IBM jumper cables

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IBM® provides both single mode (yellow) and multimode (orange or aqua) jumper cables, which attach either between two devices or between a device and a distribution panel.

Note: Single Mode and multimode cables cannot coexist in the same fiber optic channel link. Additionally, we recommend that multimode cables of different core sizes (62.5μm and 50μm,) should not coexist in the same link. See Mode Conditioning Patch cable (MCP).

The elements in an IBM duplex cable (Figure 1) consist of two tight-buffered optical fibers (core and cladding) surrounded by a strength member, all of which are encased in a common flexible jacket. Duplex cables for coupling facility channels are similar, see Figure 2, except that they are not encased in a single jacket. Both single mode and multimode jumper cables have a cladding diameter of 125 μm. single mode cable has a mode field diameter (MFD) of about 9 μm; multimode cable has a core diameter of 62.5 μm or 50.0 μm.

Figure 1. IBM Duplex Jumper Cable Elements
IBM Duplex Jumper Cable Elements
Figure 2. Coupling Facility jumper cable elements. (Jumper cables which use FICON/FCP SC duplex connectors.)
Coupling Facility jumper cable elements. (Jumper cables which use FICON/FCP SC duplex connectors.)

All IBM jumper cables have a duplex connector on one end, which attaches to a FICON®-capable device, or coupling facility channel. Attaching a jumper cable to a distribution panel, however, could require jumper cables with other connector types (Optical cable connectors). IBM offers these jumper cables:

  • Single Mode and multimode applications:
    • Duplex-to-duplex jumper cables have an IBM duplex connector on both ends
    • Duplex-to-duplex jumper cables have an SC Duplex connector on both ends
    • Duplex-to-duplex jumper cables have an LC Duplex connector on both ends
    • Duplex-to-duplex jumper cable conversion kits:
      • IBM duplex receptacle on one end and an SC Duplex connector on the other end
      • An LC Duplex connector on one end and a SC Duplex receptacle on the other end
  • Multimode applications only:
    • Duplex-to-ST jumper cables have a pair of color-coded, physical-contact ST connectors on one end.
    • Duplex-to-FC jumper cables have a pair of color-coded, physical-contact FC connectors on one end
    • Duplex-to-unterminated jumper cables have an unterminated end (no connector) that allows the attachment of any connector type
    • Duplex-to-duplex jumper cables with female MT–RJ on both ends
    • Duplex-to-duplex jumper cables with male MT–RJ on both ends