When you build or upgrade a fiber network, the same four words pop up everywhere— fiber optic (bare fiber), pigtail, patch cord, optical cable. They're related, but they are not interchangeable. Mixing them up drives costs higher, increases loss, and slows your rollout. Patch cables, also known as patch cords, are typically used to connect end devices to power sources or network ports. They are flexible, short cables with connectors at both ends.