The fiber patch cord, often referred to as the fiber optic patch cable, is a short, flexible cable with connectors on both ends. These connectors, commonly SC, LC, or ST types, facilitate the connection between optical devices such as transceivers, switches, and routers. They're related, but they are not interchangeable. Mixing them up drives costs higher, increases loss, and slows your rollout. It connects one device to another, often within the same rack or across neighboring network equipment.