The most intuitive difference between the two is that a pigtail has a connector on only one end, while a patch cord has connectors on both ends.

Fiber Optic Patch Cord: Also known as a fiber optic connector, it has connectors on both ends. Similar to coaxial cables but without the mesh shielding layer, it is used for patch cord connections from equipment to fiber optic wiring. Generally used for connecting optical transceivers to terminal boxes.

Several types of fiber optic patch cords commonly used in network engineering include:

1. FC Type Fiber Optic Patch Cord: The external reinforcement method uses a metal sleeve, and the fastening method is a screw thread. Generally used on the ODF side. (Mostly used in patch panels)

2. SC Fiber Optic Patch Cord: The connector housing for connecting GBIC optical modules is rectangular, and the fastening method is a push-pull latch, requiring no rotation. (Most commonly used in routers and switches)

3. ST Type Fiber Optic Patch Cord: Often used in fiber optic patch panels, the housing is round, and the fastening method is a bayonet-style twist lock. (For 10Base-F connections, the connector is usually ST type. Commonly used in fiber optic patch panels)

4. LC Fiber Optic Patch Cord: The connector for SFP modules uses a modular jack (RJ) latch mechanism, making operation convenient. (Commonly used in routers)

Fiber Optic Pigtail: Also known as a pigtail wire, one end has a connector, and the other end is the broken end of the optical fiber cable core. Mainly used to connect optical cables and fiber optic transceivers (couplers, patch cords, etc.). Generally found in fiber optic terminal boxes, it is connected to other optical fiber cable cores via splicing, which can simplify the installation and maintenance of cable systems.

Types of Fiber Optic Pigtails

Pigtails are generally divided into single-mode pigtails and multi-mode pigtails. Single-mode pigtails have wavelengths of 1310nm and 1550nm, with transmission distances of 10km and 40km respectively; multi-mode pigtails have a wavelength of 850nm, with a transmission distance of 500m, used for short-distance interconnections. Fast interconnections. (FS) Pigtails all use precision ceramic ferrules, with strong compression and tensile resistance, complying with Telcordia and EIA/TIA standards.