What is Fiber Pigtail?​

In today's telecommunication and data networks, fiber optic technology is the technology of high-speed data transmission. Although often overlooked, fiber pigtails play an essential role in fiber optic systems. Next, we will introduce the types of fiber optic pigtails and their advantages to help you better understand fiber optic pigtails.

Definition of Fiber Pigtail​ 

A fiber pigtail is a fiber optic cable with a factory-terminated connector on one end and a bare fiber optic cable on the other end. Fiber pigtails are typically designed to be field-terminated with a mechanical or fusion splicer. Compared to field-installed quick-terminates or epoxy and polish connections, pre-terminated connectorized fiber pigtails not only save time, but also provide higher performance and reliability.

The Structure of the Fiber Pigtail​

The Core​

The core of the fiber pigtail is made of quartz glass or plastic and is responsible for transmitting optical signals. The single-mode pigtail has a core diameter of 9 microns, with single-mode transmission of light and able to achieve long-distance high-rate data transmission; the multi-mode pigtail has a core diameter of 50 or 62.5 microns, supporting multi-mode light propagation and is applied to short-distance transmission within buildings.

​

The Cladding​

The cladding has a lower refractive index than the core, and confines the light in the core using total internal reflection to ensure signal integrity.

​

The Buffer and Sheath​

The cladding and the core are protected from physical damage by the buffer, while the outer sheath protects against abrasion, moisture, and chemicals. The materials of the two vary depending on the indoor and outdoor usage scenarios.

​

The Connector​

The general pigtail connectors are SC (push-pull type, easy to install), FC (screw type, stable connection), LC (small size, space-saving, ideal for high-density scenarios) and ST (bayonet type, commonly used in the early days).

​

Types of Fiber Pigtails​

By Fiber Type​

Fiber pigtails are classified into multi-mode fiber and single-mode fiber.

​

Multi-mode pigtails are made of 62.5/125μm or 50/125μm bulk multi-mode fiber and are polished with a multi-mode connector. But if we classify more precisely, they can be divided into OM1, OM2, OM3, OM4, and OM5 pigtails.

​

Single-mode pigtails are constructed from 9/125μm bulk single-mode fiber cables and terminated by single-mode connectors.

These fiber pigtails can be coupled with fan-out kits and are fully compliant with Telcordia, EIA/TIA, and IEC standards.

​

By Pigtail Fiber Count​

Pigtail fibers come in various strand fiber counts ranging from 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 24, to 48 strands. According to the TIA-EIA-598-A standard, different colors are used to encode the optical fibers. Generally, simplex fiber count is the most common pigtail used in daily life.

​

By Application Environment​

Fiber optic pigtails are classified under armored bundled pigtails and waterproof pigtails.

​

Armored Pigtails​

The armored pigtail has a stainless steel tube inside the shell to prevent damage caused by construction, mice, and other cable weights.

​

Waterproof Pigtails​

Waterproof fiber optic pigtails consist of stainless steel reinforced waterproof units and armored outdoor PE sheaths. Waterproof pigtails are specifically designed for harsh environments such as communication towers, cable TV stations and military use. Waterproof pigtails with excellent toughness, tensile strength and reliable performance are most suitable for outdoor connections.

​

Fiber Pigtail Splicing Types​

Mechanical Splicing​

The mechanical splicing is a simple alignment tool that allows light to be transferred from one fiber to another through precisely aligning of the two fibers' ends. It has been used for decades. It is still common because it allows quick and simple terminations and fewer consumables than the traditional epoxy-polished connector method. Useful for temporary emergency connections.

​

Fusion Splicing​

Fusion splicing first removes the fiber coating and cleans it, then fuses the fiber core by an arc or a laser after high-precision alignment, and finally reinforces it with heat shrink tubing. It possesses low loss, high strength, and good stability, and is often used in high-performance networks.

​

Application Scenarios of Fiber Pigtails​

Telecommunication Network​

Fiber pigtails are used at various nodes of the telecommunications network for connecting various segments of optical cables. They account for the connection between fiber splicing points, optical line terminals, and optical network units.

​

Data Centers​

Data centers rely on fiber optic technology to handle the massive amounts of data generated and transmitted every day. Fiber optic pigtails are widely used to connect servers, storage devices, and network switches to fiber optic patch panels. Their small size, easy installation, and compatibility with different types of connectors make it possible to efficiently manage complex cabling infrastructure within data centers.

Fiber Optic Sensing Systems​

Fiber optic Sensing systems make use of the properties of optical fiber to detect physical changes such as temperature, pressure, strain, and vibration. Fiber optic pigtails are used to connect the sensor fiber to measurement and control equipment.

Optical Instruments​

Fiber pigtails are essential equipment in optical research facilities and labs and are applied to interfacing numerous optical components such as lasers, detectors, spectrometers, and optical modulators.

​

Benefits of Fiber Pigtails​

Easy Installation: Pigtails are easy to install and can be used to connect devices quickly and simply.​

Versatility: Pigtails are available in a variety of connector types and lengths for use in numerous applications.​

Durability: Pigtails are made from quality materials to withstand aggressive environments.​

Minimized Signal Loss: Pigtails minimize signal loss by providing a proper and secure connection point.

​

Conclusion​

Fiber pigtails are the key to achieving seamless network connection in fiber optic systems. Understanding their structure, types, splicing methods and applications will be useful to play their role better. If you want to buy fiber pigtails or other fiber optic products, welcome to contact Fibermart. No matter what you want, we will provide the best guidance. Hope to cooperate with you.