Fiber jumpers are clearly defined components in the international standard for structured cabling ISO/IEC 11801. Due to the many different network protocols developed over the past 25 years, a wide range of connectors has emerged. Some of them remain important today: LC, SC, E2000, and MPO/MTP.

Fiber jumpers (patch cables) are defined according to the structured cabling standard as the shortest connection between a passive interface and an active device port. The performance rating, known as category, as well as the performance of the entire transmission channel, known as link class, are important. Similar terms for patch cables include connection cables, waste cables, adapter cables, connection lines, and jumpers.