Short answer: Usually yes, you use them in pairs, but the “pair” can be a media converter on one end and a fiber switch (or SFP in a switch) on the other, as long as both sides speak the same speed, wavelength, and optical mode. In this article, we'll explain how to connect multiple Ethernet switches using fiber optic cables and the equipment required for this to work. Network topology refers to the way in which the links and nodes of a network are arranged in relation to each other. Made from either high-quality glass or plastic, the core plays a critical role in determining the cable's performance. The total number of cores for a 1pc fiber patch cable is calculated as the number of. I am planning to connect core switch to multiple switches using 6 strand fiber cable. which type of cnnection is resilient Star or Ring??? If I make star then do i have to use new cable to each switch or strand of a cable to patch other switch??Thanks. It usually depends on the model of the switches. For example, if you have three optical fiber access switches, you need to have three cores. (actually use a four core optical cable) This is because apart from one-core optical fiber, there are basically no optical cables with an odd number of cores, such as three-core, five-core, etc.