ODC FullAXS LC Outdoor Patch Cord

A:​ An LC patch cord​ (also called an LC fiber optic jumper) is a short fiber optic cable with LC (Lucent Connector) connectors on one or both ends. LC connectors feature a 1.25mm ceramic ferrule and a push-pull latching mechanism, making them the most compact standard single-mode and multimode connector type. They are used to interconnect fiber optic equipment such as SFP transceivers, patch panels, ODF frames, fiber switches, and outdoor wireless infrastructure (RRH/BBU in 5G/LTE networks). The ODC FullAXS LC variant adds an IP67-rated ODC connector on one end for direct outdoor base station connectivity.

A:​ UPC (Ultra Physical Contact)​ has a flat or slightly convex polished end-face, producing a return loss of ≥50dB. It is the standard choice for most data network applications, active equipment connections, and FTTA base station links. APC (Angled Physical Contact)​ has an 8° angled polish that achieves ≥60dB return loss by deflecting backreflections away from the fiber core - critical for high-gain analog CATV, DWDM, and any system sensitive to optical reflection noise. APC connectors are identifiable by their green housing. For 5G CPRI/eCPRI connections, UPC is generally sufficient; for DWDM or analog video overlay, specify APC.

A:​ The ODC (Optical Dense Connector)​ is a standardized outdoor fiber connector defined under IEC 61754-16, designed specifically for harsh-environment applications. It features a circular threaded locking mechanism that provides a vibration-resistant, weatherproof connection rated to IP67 when mated. ODC connectors are widely used as the outdoor bulkhead interface at the base of antenna masts (in RRH tower-top units) and in small cell enclosures. The ODC to FullAXS LC configuration used in this cable connects the outdoor antenna-side ODC port directly to an equipment-room LC termination panel.

A:​ IP67 is an ingress protection rating defined by IEC 60529. The "6" means the connector is fully dustproof (no ingress). The "7" means it can withstand temporary water immersion to 1 meter depth for up to 30 minutes without water entering the mated interface. For outdoor fiber patch cords, IP67 means the cable assembly can be installed in exposed outdoor environments - rain, humidity, washdowns - without additional weatherproofing enclosures or boots. Note: IP67 applies to the mated connector pair; unmated connectors must be protected with dust caps (included with every Glory Optical shipment).

A:​ FTTA (Fiber-to-the-Antenna)​ is an architecture where the optical fiber connection runs from the baseband unit (BBU) all the way to the Remote Radio Head (RRH) mounted at the top of the antenna mast, replacing traditional coaxial feeder cables. FTTA reduces signal loss, weight, and cost at the tower. The interconnect cable between the outdoor RRH and the cable trough or junction box typically uses a ruggedized ODC or ODVA to LC/SC patch cord​ with IP67 rating and an armored TPU jacket. FullAXS-interface cables may also be required at the RRU port side to connect directly to SFP slots.

A:​ G.652D​ is the standard single-mode fiber with a minimum bending radius of ~30mm. It is used in most long-haul and campus trunk cables. G.657A​ (specifically G.657A2) is a bend-insensitive single-mode fiber that tolerates much tighter bends - down to 7.5mm radius - without measurable signal loss. For patch cords routed through conduit, cable trays, or tight spaces around antenna mast hardware, G.657A is strongly preferred to eliminate bending-induced attenuation. G.657A fiber is backward-compatible with G.652D systems (same core size), so it can be spliced and connected interchangeably.

A:​ Yes - Glory Optical manufactures LC patch cords in any length from 0.5m to 200m. Standard lengths (1m, 2m, 3m, 5m, 10m, 15m, 20m) ship from inventory. Custom lengths are produced to order with a lead time of 10–15 days. Our standard MOQ is 50 pieces. We also provide free samples​ (typically 2–3 pcs of your specified configuration) for testing and qualification before placing a production order. Contact our sales team with your connector types, fiber spec, length, and any custom labeling or color requirements.

A:​ The key acceptance tests for a fiber patch cord are: (1) Insertion loss measurement​ using an optical power meter and source (should be ≤0.3dB per connector); (2) Return loss measurement​ with an OTDR or optical return loss meter (should be ≥50dB for UPC); (3) End-face inspection​ using a fiber scope or interferometer (check for scratches, pits, contamination on the polished ferrule face); (4) Visual inspection of jacket​ for continuity, marking, and jacket integrity. Glory Optical ships every patch cord with a factory-generated test record showing the exact measured IL and RL values for each connector end.