Pigtails for use in terminal box, connect the fiber optic cable through the terminal box coupler (adapter) to connect pigtails and fiber patch cables. Fiber Optic Patch Cable: Its two ends are both active joints. You plug it into a switch, router, or patch panel. Mixing them up drives costs higher, increases loss, and slows your rollout. Field-terminating connectors is a meticulous, high-pressure process where even a tiny mistake can force you to cut the fiber and start all over again. The most efficient way to terminate a. Installing fiber optic pigtails correctly is essential for ensuring low signal loss and long-term reliability.