Though fiber optic patch cord is a preferable option in a network, it also has the potential to be the weakest link in fiber network infrastructures. So it is very essential to follow correct procedures in administration of fiber patch cords to achieve optimum performance and reliability. Best practice in managing patch cords can be divided into four parts: planning, preparation, patching, and validation. This post will talk about fiber jumper management from these four aspects.

1. WHITE PAPER
Fiberstore White Paper | Guide to Fiber Optic Patch Cord Management 1
Though fiber optic patch cord is a preferable option in a network, it also has the potential to be the
weakest link in fiber network infrastructures. So it is very essential to follow correct procedures in
administration of fiber patch cords to achieve optimum performance and reliability. Best practice in
managing patch cords can be divided into four parts: planning, preparation, patching, and validation.
This post will talk about fiber jumper management from these four aspects.
Planning
A good plan is half the success. Make sure you know the specifications and design of your fiber
cabling. Fiber patch cords you choose must match the installed cabling. Do not mix them.
Color-coding of connectors for different fiber standards make it easy to avoid confusion. First you
need to find the best route between the ports to be connected to establish the correct cord length.
This is usually the shortest route through horizontal and vertical cable guides that does not obstruct
or interfere with other cords and connectors in the panel. By adding the horizontal and vertical
distances, you get the required length. Avoid running cords through cable pathways that are already
congested.
When selecting a cord to make a cross connection, avoid excessive slack and provide a neat
appearance. Tight cords will pull on connectors and too much slack complicates cord management,
making the panel more difficult to work on. Ensure that panels are fitted with correct cable
management accessories. In general, a horizontal patch cord management guide is needed for every
two rack units, depending on the type of optical patch panel or lightguide interconnect unit (LIU). At
the optical patch panel or LIU, route patch cords equally toward both sides of the vertical cable
management channels to prevent overloading one side.
Guide to Fiber Optic Patch
Cord Management

2. WHITE PAPER
Fiberstore White Paper | Guide to Fiber Optic Patch Cord Management 2
Preparation
Before performing administration activities, preparation is critical. It can minimize disconnect time
as much as possible. What preparation needs to be done? Locate the ports that must be connected
or reconnected. Ensure technicians have clear information on what they need to do, including
labeling information for the ports involved. Ensure cords are of the right type and quality, whether
an MPO cable or a LC fiber cable or other connector types, and that they are clean and in good
condition. Cleanliness is vital in fiber optic connections so special care is needed with connector
ends on patch cords, panels and network equipment.
Patching
During the patching process, be careful not to use excessive force during the patching process,
which can stress cords and connectors, reducing their performance. And exceeding the bend radius
can result in significant additional loss and adverse impact on channel performance. Patching
includes removing a patch cord and adding a patch cord. Steps in removing and adding cords:
Removing a patch cord
 1. locate the existing circuit
 2. unplug the patch cord at one end and cover the connector endface with a dust cap
 3. cover the open port with a dust cover
 4. gently lift the cord straight up, taking up slack until its movement is detected
 5. follow the cord routing, gently removing it along its length from the cable pathways
 6. find the other end and unplug it
 7. fully remove the cord
Adding a patch cord
 1. identify the location of the new circuit
 2. plug one end of the patch cord into the fiber coupling
 3. route the patch cord
 4. locate the new connecting point
 5. plug the other end of the patch cord into the fiber coupling
Validation
Patching must be right since mistakes can cause costly disruption and re-work. It is totally necessary
and important to take some time to make a final visual check on connections. When patch panels
are mounted in enclosures, ensure they are securely closed and, where necessary, locked, making
sure that cord slack is not snagged or pinched by the doors. The final step is to update the
documentation to the as-built configuration and close the work order associated with the
completed change request.

3. WHITE PAPER
Fiberstore White Paper | Guide to Fiber Optic Patch Cord Management 3
Summary
To sum up, a good fiber cabling management depends on the four aspects above. A right plan, well
preparation, careful patching and at last, a thorough validation, all these add up to a successful
cable management. You need to make sure that every procedure is properly implemented.
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Notice: This document is for informational purposes only and does not set forth any warranty, expressed or
implied, concerning any equipment, equipment features, or service offered or to be offered by Fiberstore.
Fiberstore reserves the right to make changes to this document at any time, without notice, and assumes no
responsibility for its use. This information document describes features that may not be currently available.
Contact a Fiberstore sales team for information on feature and product availability.
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