-performance |
Other Classifications
- By fiber type:
- Single-mode (SM) – long-distance, yellow jackets, 9/125 µm
- Multimode (MM) – short-distance, orange/aqua jackets, 50/125 or 62.5/125 µm
- By polishing type:
- UPC (Ultra Physical Contact) – blue connectors, low return loss
- APC (Angled Physical Contact) – green connectors, even lower return loss, used in high-precision or long-haul systems
where are Fiber distribution management systems ( FDMS ) / LUI used ?
Fiber Distribution Management Systems (FDMS), sometimes referred to with LUI (Line Unit Interface) components, are used to organize, manage, and protect fiber optic cables and connections in a network infrastructure.
📍 Where FDMS / LUI Are Used:
- Telecommunication Networks
- At central offices (COs), base stations, and remote nodes
- Especially common in FTTH (Fiber to the Home), FTTB (Fiber to the Building), and FTTC (Fiber to the Curb) deployments
- Used to manage and distribute connections between the OSP (outside plant) and the ISP (inside plant)
- Data Centers
- For organizing dense interconnects in server racks, distribution frames, and cross-connect panels
- FDMS panels manage patching between switches, routers, and storage devices
- Mobile Network Infrastructure
- Found in BTS (Base Transceiver Station) sites, including RRU-BBU fiber connections
- Manage CPRI/OBSAI fiber links with weatherproof enclosures
- Enterprise Networks
- Inside buildings or campuses to route fiber between floors, departments, or buildings
- Often part of a structured cabling system
- Utility & Smart Grid Systems
- Power utilities use FDMS to manage fiber used for communication, control, and telemetry systems
- Railways, Highways, and Oil & Gas
- Critical in mission-critical infrastructure for SCADA, surveillance, and safety systems
- Deployed in harsh environments with outdoor/armored enclosures
FDMS Key Functions:
- Termination and splicing of fibers
- Cross-connection or interconnection between circuits
- Managing slack storage and bend radius
