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Views: 0 Author: ZORA Optical Fiber Publish Time: 2025-07-02 Origin: Site
Guide
Optical fiber pigtails are optical cable assemblies with connectors at one end and exposed optical fibers at the other. The connector end is inserted into the optical fiber adapter, while the exposed optical fiber end is usually connected to the main optical fiber cable by fusion splicing.
In today's rapidly developing communication networks, stable and reliable optical fiber connections are the key to achieving outstanding performance. Optical fiber pigtails play a crucial role as a bridge connecting backbone optical cables and network equipment. These small and easy-to-use components are widely popular in data centers, commercial networks and service provider systems.
This guide will help you understand fiber pigtails. It covers the definition, advantages, installation methods of optical fiber pigtails, as well as the factors to be considered when choosing the right optical fiber pigtail.
Optical fiber pigtails are optical cable assemblies with connectors at one end and exposed optical fibers at the other. The connector end is inserted into the optical fiber adapter, while the exposed optical fiber end is usually connected to the main optical fiber cable by fusion splicing.
Using high-quality pigtails and combining them with appropriate splicing techniques helps ensure stable connections and strong transmission performance. Optical fiber pigtails are typically used in optical fiber enclosures such as optical fiber distribution frames, terminal boxes and adapters.
There are many types of optical fiber pigtails. The choice of the appropriate pigtail depends on the type of connector, the type of optical fiber, the number of cores and the application environment. The following are some of the most common categories of subdivisions.
Optical fiber pigtails are generally divided into single-mode pigtails and multi-mode pigtails
Singlemode Fiber Optic Pigtails use 9/125µm fibers and usually come with yellow sheaths. This type of pigtail fiber is highly suitable for long-distance and high-bandwidth transmission and is widely used in telecommunications and wide area network applications.
Multimode Fiber Optic Pigtails use 62.5/125µm or 50/125µm optical fibers, paired with orange or light green sheaths. For applications with higher speeds, OM3 and OM4 multimode pigtails can be selected. These models typically feature light green sheaths and support data rates of 10G or higher in short-range networks such as data centers.
The pigtail connector is a key factor in choosing the right pigtail. Common types include:
LC pigtail fiber: Small in size, suitable for high-density connection.
SC pigtail fiber: Affordable and easy to use, it is often used in cable TV (CATV), local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), and test equipment. They are equipped with 2.5mm zirconia or stainless steel rings.
FC pigtail: The FC optical fiber pigtail adopts a threaded metal body and ceramic ring design, which can provide reliable performance in general networks.
ST pigtail: This type of connector is very common in old multimode local area network (LAN) networks, and its 2.5mm rings are made of ceramic, stainless steel or plastic. They are often used in telecommunications, medical, industrial and sensor applications.
Some optical fiber pigtails are specifically designed for harsh or extreme conditions:
Armored fiber pigtail: This type of fiber has a stainless steel tube or similar protective layer inside the fiber sheath, which can protect the fiber from damage by rodents, compression or heavy wiring pressure. They are very helpful in enhancing durability and minimizing maintenance.
Waterproof optical fiber pigtail: With a reinforced stainless steel casing and PE outdoor sheath design, it is highly suitable for outdoor deployment in towers, cable TV networks or military bases, etc. They have excellent tensile strength, toughness and moisture resistance.
Optical fiber pigtails come in various quantities -1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 24 or even 48 optical fibers:
Simplex pigtail: One end of a single optical fiber is equipped with a connector.
Duplex pigtail: It has two optical fibers and two connectors, and is usually marked as "A" and "B" or color-coded to indicate polarity.
Multi-fiber pigtails: Specifically designed for high-density installations, they simplify cable management and reduce deployment time.
Optical fiber pigtails play a crucial role in modern optical communication systems. They possess multiple key advantages and are ideal choices for both small-scale and large-scale fiber optic deployments.
One end of the optical fiber pigtail is equipped with a pre-terminated connector, and the other end is equipped with bare fiber. This design makes on-site welding easier and more reliable. Technicians do not need to handle multiple connector components but can directly fuse them onto the main optical fiber, thereby reducing signal loss and ensuring a stable and consistent optical path.
The factory-polished end face of the pigtail fiber connector is more precise than that of the on-site installed connector. High-precision polishing can reduce insertion loss (IL) and return loss (RL), thereby enhancing signal quality. This makes its performance superior to that of manually terminated connectors.
Optical fiber pigtails can be either plug-and-play or quickly spliced, thus enabling rapid deployment. This is particularly useful for large-scale installations, as rapid deployment can significantly reduce project time and labor costs.
Fiber optic pigtails offer a variety of connector types to match the equipment. Whether you need LC, SC, FC or ST pigtails, you can easily find products that suit your network Settings. This flexibility can accelerate the deployment speed and simplify network expansion.
Compared with pre-terminated patch cords, optical fiber pigtails are more cost-effective in large-scale installations. They also offer greater flexibility during on-site deployment and are highly suitable for projects that require customized services.
The choice of the right fiber pigtail depends on the application, distance and equipment. The following are the factors that need to be considered
Single-mode fiber pigtails (OS2) are specifically designed for long-distance transmission in metropolitan area networks, backbone links, or 5G fronthaul. They have low insertion loss and support long-distance high-speed data transmission.
Multimode pigtails (OM1/OM2/OM3/OM4) are highly suitable for short-distance high-speed links, such as data centers or enterprise local area networks. Although their transmission distance is relatively short, they are economical and efficient for indoor use.
One end of the pigtail fiber is the pigtail fiber connector, and the other end is the bare fiber used for splicing. Select the connector suitable for the equipment
LC pigtail: Compact and high-density, it is often used in data centers and telecommunications racks.
SC pigtail: Push-pull type, highly suitable for FTTH and traditional networks.
FC pigtail: Screw-in type, used in laboratory setups and industrial networks that require secure connections.
ST pigtail: Bayonet type, commonly found in older networks and campus Settings.
Insertion loss (IL) : Measures the signal loss at the connection point. The insertion loss (IL) of high-quality pigtails should be less than 0.3dB.
Return Loss (RL) : It indicates the effect of the connector in suppressing signal reflection. The higher the RL value, the better, especially for single-mode fiber pigtails.
Bending resistance: High-quality pigtails should be able to withstand bending without reducing signal quality. Anti-bending design can enhance wiring flexibility and performance.
Choose the appropriate pigtail fiber according to the environment. Take into account factors such as the material, length and color coding of the sheath.
In narrow or high-density Spaces, choose flexible and clearly marked pigtails for faster identification and maintenance.
In buildings with strict fire protection regulations, better flame retardancy can be achieved by using LSZH or OFNP grade sheaths.
For quick installation, please consider using the options of factory labels and color coding to reduce errors and improve efficiency.
Before starting the installation of optical fiber pigtails, all preparations must be made to ensure a smooth and efficient installation.
1. Tools and materials: Prepare all necessary items, including fiber optic pigtails, cable ties, wire strippers and splicers. These are the keys to completing the correct installation.
2. Plan the route: Carefully plan the optical fiber cabling based on the network layout. This helps to avoid interference or damage. Lay optical fibers from cable trays or conduits to distribution frames or terminal boxes.
1. Splicing the optical fiber cable to the pigtail: First, introduce the optical fiber cable into the junction box. Then, the exposed fiber core is fused with the fiber pigtail. This splicing process can ensure a stable and low-loss connection between the optical fiber cable and the pigtail.
2. Fixed pigtail connector: Insert the connector end of the optical fiber pigtail into the adapter on the patch panel. Make sure the pigtails are neatly arranged to prevent bending, twisting or excessive tension.
3. Remove the outer sheath: Carefully peel off the outer sheath of the pigtail connector to expose the core for splicing. During this process, please avoid scratching or damaging the optical fiber.
4. Connect the device: Insert the connector into the transceiver, switch or other optical fiber equipment. Ensure a firm and reliable connection to achieve the best signal transmission.
After the Settings are completed, test the connection to confirm that the signal loss is low and the performance is normal.
Although optical fiber pigtails are small, they are crucial for building reliable and high-performance optical fiber networks. Choosing the appropriate pigtail fiber (single-mode or multi-mode, LC or SC) can ensure long-term stability and efficiency.
