Beginner’s Guide: Understanding Fiber Pigtails and Their Importance

A fiber pigtail is a type of fiber optic cable with a factory pre-terminated connector on one end and exposed fiber on the other. This design makes the fiber pigtail suitable for field termination using a mechanical or fusion splicer, playing a crucial role in the fiber optic cable installation process. Compared to quick termination or epoxy and polish connections made in the field, pre-terminated connectors offer time-saving benefits, enhanced performance, and improved connectivity.

Pigtails are commonly used in fiber optics structured cabling management equipment, such as ODF (Optical Distribution Frame), splice closures, and fiber terminal boxes. They are essential components used for cable termination, simplifying the process of mechanical or fusion splicing during fiber optic cable installation.

This blog will delve into the basics of fiber optic pigtails and discuss their role in business connectivity, especially in the context of fiber optic cable installation.

What is Fiber Optics Pigtail? 

Fiber optics pigtails are widely used in fiber optics communication system and are often seen in optical distribution frameworks, fiber terminal boxes, and splice closures. The main function of fiber pigtails is to connect optic fiber cables with optical devices for connecting equipment for cable run. 

Fiber Pigtail vs. Fiber Patch Cord: The Differences

One critical distinction between fiber optic pigtails and patch cords is the presence and number of fiber connectors. Fiber optic pigtails have a single terminated connector on one side and bare fibers on the other, while patch cords have connectors on both ends, leaving no exposed fiber.

The type of fiber cable used also differs. Fiber optic pigtails typically use an unjacketed cable with a diameter of 900µm. In contrast, patch cords use jacketed fiber cables, which are usually 2.0mm or 3.0mm in diameter.

Lastly, the two have different applications. Fiber optic pigtails are typically used for splice applications, whereas patch cords are used for connectivity between transceivers, patch panels, and backbone networks.

Where Do Fiber Optic Pigtails Fit in for Businesses?

Fiber optic pigtails have a wide range of applications and are integral to structured cabling installations. Here are some areas where they are commonly used:

Data Centers: Data centers form the backbone of many businesses. Fiber optic pigtails play a crucial role in these environments, as they are used in the termination of fiber optic cables. This facilitates easy, efficient, and high-quality connections between different parts of the data center network.

Local Area Networks (LANs): Within business premises, fiber optic pigtails can be used in LAN setups to enable high-speed, reliable data transmission across various devices. Their high bandwidth capabilities make them perfectly suited for businesses that require real-time communication and data exchange.

Inter-Premise Connectivity: For businesses operating across multiple locations or large campuses, fiber optic pigtails can be used to establish high-speed connections between different buildings,

CCTV Surveillance Systems: In terms of security, fiber optic pigtails can be used in CCTV systems to transmit high-quality video signals over long distances, providing clear, real-time surveillance footage.

Manufacturing Industry: In industries where real-time data is crucial, such as in manufacturing, fiber optic pigtails can facilitate fast, reliable data communication between different parts of the production line.

Benefits of Fiber pigtails 

Fiber pigtails are essential for businesses, particularly those seeking a robust, reliable, and efficient communication system. Here are some of the key benefits of fiber optic pigtails:

• Fiber pigtails are perfect for high-bandwidth data transmission, making them ideal for businesses that require high-speed, real-time data exchange. They are commonly used in high-bandwidth applications, further showcasing their efficiency.
• Fiber pigtails can easily support growth, working within a wide range of bandwidths. As a business expands, fiber pigtails can accommodate the increased bandwidth needs without requiring a complete system overhaul.
• Fiber pigtails are synonymous with reliability. Their design and material make them resistant to electromagnetic interferences, which helps establish an effective and reliable communication system.
• Fiber pigtails can be easily integrated into an existing optic fiber network, allowing businesses to expand or upgrade without needing to replace the entire infrastructure.
• Compared to their copper counterparts, fiber pigtails are more durable. They can withstand harsh environments, leading to less network downtime and operational disruptions.
• If a business needs to transmit signals over vast distances, fiber pigtails are perfectly suited to the task. Especially for businesses operating in large spaces or across multiple locations, fiber pigtails can effectively meet the requirements,

Final Thoughts

Today, the use of fiber pigtails has become increasingly popular in the business world. Companies are leveraging the advantages of fiber pigtails to their full potential to stay ahead of the competition. In short, wherever there’s a need for high-speed, reliable, and long-distance data transmission, fiber optic pigtails are present. This is a major reason why businesses today are opting for fiber optics with pigtail connectivity.