An ODC to LC fiber patch cable (also sold as an ODC to LC jumper or ODC to LC cable assembly) is a hybrid jumper with a hardened ODC connector on the outdoor end and standard duplex LC connectors on the indoor end. The ODC end mates with the radio (RRU/RRH) or an enclosure port at the tower top; the LC end plugs into the BBU/DU, ODF, or cabinet patch field below: the classic FTTA fronthaul build. ODC® is a registered trademark of HUBER+SUHNER; BWNFiber manufactures ODC-compatible assemblies.
This combination exists because the two ends live in different worlds: the tower-top port needs a sealed, threaded, weatherproof interface, while the indoor equipment uses ordinary LC ports. One factory-terminated cable replaces what would otherwise require an outdoor splice or a field-installed connector on a ladder.
Configuration matrix
Every ODC-to-LC assembly is a build sheet of six choices:
| Choice | Options | How to decide |
|---|---|---|
| ODC gender | Plug or socket | Match what the equipment port presents (radios usually present a socket → cable carries a plug) |
| Fiber count | ODC-2 (1 duplex) / ODC-4 (2 duplex) | Count duplex links on the port (see ODC-2 vs ODC-4); family detail on the ODC-2 and ODC-4 pages |
| LC form | 1 × duplex LC / 2 × duplex LC breakout | ODC-2 → single duplex LC; ODC-4 → two duplex LC legs |
| LC polish | UPC or APC | Match the indoor equipment and link budget; never mix UPC and APC on one link |
| Fiber | OS2 G.657.A1/A2 (default) / OM3/OM4 | Single-mode for tower links; bend-insensitive grade for tight routing |
| Jacket & length | TPU / LSZH / PE; built to measured length | TPU for tower runs; LSZH (low smoke zero halogen) where the cable enters occupied space; PE for duct sections. Outdoor builds use UV-stabilized black jackets |
UPC or APC: the decision that cannot be undone later
LC/UPC (blue) and LC/APC (green) are not interchangeable. An APC connector mated to a UPC port leaves an air gap at the angled end face, so loss jumps and end faces can be damaged. The rule is simple: match the polish already in the link. Most RRU-to-BBU fronthaul links run UPC; PON-derived transport and some carrier specifications call for APC for its higher return loss (≥60 dB vs ≥50 dB typical). If the OLT-side or transport-side specification says APC, the whole jumper, ODC end included, is built APC. Regional practice differs: European and Asian carrier transport networks often standardize on APC, while North American fronthaul is predominantly UPC, so a port photo beats habit.
| Aspect | UPC | APC |
|---|---|---|
| End face | Domed PC polish | 8° angled polish |
| Body color | Blue | Green |
| Return loss (SM, typical) | ≥50 dB | ≥60 dB |
| Typical role | RRU-to-BBU fronthaul, data center patching | PON transport, FTTx, high-return-loss carrier specs |
Three ways to confirm the polish before ordering:
- Check the link specification. Fronthaul default is UPC; transport specifications that demand high return loss usually say APC explicitly.
- Photograph the existing port. Blue connector body usually means UPC, green means APC, on both the radio end and the patch field.
- State the polish on the RFQ. The factory builds and tests the whole assembly, ODC end included, to the stated polish. “Same as the old cable” is not a specification.
If the photos leave any doubt, send them with your RFQ: the polish gets confirmed on the build sheet before production, not discovered on the tower.
ODC-4 to 2 × LC: the breakout build
A 4-fiber radio port feeding two duplex services takes an ODC-4 plug on one end and two duplex LC legs on the other. Three details keep this build out of trouble:
- Port mapping. The radio datasheet assigns fiber positions to link 1 and link 2; the breakout legs are labeled to that map. Send the pin assignment with your RFQ.
- Leg lengths. If the two LC destinations sit in different positions (two BBU ports, or a BBU plus a spare patch position), specify each leg length rather than accepting equal legs.
- Leg protection. Breakout legs step down from the 5 mm outdoor cable to 2.0 mm or 3.0 mm duplex cords, protected at the fanout point. The fanout lives indoors or inside the cabinet, not exposed at the tower top.
Where ODC-to-LC cables are deployed
- RRU/RRH to BBU/DU fronthaul: the dominant 4G/5G tower build, single-mode G.657.A, TPU jacket; the passive optical layer under CPRI/eCPRI traffic
- Cabinet bulkhead to ODF: ODC panel socket on the enclosure wall, LC into the patch field or central-office distribution frame
- Rooftop and pole radio links: for sites where the radio presents an ODC socket and the equipment shelter is nearby
- Small-cell and DAS head-end links: compact radios on poles or building tops feeding a nearby shelter
- Temporary and deployable links: fast mating at the outdoor end, standard LC at the shelter end
For outdoor-to-outdoor links (ODC on both ends), see the ODC to ODC page. For far ends beyond LC (SC, FC, ST, E2000, MPO, or other hardened families), see the custom ODC cable assembly page. For the whole series view, start at the ODC fiber cable pillar.
Standards and test references worth requesting
Whatever supplier you use, four references separate a verifiable assembly from a catalog promise:
- IEC 60529, the IP rating itself. IP67/IP68 applies to a mated pair (or a capped end). Ask whether the stated rating is mated-only and what the cap policy is for storage and pulling.
- IEC 61300-3-35, end-face inspection. Defines pass/fail criteria for connector end faces. Ask for per-unit inspection records, not a generic statement.
- IL/RL test records (IEC 61300 series methods). Insertion loss and return loss should be measured per unit and shipped with the assembly; for long tower runs, an OTDR trace is a reasonable extra request. Every BWNFiber ODC-to-LC assembly carries its own IL/RL test record.
- ITU-T G.657, the fiber grade. G.657.A1 and A2 differ in bend-radius tolerance; A2 survives the tighter routing common at mast tops and cabinet corners.
A note on protocols: the jumper is the passive optical layer; CPRI or eCPRI traffic runs over it. The cable does not care which protocol the radio speaks, but the link budget does care about every mated pair in the path.
Specifications (assembly-typical)
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Outdoor end | ODC plug/socket, threaded coupling, IP67/IP68 mated |
| Indoor end | Duplex LC, UPC or APC, 1 or 2 legs |
| Insertion loss | ≤0.5 dB per mated pair industry limit (SM); factory limit tighter |
| Return loss | ≥50 dB UPC / ≥60 dB APC (SM, industry-typical) |
| Fiber | OS2 G.657.A1/A2 standard; OM3/OM4 optional |
| Cable | ~5.0 mm OD, tight-buffered fibers with aramid strength members; TPU/LSZH/PE jacket; armored option; breakout legs 2.0/3.0 mm |
| Tensile rating | Aramid member, not the connector, carries the pull |
| Durability | ODC interface family rated up to 1,000 mating cycles (industry-typical) |
| Temperature | −40 °C to +85 °C (interface-typical) |
| Test documentation | Per-unit IL/RL record standard; IEC 61300-3-35 end-face report on request |
| Length | Built to order; long runs ship on reels with length marking |
Spec ranges above are assembly-typical references for configuration planning; the confirmed build sheet and the per-unit test record govern.
Installation notes that save a site visit
- Pull by the cable, never by a connector. The aramid strength member, not the connector, is built to take the tensile load. Use a pulling grip or sock over the ODC end with its cap fitted; the cap is the seal during the pull. An unmated, uncapped ODC end is not sealed; cap it until the moment of mating.
- Respect bend radius at the mast top. G.657.A2 fiber tolerates tight routing, but the cable assembly still has a minimum bend radius, so dress service loops wide and secure them against wind chafe.
- Mating torque matters. Thread the ODC coupling fully; where the connector drawing specifies a value, it is typically in the 1–2 N·m range. An under-torqued coupling is an IP rating waiting to fail. Re-check after the first temperature cycle on new installs.
- Inspect and clean before every re-mate. Any unmating for maintenance exposes the end faces; inspect them per IEC 61300-3-35 criteria before reconnecting.
- Label both ends before the pull. Once the jumper is dressed into a ladder run, identifying ends costs real time.
Frequently asked questions
What is an ODC to LC cable used for?
Connecting outdoor radio equipment (RRU/RRH) or enclosure ports to indoor LC-based equipment (BBU/DU, ODF, patch panels) with one factory-terminated jumper, the standard FTTA fronthaul build.
Is the LC end UPC or APC?
Either, since polish is a build choice. Match the polish to the existing link: UPC is the fronthaul default, APC where the transport specification requires higher return loss. The ODC end inherits the same polish.
ODC to LC or ODC to SC — which far-end connector should I choose?
Let the equipment port decide, not preference. LC dominates modern BBU/DU line cards and SFP transceivers because of density; SC appears on legacy transport equipment and older ODFs where density matters less. Both are standard builds on the same assembly platform; see the custom ODC cable assembly page for the SC option.
Can I get ODC-4 on one end and two LC duplex connectors on the other?
Yes, that is the standard 4-fiber breakout build. Provide the radio’s port map and the two leg lengths; the assembly ships labeled link 1 / link 2.
What fiber type is used in ODC to LC jumpers?
OS2 single-mode, normally bend-insensitive G.657.A1 or G.657.A2 for tower routing; standard G.652.D suits straight duct runs where bend stress is low. Multimode (OM3/OM4) builds exist for short industrial links.
How long can an ODC to LC cable be?
An ODC to LC fiber cable is built to order, from a few meters to long tower runs. Measure the route and add 3–5% service slack; the factory builds and tests to your stated length and tolerance, and long builds ship on reels.
Is an ODC to LC cable waterproof?
The ODC end is IP67/IP68-rated when mated (or capped). The LC end is an indoor connector; it belongs inside the equipment, cabinet, or shelter, protected from weather.
Can the ODC-to-LC build be armored?
Yes. An armored version (spiral steel tube under the jacket) suits ladder runs, duct pulls, and routes with crush or rodent risk. Where both ends are already protected and only the cable needs armor, an armored CPRI patch cord with standard LC ends can be the simpler build.
What is the difference between an ODC to LC patch cord and an armored CPRI patch cord?
Both serve fronthaul. The ODC-to-LC jumper has a hardened connector for direct radio-port mating; an armored CPRI patch cord uses standard LC ends with crush/rodent-resistant cable for duct and ladder runs where ports are already protected.
Do you supply the cabinet-side ODC panel socket?
Yes. Panel-mount (bulkhead) sockets pass fiber through the enclosure wall while keeping the seal at the wall. The architecture and flange options are covered on the ODC to ODC page; state the panel cutout drawing with your RFQ.
Can you build ODC to LC cables at scale with custom labeling?
Yes. Project labeling, length marking, and per-unit test reports are standard for volume orders. BWNFiber ships project-labeled ODC assemblies to operators and tower companies worldwide, and OEM/ODM builds under customer part numbers are routine. Send your configuration for a build sheet and quote.
What insertion loss should I expect?
Industry-typical limits are ≤0.5 dB per mated pair for single-mode, with typical values lower. Each BWNFiber assembly ships with its individual IL/RL test record.
Related ODC assemblies
For standard or stocked configurations, start from the ODC 2C/4C outdoor waterproof fiber jumper, the series overview page, then pick the variant that matches your build:
ODC-2 builds (one duplex link)
ODC-4 builds (two duplex links)
- ODC-4C-MP cable assembly
- ODC-4C-ME FTTA patch cord
- ODC-4C-FSS fiber patch cord
- ODC-4C-FSH outdoor fiber cord
If your port map does not match any of these variants, the configured build sheet below is the next step.
Request your ODC-to-LC configuration
Send the radio port (datasheet or photo), fiber count, polish, leg plan, jacket, length, and quantity. BWNFiber returns a configured build sheet with pricing, MOQ and lead time for the stated build, plus per-unit test documentation. For a first project or a new configuration, ask for a sample build with its test record and validate it on the live link before the volume order.
Copy this checklist straight into your inquiry:
Radio port (datasheet or port photo): ___
ODC gender needed: plug / socket
Fiber count: ODC-2 / ODC-4
LC legs: 1 x duplex / 2 x duplex breakout (leg lengths: ___)
Polish: UPC / APC
Jacket: TPU / LSZH / PE; length per run + tolerance: ___
Quantity, project labeling, reel or packaging needs: ___
