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How to Order Fiber Optic Cables

Cable Ordering Guide - iFiber Optix
LC DUPLEX YOUR CHOICE 01 Connector 02 Fiber Type 03 Environment 04 Furcation 05 Length & Quantity — feet, meters, or inches
01

Simplex and Duplex Cable Ordering

  • Fiber TypeChoose the appropriate fiber glass based on distance, bandwidth, and application requirements.
  • Connector SelectionSelect connector types for each end of the cable. Multiple connector styles and polish options are available.
  • Cable EnvironmentSpecify whether the cable will be used indoors, outdoors, or in an indoor/outdoor transition environment.
  • Furcation DiameterChoose the appropriate furcation size based on flexibility and routing requirements. Options include 1.2mm, 1.6mm, 1.8mm, 2.0mm, and 3.0mm.
  • Length and QuantitySpecify custom cable lengths and required quantities. Lengths may be ordered in feet, meters, or inches.
Connector Reference

Know What You're Plugging In

Side profiles. The silhouette alone tells you the ferrule size, coupling method, and what equipment it fits.

LC / UPC
Most Common
Ferrule1.25mm
PolishFlat
CouplingPush-pull latch
UseSFP, switches, DAC

The LC/UPC connector is used for:

  1. SFP and SFP+ transceiver ports on switches and servers
  2. Direct-attach links under 40G
  3. General enterprise and data center patching
LC / APC
FTTH / PON
Ferrule1.25mm
Polish8° angled
CouplingPush-pull latch
UseGPON, ONT, OLT

The LC/APC connector is used for:

  1. OLT and ONT connections in PON deployments
  2. FTTH and FTTx last-mile builds
  3. Long single-mode runs where back reflection matters
SC / UPC
Legacy Standard
Ferrule2.5mm
PolishFlat
CouplingPush-pull snap
UseLegacy switches

The SC/UPC connector is used for:

  1. Legacy switches and patch panels
  2. Equipment upgrades and retrofits
  3. Telecom gear built before LC became standard
MTP / MPO
High Density
Fibers12 or 24
PolishUPC or APC
CouplingPush-pull with key
Use100G/400G data center

The MTP/MPO connector is used for:

  1. 40G, 100G, and 400G breakout
  2. High-density trunks carrying 12 or 24 fibers
  3. Data center cross-connects between rows
ST
Legacy Multimode
Ferrule2.5mm
PolishFlat
CouplingBayonet twist-lock
UseOlder LAN, security/CCTV

The ST connector is used for:

  1. Older campus LAN backbones
  2. Security camera and CCTV runs
  3. Vibration-prone mounting points
FC
High Vibration
Ferrule2.5mm
PolishFlat or angled
CouplingThreaded screw-on
UseTest equipment, telco

The FC connector is used for:

  1. Test and lab instrumentation
  2. Older telco central office equipment
  3. High-vibration paths needing a threaded lock
SC / APC
High Power / CATV
Ferrule2.5mm
Polish8° angled
CouplingPush-pull snap
UseCATV, RF-over-fiber

The SC/APC connector is used for:

  1. CATV and RF-over-fiber links
  2. High-power laser connections
  3. SC-footprint equipment needing APC's low back reflection
MDC
Ultra High Density
Ferrule1.25mm ×2
PolishUPC or APC
CouplingPush-pull boot
UseQSFP/SFP breakout

The MDC connector is used for:

  1. Next-gen QSFP and SFP breakout panels
  2. Ultra-high-density patch panels
  3. Builds where panel space is the limiting factor
UPC — Flat
Straight end face. Blue housing on SC/FC. Standard for most data and enterprise links.
APC — 8° Angled
Angled end face. Always green housing. Standard for PON and FTTH — lower back reflection.
UPC connectors have a flat polished end face. APC connectors always have a green housing and an 8 degree angled end face. Never mate UPC to APC — the angled face will permanently scratch a flat ferrule.
NEW

The Importance of Certifications

In fiber optics, performance is measured in microns. Certifications ensure that every assembly meets rigorous international standards for safety, material quality, and environmental compliance. Choosing certified products protects your network from downtime and ensures long-term reliability.

Standardization Guarantees that connectors and glass meet TAA and ISO 9001:2015 criteria for global interoperability.
Safety First Our cables meet UL and RoHS standards, ensuring flame-retardant materials and zero hazardous substances.
Verified Performance Every certified cable undergoes rigorous testing for insertion and return loss before leaving our lab.
02

Multifiber Cable Ordering

Multifiber cables offer extensive configuration flexibility and are commonly used in high-density data center and telecom environments.

  • Fiber CountAvailable in a wide range of fiber counts, from low-density builds to extremely high-density configurations.
  • Connector and Interface OptionsMultifiber connectors, breakout assemblies, and hybrid configurations are available.
  • Furcation and Breakout StylesSelect sizes and lengths to support routing, protection, and termination requirements.
  • Cable ConstructionDesigns include tight buffer, loose tube, ribbon, armored, mini-armor, and flat drop.
  • Application EnvironmentSpecify indoor, indoor/outdoor, or outdoor-rated constructions.
  • Length and Packaging OptionsCustom lengths with optional spooling, pulling eyes, and labeling.
03

Cassette Ordering

Cassettes house the splice or connector transition inside a chassis. Getting the configuration right up front avoids a field swap later.

  • Cassette TypeSplice cassette, MTP cassette, or 40G HD cassette, depending on whether the transition point is a fusion splice or a factory connector.
  • Fiber / Port CountMatch the cassette's port count to the trunk or breakout it will terminate.
  • Adapter and PolishFront-panel adapters are available in LC, SC, or MTP, in UPC or APC polish.
  • Loading ConfigurationChoose factory pre-loaded and terminated, or unloaded for field termination.
  • Chassis CompatibilityConfirm LGX footprint or rack unit sizing against the chassis it will slide into.
  • Quantity and LabelingSpecify quantity and any port labeling or color-coding requirements.