Miscellaneous
Mode Conditioning Patchcords
Mode conditioning patch cords are required where Gigabit 1000 Base-LX routers and switches are installed
into existing multimode cable plants. These specialized cords help avoid Differential Mode Delay (DMD)
effects that can occur when long wave transceiver modules operate at both single-mode and multimode
wave lengths. The mode conditioning patch cord causes the single-mode transceiver to create a launch
similar to a typical multimode launch. The single-mode/multimode side is plugged directly into the
equipment. The duplex multimode side of the patch cord is plugged into the cable plant side.
Our mode conditioning patch cords are custom made with any combination of ST, SC, LC, or MTRJ
connectors at each end. A standard singlemode fiber is offset to a multimode fiber on one leg while the
other leg consists of a multimode fiber. Our mode conditioning device is a permanent, low loss, option
that will never require additional calibration.
Our mode conditioning patch cords are compatible with 850nm or 1300nm Gigabit Ethernet on standard
multimode fiber, and also can handle VCSEL laser source into standard multimode fiber. They are built to
the IEEE802.3z standard.
Learn more about Mode Conditioning Patchcords
OTDR Launch Boxes
OTDR Launch Boxes and Portable Launch Cords provide a calibrated span of optical fiber to evaluate
near-end connectors and anomalies in network fiber systems. The assembly is placed between the system
under test and an OTDR (Optical Time Domain Reflectometer) to improve the OTDR’s ability to identify
passive system components and abnormalities during system qualification and troubleshooting.
Full-Featured Design Offers Maximum Protection & Versatility Our full-featured Launch Box design
stores the cable assembly in a lightweight, rugged transit case that protects the sensitive optical
components against harsh outside environments. For long haul testing, Fiber Connections’ Launch Boxes
are capable of holding single-mode or multimode fiber lengths up to 25km. The Portable Launch Cord is
a portable, lightweight unit capable of holding up to 500mtrs. Custom lengths and various connector styles
are available.
Get the Whole Picture An OTDR’s inability to “see” near-end fiber optic connectors at the patch panel,
and often the first few meters of fiber, severely reduces the effectiveness of testing efforts. This is due
to the relatively slow recovery time of laser pulses reflecting off the OTDR bulkhead connector and
subsequently being displayed on the monitor. Using a properly calibrated length of fiber with high quality
components can solve the problem.
The Problem with Fusion Splicing Unlike most OTDR launch boxes, our cords are directly connectorized
to provide a continuous, high-quality link for OTDR testing. A fused pigtail within several meters of each
connector tip cannot be independently identified on the OTDR and increases the apparent loss of each
connector. This reduces the near-end measurement accuracy of the OTDR. Fiber Connections’ Launch
Boxes and Portable Launch Cords are splice free to deliver optimum test results.
Learn more about OTDR Launch Boxes
Fiber Optic Cleaning Products
The NTT-AT OPTIPOP, dry cloth cleaning systems, are the most advanced fiber tip cleaning products
available today. The unique, densely woven micro-fiber cloth provides superior cleaning performance
while minimizing static charge, ensuring that debris is not instantly attracted back onto the fiber tips
like other cleaning tools.
Today’s optical networking components requiring minimal insertion loss and back reflections demand,
quick reliable cleaning solutions. Fiber tips containing even trace amounts of debris not only suffer
from power degradation but also an increased likelihood of permanent damage when mated.
We carry a variety of solutions that make it easy to clean most fiber connector types, and in any fiber
or lens cleaning situation. The cost and performance of these cleaning tools make it an easy choice
over competitive solutions.