Unlike a patch cord, which has connectors on both ends, a pigtail features a factory-installed connector on one end and un-terminated fiber on the other. This unique design allows for a highly reliable and precise connection to be made through fusion or mechanical splicing. Executive Summary: A fiber optic pigtail is one of the most commonly specified yet least understood components in structured cabling. Get the wrong connector type, the wrong polish, or skip proper fusion splicing technique—and you're looking at elevated signal loss, increased back reflection, and a. Fiber pigtails are simple in appearance, yet essential in function. The connector end can be linked directly to network equipment, while the exposed end can be spliced to another fiber optic cable.