A patch cord typically costs between $5 and $15 depending on length and connector type. Patch Cord: What's the Difference? You can cut a patch cord in half to make two pigtails. But factory-made pigtails still offer better long-term reliability. Fiber Type Singlemode. 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. The good news? Once you nail. The difference between patch cords, trunk cables, and pigtails is not just terminology — each serves a distinct role in installation, testing, maintenance, and cost management. SC Connectors: Square-shaped (2. What Is a Fiber Optic Patch Cord? A.