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Fiber Optic Connector Types Explained | FiberCablesDirect
Types of Fiber Optic Connectors and Their Uses
There are many different connectors for fiber optic cable. Also called terminations, these connectors hold a connection between two fiber cables. Because there are many different applications for fiber optic cabling, and cable types, there are multiple fiber connector types.
What is a Fiber Optic Connector?
Fiber optic connectors are an essential component of any fiber optic network, allowing for the connection and transmission of optical signals between devices. But with so many different types of fiber optic connectors available, it can be difficult to know which one is right for your specific needs. On this page, we'll compare the different types of fiber optic connectors, including their unique features, advantages, and disadvantages.
What is Fiber Optic Cable Used For?
Fiber optic cable is used to transmit data using light over long distances. It is commonly used in telecommunications, internet service, and cable television to provide high-speed, high-capacity connections. It is also used in medical and industrial equipment, military communications, and in some transportation systems. Because it uses light to transmit data, it is less susceptible to interference and can transmit data much faster and over longer distances than traditional copper cables.
Types of Fiber Connectors
Different fiber connectors are needed to ensure compatibility and efficiency in various applications. Each type of connector has its own unique characteristics, such as physical size, insertion loss, and connector durability. Factors to consider when choosing a connector include: insertion loss, return loss, connector durability, and ease of use, as well as the cost of the connector and the equipment it will be used with.
The most common type of fiber optic connector is the SC connector. It is a popular choice in telecommunications networks and is known for its push-pull latching mechanism, which makes it easy to install and use. Because it is the most common type, we’ll start there!
SC Fiber Connector (Subscriber Connectors)
The first type of fiber optic connector is the SC connector. The SC connector, or "Subscriber Connector," was developed as an alternative to the ST connector and features a push-pull locking mechanism. It has a 2.5mm ferrule and is available in both single-mode and multi-mode versions. The SC connector is a popular choice for its ease of use and quick installation, making it a good option for applications where fast deployment is important. The connector is also durable and has low insertion loss, making it a reliable choice for high-speed data transmission.
Some key features of SC connectors include:
• Push-pull latching mechanism: SC connectors use a push-pull latching mechanism, which makes them easy to install and use. This mechanism securely locks the connector in place, ensuring a stable connection.
• Low insertion loss: SC connectors have low insertion loss, typically less than 0.5 dB, which is important for maintaining signal integrity over long distances.
• Durable: SC connectors are designed to be durable and can withstand frequent connection and disconnection.
• Compatibility: SC connectors are compatible with a wide range of equipment, making them a versatile choice for different applications.
We carry SC fiber optic cables in singlemode and multimode duplex across all modalities: OM1, OM2, OM3, OM4, & OS2. Choose from our OFNR, OFNP, SC to SC, SC to ST, and SC to LC indoor or outdoor SC fiber patch cables.
LC Fiber Connector (Lucent Connectors)
The second type of fiber optic connector is the LC connector. The LC connector, or "Lucent Connector," is a small and compact connector that features a latch-style locking mechanism. It has a 1.25mm ferrule and is available in both single-mode and multi-mode versions. The LC connector is a popular choice for its compact size and high-density design, making it a good option for applications where space is limited.
Some key features of LC connectors include:
• Small form-factor: LC connectors are small in size, which makes them easy to handle and install. This makes them suitable for high-density applications such as data centers.
• Clip-locking mechanism: LC connectors use a clip-locking mechanism to secure the connector in place, which ensures a stable connection.
• Low insertion loss: LC connectors have low insertion loss, typically less than 0.5 dB, which is important for maintaining signal integrity over long distances.
• Compatibility: LC connectors are mainly used in data center and enterprise networks, but they are also compatible with other equipment.
We carry LC fiber optic cables in singlemode and multimode duplex across all modalities: OM1, OM2, OM3, OM4, and OS2. Choose from OFNR riser rated, OFNP plenum rated, indoor or outdoor and bend insensitive fiber optic patch cables.
LC vs SC Fiber Connectors
Similarities:
• Both LC and SC connectors use a ceramic ferrule to align and secure the fiber in the connector.
• Both connectors have a similar insertion loss, typically less than 0.5 dB.
• Both connectors can be used in single mode and multimode fiber optic cables.
Differences:
• Size: LC connectors are smaller in size compared to SC connectors.
• Latching mechanism: SC connectors use a push-pull latching mechanism, whereas LC connectors use a clip-locking mechanism to secure the connector in place.
• Compatibility: SC connectors are compatible with a wide range of equipment, whereas LC connectors are mainly used in data center and enterprise networks.
• Cable Diameter: SC connectors are designed to work with cables with a diameter of 2.5mm or 3.0mm, while LC connectors are designed to work with cables with a diameter of 0.9mm or 1.6mm.
In summary, LC connectors are smaller and easier to handle than SC connectors, making them a popular choice in data center and enterprise networks. SC connectors are widely used in telecommunications networks and are known for their durability and ease of use. The choice between the two connectors will depend on the specific requirements of the application.
ST Fiber Connector
The third type of fiber optic connector is the ST connector. The ST connector, also known as the "Straight Tip" connector, was one of the first fiber optic connectors to be developed and is still widely used today. It features a bayonet-style lock and a 2.5mm ferrule, making it easy to connect and disconnect. The ST connector is a good choice for applications where durability and reliability are important, such as in industrial environments.
Some key features of ST connectors include:
• Bayonet mount: ST connectors use a bayonet mount to secure the connector in place, which ensures a stable connection.
• Low-cost: ST connectors are considered low-cost solution and widely used in legacy networks.
• Durable: ST connectors are designed to be durable and can withstand frequent connection and disconnection.
• Compatibility: ST connectors are widely used in legacy networks, and are compatible with equipment that use ST connectors.
We carry ST fiber optic cables in singlemode and multimode duplex across all modalities: OM1, OM2, OM3, OM4, and OS2. SC to SC, SC to ST, SC to LC OFNR OFNP indoor/outdoor.
ST, LC and ST are the three main types of fiber optic connectors.
Other Connector Types Include:
FC Fiber Connector (Ferrule Core)
FC (Fiber Channel) connectors are a type of fiber optic connector that are specifically designed for use in high-speed storage area networks (SANs). They have a unique, threaded design that provides a secure and stable connection, which is important for maintaining data integrity at high speeds.
Some key features of FC connectors include:
• Threaded design: The connector features a threaded design that provides a secure and stable connection between the fiber and the equipment. This is important for maintaining data integrity at high speeds.
• Durable: FC connectors are designed to be durable and can withstand frequent connection and disconnection.
• High-speed data transmission: FC connectors are designed to support high-speed data transmission up to 4 Gbps, and 8 Gbps, 16 Gbps, 32 Gbps and 64 Gbps.
• Cost-effective: They are considered cost-effective as they are widely used, and the equipment is more affordable than other connectors.
FC connectors are typically used in data centers and other high-performance networking environments where high-speed data transmission and secure connections are important. They are also commonly used in SANs, where they provide a reliable and high-speed connection between servers, storage devices, and other networked equipment.
MPO Fiber Connector (Multi-Position Optical)
MPO (multi-position optical) fiber connectors are a type of fiber optic connector that is designed to support high-density connections. They are commonly used in data centers, high-performance computing, and other high-bandwidth applications.
Some key features of MPO connectors include:
• High density: MPO connectors can support up to 72 fibers in a single connector, which allows for a high-density connection in a small form-factor. This makes them suitable for high-density applications such as data centers.
• High-speed data transmission: MPO connectors are designed to support high-speed data transmission up to 40 Gbps, 100 Gbps and even 400 Gbps.
• Durable: MPO connectors are designed to be durable and can withstand frequent connection and disconnection.
• Low insertion loss: MPO connectors have low insertion loss, typically less than 0.5 dB, which is important for maintaining signal integrity over long distances.
• MPO connectors are typically used in data centers, high-performance computing, and other high-bandwidth applications where high-density and high-speed connections are required. They are also commonly used in parallel optics transceivers and in parallel optics cables.
We carry MPO/MTP fiber optic cables.
MT-RJ Fiber Connector (Mechanical Transfer Registered Jack)
MT-RJ (Mechanical Transfer Registered Jack) fiber connectors are a type of fiber optic connector that is designed to support high-density connections. They are similar in design to the standard RJ45 connector used in Ethernet, and are known for their compact size and high-performance.
Some key features of MT-RJ connectors include:
• Compact size: MT-RJ connectors are smaller in size than traditional fiber connectors, which makes them suitable for high-density applications such as data centers.
• High-speed data transmission: MT-RJ connectors are designed to support high-speed data transmission up to 10 Gbps.
• Durable: MT-RJ connectors are designed to be durable and can withstand frequent connection and disconnection.
• Low insertion loss: MT-RJ connectors have low insertion loss, typically less than 0.5 dB, which is important for maintaining signal integrity over long distances.
MT-RJ connectors are typically used in data centers, high-performance computing, and other high-bandwidth applications where high-density and high-speed connections are required. They are also commonly used in parallel optics transceivers and in parallel optics cables. Due to the small form factor and high-speed capabilities, MT-RJ connectors are a good alternative to MPO connectors.
Best Use Cases for Each Fiber Optic Connection Type
LC Fiber Connector Use Cases
• Data centers
• Enterprise networks
• Fiber-to-desk applications
• Medical and industrial equipment
• High-speed internet and telecommunications
SC Fiber Connector Use Cases
• Telecommunication networks
• Internet service providers
• Cable television
• Military communications
• Industrial equipment
ST Fiber Connector Use Cases
• Legacy networks
• Industrial equipment
• Military communications
• Cable television
• Local area networks (LANs)
FC Fiber Connector Use Cases
• Storage area networks (SANs)
• High-performance computing
• Data centers
• Industrial equipment
• Military communications
MPO Fiber Connector Use Cases
• Data centers
• High-performance computing
• Telecommunication networks
• Parallel optics transceivers
• High-speed internet and telecommunications
MT-RJ Fiber Connector Use Cases
• Data centers
• High-performance computing
• Telecommunication networks
• Parallel optics transceivers
• High-speed internet and telecommunications