An ODC-4 fiber cable is a hardened outdoor patch cord carrying 4 fibers — two duplex links, or one link plus a protected path — in the sealed ODC connector interface. It connects multi-band and dual-carrier radios, protects fronthaul links, and lets one tower run carry two services. ODC® is a registered trademark of HUBER+SUHNER; BWNFiber manufactures ODC-compatible 4-core assemblies.
One rule governs this family: the equipment port decides. A 4-core cable belongs on a 4-fiber port — never on a 2-fiber port “for future capacity.” The port-count method in ODC-2 vs ODC-4 walks through the decision. For the series-level view across ODC-2, ODC-4 and custom builds, see the ODC fiber cable series page. Send your port map for a matched build sheet →
ODC-4 family variants
| Variant | Form | Typical role | Product page |
|---|---|---|---|
| ODC-4C-ME (FTTA) | Confirm against the approved build sheet | 4-fiber FTTA radio links | ODC-4C-ME product page |
| ODC-4C-MP | Cable plug, 4F | Outdoor cable-plug jumpers | ODC-4C-MP product page |
| ODC-4C-FSS | Panel-mount socket, 4F | Panel/bulkhead mounting | ODC-4C-FSS product page |
| ODC-4C-FSH | Panel-mount socket, 4F | Panel/bulkhead mounting | ODC-4C-FSH product page |
| ODC 2C/4C configurable jumper | Plug or socket, 4F build | Any end combination (ODC, LC, FC, SC, ST, E2000) | ODC 2C/4C jumper product page |
Specifications (family-typical)
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Fiber count | 4 (2 × duplex, or 1 duplex + protection) |
| Ferrule | 4 × 1.25 mm ceramic (interface-family typical) |
| Insertion loss | ≤0.3 dB per mated pair (family acceptance limit, aligned with the live SKU pages) |
| Return loss | ≥55 dB UPC / ≥60 dB APC (SM) |
| Ingress protection | IP67/IP68 mated (version-dependent); cap required unmated |
| Operating temperature | −20 °C to +70 °C standard builds (aligned with the live SKU pages); extended −40 °C to +85 °C builds available on request |
| Coupling | Threaded screw lock |
| Housing | Nickel-plated metal |
| Mating durability | ≥500 cycles (live SKU page) |
| Fiber options | OS2 ITU-T G.657.A1/A2 single-mode; OM1–OM4 multimode. For tower runs, G.657.A2 is the usual pick — the tighter bend radius (7.5 mm vs 10 mm for A1) tolerates routing inside compact enclosures |
| Jacket options | TPU, LSZH, PE; armored builds |
| Cable OD | ~5.0–5.5 mm standard |
| Referenced standards | IEC 61753-1 (outdoor performance) and IEC 61300 test methods are the references buyers commonly cite for this interface family |
| Length | Built to order, per-unit IL/RL test record included |
The spec ranges above are family-typical and industry-typical references for quotation planning, for reference only and not a guarantee. The individual product page and the per-unit test record govern for each shipped assembly. Request the full ODC-4 specification sheet →
Built to your port map
On a 4-fiber port, the equipment datasheet assigns the four fiber positions to link 1 Tx/Rx and link 2 Tx/Rx. The jumper must be built — and labeled — to that assignment; a jumper built without it can mate perfectly and still leave one link unlit at turn-up. The decision logic behind port count is covered in ODC-2 vs ODC-4; how the map carries onto breakout legs is covered on the ODC to LC page.
When you request an ODC-4 quote, attach the port pin assignment from the radio or enclosure documentation — a datasheet excerpt or a photo of the port label both work. BWNFiber builds, labels, and tests each assembly to the supplied map as standard practice .
How to send the RFQ in four steps:
- Find the 4-fiber port on the radio or enclosure and copy its pin assignment (link 1 Tx/Rx, link 2 Tx/Rx).
- Note the far-end breakout (2 × duplex LC, SC, FC, ST, E2000, or straight ODC-4), the fiber type, jacket, and required length per leg.
- Send the pin assignment, equipment model, or a clear photo of the port label with your RFQ. For first-time orders, request a sample assembly and verify the port map and insertion loss on site before the production run.
- BWNFiber returns a matched build sheet with per-unit test documentation and pricing.
End configurations
- ODC-4 to ODC-4 — outdoor consolidation links and panel feeds; gender and extension builds are on the ODC to ODC page
- ODC-4 to 2 × duplex LC — the standard breakout: four LC legs (often listed as a 4xLC fanout) feeding two BBU/DU ports or two radios, with leg lengths and UPC/APC polish set per build; breakout practice is on the ODC to LC page
- ODC-4 to SC / FC / ST / E2000 — legacy transport equipment still in service, built as duplex breakouts
- ODC-4 to other hardened families — see the custom ODC cable assembly page
What a per-unit ODC-4 test record shows
Every ODC-4 assembly ships with its own test record . For a 4-core build, the record should show:
- Insertion loss and return loss for each of the 4 fiber positions, not a single averaged number
- The port-map labels applied at both ends (link 1 / link 2 positions)
- Polish type per end (UPC or APC) and the test wavelengths (1310/1550 nm for single-mode)
- A serial or batch reference that matches the cable label
Specify this record format in the technical annex of the PO. It is the difference between accepting a shipment on evidence and accepting it on a datasheet. Where the project specification requires them, salt-mist and vibration test references (IEC 61300 series) should be requested the same way.
Where ODC-4 cables are deployed
- Multi-band / dual-carrier radios — two duplex services presented on one 4-fiber port, common in 5G capacity upgrades
- 1+1 protected fronthaul — two fibers carrying the same signal simultaneously; if one path fails, the other carries the traffic without interruption
- Tower cable consolidation — one 4-core run replacing two 2-core runs where ladder space is constrained
- Compact outdoor distribution — one ODC-4 feed breaking out to two duplex services at a cabinet
Where two links need independent serviceability — disconnect one, keep the other live — two ODC-2 jumpers may still be the better architecture; the trade-off is covered in the ODC-2 vs ODC-4 comparison. For the full 7-step selection framework across the series, see the ODC fiber patch cable guide.
Looking for Q-ODC-24 instead?
Searchers sometimes mean Q-ODC-24 — the 24-fiber push-pull interface from the same trademark holder (HUBER+SUHNER Q-ODC), built on MT ferrules rather than individual ceramic ferrules. It is a different, mechanically incompatible interface. If your port is push-pull or your link counts fibers in the dozens, read ODC vs Q-ODC first.
Frequently asked questions about ODC-4 fiber cables
What is an ODC-4 connector?
The 4-fiber member of the ODC hardened outdoor connector family: two duplex links (or one link plus protection) in a sealed, metal-housed, threaded-coupling interface rated IP67/IP68 when mated. ODC® is a HUBER+SUHNER trademark; compatible versions are widely manufactured.
What is the difference between ODC-4, ODC 4C, and ODC 4 core?
Nothing — ODC-4, ODC 4C, ODC 4-core, and ODC 4-fiber are four spellings of the same 4-fiber variant.
Can an ODC-4 cable carry two independent duplex links?
Yes — that is its primary role. The port map in the equipment datasheet defines which fiber positions belong to each link, and the jumper is built and labeled to match.
Is an ODC-4 breakout the same as a fanout?
Yes — a 4-fiber ODC assembly that fans out at the far end, typically to 2 × duplex LC (four LC legs, often listed as a 4xLC fanout), so one sealed outdoor connection feeds two indoor equipment ports. Leg length, polish, and labeling are specified per build; configurations are on the ODC to LC page.
What insertion loss should an ODC-4 assembly meet?
The family acceptance limit is ≤0.3 dB per mated pair, with industry-typical single-mode values around 0.25 dB; return loss is ≥55 dB for UPC and ≥60 dB for APC. Treat catalog limits as the ceiling — accept each shipment on its per-unit test record, not on the datasheet .
Is ODC-4 waterproof?
The mated pair is rated IP67 or IP68 depending on version; unmated connectors require the protective cap.
Can one ODC-4 replace two ODC-2 jumpers?
Often, yes — when both duplex links terminate at the same site and share a maintenance window: one mating, one seal, one run. The full trade-off (cost per link, serviceability, failure domain) is covered in ODC-2 vs ODC-4.
How many times can an ODC-4 connector be mated?
Industry-typical ratings are ≥500 mating cycles for this interface family . Cycles are consumed mainly during testing and maintenance, so cleaning and inspection practice matters more than the raw number.
What fiber and jacket options exist?
OS2 single-mode is the tower default: G.657.A2 bend-insensitive fiber (7.5 mm minimum bend radius) tolerates tight routing inside enclosures, while A1 (10 mm) suits straighter runs. Multimode OM3/OM4 is for short-reach data-center interconnects, not tower fronthaul. Jackets are TPU, LSZH, or PE; armored variants add rodent and crush resistance for ground runs.
How do I order an ODC-4 cable with the right port mapping?
Send the equipment model or port pin assignment with your RFQ. BWNFiber builds, labels, and tests to the supplied map. Start your RFQ →
Comparing ODC-4 suppliers
Before sending the RFQ, qualify the supplier on three points:
- Port-map discipline — do they ask for the equipment pin assignment before quoting, or do they quote a generic 4-core cable? A supplier who does not ask for the port map will ship one.
- Test evidence per unit — do they provide per-position IL/RL for all 4 fibers, or a single averaged number? The record format in the acceptance section above is the baseline.
- Build-to-order capability — can they build to your breakout (2 × duplex LC, SC, FC, ST, E2000), jacket, and length, or do they only stock fixed SKUs?
BWNFiber builds ODC-4 assemblies to order with in-house termination and test — every build is mapped, labeled, and tested to the supplied port assignment, with per-unit IL/RL records. Custom breakouts, jackets, and lengths are standard practice; OEM/ODM programs are supported for project volumes .
Request your ODC-4 configuration
Send the equipment port (datasheet or photo), port map, far-end breakout, fiber type, jacket, length, and quantity. BWNFiber is an ODC-compatible manufacturer with in-house assembly and test capability — every order includes a matched build sheet, per-unit test documentation, and pricing.
For procurement teams: share your target quantity and we will quote the MOQ, lead time, and sample availability that match your project window . Standard ODC-4 assemblies carry a quality warranty against material and workmanship defects; warranty duration and scope are confirmed per order . Start your RFQ →
