Hey there, fellow tech enthusiasts! As a supplier of 8F MPO OM5 Fiber Patchcords, I've seen my fair share of counterfeits in the market. It's a real headache, not just for us suppliers but also for you, the customers. In this blog, I'm gonna share some tips on how to identify a genuine 8F MPO OM5 Fiber Patchcord.
1. Check the Packaging
First things first, take a good look at the packaging. A genuine 8F MPO OM5 Fiber Patchcord usually comes in high - quality packaging. The label on the box should have clear and accurate information. It'll tell you the product model, which in this case is 8F MPO OM5. There should also be details about the manufacturer, such as the company name, address, and contact information.
If the packaging looks shoddy, with misspelled words or blurry printing, that's a big red flag. Counterfeiters often cut corners on packaging because it's an easy way to save costs. Also, check for any holograms or security seals. Reputable manufacturers use these to protect their products from being copied.
2. Examine the Connector
The connector is a crucial part of the fiber patchcord. A genuine 8F MPO OM5 connector will have a smooth finish. The pins inside the connector should be straight and evenly spaced. You can use a magnifying glass to get a better look.
The MPO connector on an 8F OM5 patchcord should have the right number of fibers. In this case, it's 8. Some counterfeits might have the wrong number of fibers, which can lead to poor performance. Also, check the color of the connector. For OM5, the connector is usually aqua - colored. If it's a different color, it might not be a genuine OM5 patchcord.
3. Look at the Cable Jacket
The cable jacket is another area where you can spot fakes. A genuine 8F MPO OM5 Fiber Patchcord will have a high - quality cable jacket. It should be flexible but not too soft. If the jacket feels brittle or too stiff, it could be a sign of a counterfeit product.
The jacket should also have markings on it. These markings will tell you important information like the fiber type (OM5), the length of the cable, and the manufacturer's logo. If the markings are missing or hard to read, that's a warning sign.
4. Test the Performance
One of the best ways to tell if a fiber patchcord is genuine is to test its performance. You can use a fiber optic tester to measure the attenuation (signal loss) of the patchcord. A genuine 8F MPO OM5 patchcord should have low attenuation within the specified range for OM5 fibers.
If the attenuation is too high, it could mean that the patchcord is either damaged or a counterfeit. You can also test the bandwidth. OM5 fibers are designed for high - speed data transmission. A genuine 8F MPO OM5 patchcord should be able to support the required bandwidth for your network.
5. Check the Documentation
When you buy a fiber patchcord, you should receive some documentation with it. This includes a product manual, test reports, and warranty information. A genuine 8F MPO OM5 Fiber Patchcord will come with detailed documentation.
The test reports should show that the patchcord has passed all the necessary quality tests. The warranty information should be clear and easy to understand. If the documentation is incomplete or seems fake, it's likely that the patchcord is also a fake.
6. Compare with a Known Genuine Product
If you have access to a known genuine 8F MPO OM5 Fiber Patchcord, you can compare the suspect patchcord with it. Look at the packaging, the connector, the cable jacket, and the performance. Any differences could indicate that the suspect patchcord is a counterfeit.
Other Related Products
If you're in the market for fiber patchcords, you might also be interested in 12F MPO OM4 Fiber Patchcord, 12F MPO OM5 Fiber Patchcord, or 12F MPO Singlemode Fiber Patchcord. These products offer different features and are suitable for various applications.
Why Choose a Genuine Product?
Using a genuine 8F MPO OM5 Fiber Patchcord is essential for the performance and reliability of your network. Counterfeit patchcords often have poor performance, which can lead to data loss, slow network speeds, and increased downtime. They can also be a safety hazard in some cases.


Genuine products are also backed by the manufacturer's warranty. If something goes wrong with your patchcord, you can get it replaced or repaired without having to worry about additional costs.
Conclusion
Identifying a genuine 8F MPO OM5 Fiber Patchcord takes a bit of effort, but it's definitely worth it. By checking the packaging, connector, cable jacket, performance, documentation, and comparing with a known genuine product, you can avoid buying counterfeits.
If you're in the market for high - quality 8F MPO OM5 Fiber Patchcords, we're here to help. We offer a wide range of fiber patchcords that are guaranteed to be genuine and of the highest quality. Whether you need a single patchcord or a large quantity for your network, we can meet your needs. Contact us today to start a purchase negotiation and take your network to the next level.
References
- Fiber Optic Association (FOA) standards on fiber patchcords
- Industry reports on counterfeit fiber optic products
