Several Common Kinds of Fiber Optic Connectors

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Unlike Copper network cables, who have a standardized connector setup, fiber optic cables can employ many connector schemes to help make connections with patch panels, switch boxes, and the various fiber optic network implements that comprise a knowledge system.

Each of the different types of fiber optic connectors offers its advantages and disadvantages, and has its very own specific applications to which it’s best suited. Here’s a listing of one of the most common types of fiber optic connectors, their common uses, along with the advantages they can give your fiber optic network.

SC

Though there tend to be more types of fiber optic connector available on the market than can be adequately discussed here, the number of fiber optic connectors you’e planning to encounter inside a professional setting are relatively few. SC fiber optic connectors are probably the most common kinds of connector used for commercial purposes and realizing them will likely be needed for anyone using a fiber optic network.

The one outstanding good thing about SC fiber optic connectors is the snap-in design. This design lets them connect easily with other network implements. SC connectors have 2.5mm ferules and are well known for their reliable performance. Though they may be typically simplex (unidirectional) in nature, SC connectors with duplex (bidirectional) formatting can be purchased too.

SC connectors have widespread use within recent times, as a result of a welcome lowering of price. Ahead of this reduction, SC connectors were often subbed out for that less costly, though still technically impressive, ST connector.

ST

ST fiber optic connectors use a 2.5mm ceramic ferrule, including the SC fiber optic connector. However, whereas SC connectors mate using a snap-in mechanism, ST connectors work with a spring-loaded cinch to couple to network implements.

It is possible to typically find ST connector in older, large-scale multimode networks, such as those seen on business or academic campuses. The phrase multimode describes fiber optic cables which allow multiple propagation paths along which data can pass. ST connectors happen to be largely superseded about the consumer market by more modern connector schemes, nevertheless they can continue to deliver a satisfying performance for any large-scale network.

FC

Unlike the SC and ST connectors we merely discussed, FC fiber optic connectors are usually used with singlemode fiber optic cables offering one propagation path along which information can travel. Singlemode fiber optic cables are generally useful for cabling over longer distances than multimode fiber optic cables. Many datacom and telecom systems employ FC connectors for this specific purpose.

The FC fiber optic connector features a 2.5mm ceramic ferrule and effects its connections through a screw-type fasten.

LC

Which has a size only half those of the SC, ST, and FC fiber optic connectors, the LC fiber optic connector is a great option for cable terminations that must be effected quickly with little hassle. LC connectors possess a 1.25mm ceramic ferrule and provide reliable performance for singlemode fiber optic cables. Many pieces of communications technology that need high-density connections including SFP and XFP transceiver will employ LC fiber optic connectors.

MT-RJ

The MTRJ connector can be a somewhat different beast as opposed to connectors we discussed to date. The initials MTRJ stand for Mechanical Transfer Registered Jack. MTRJ connectors are designed to mimic the scale and type of the RJ-45 connectors typically that comes with the ends of Cat5, Cat5e, and Cat6 network cables.

With a single, polymer ferrule, MTRJ connectors are capable of making connections only with duplex, multimode fiber optic cables. Many adapters that will transfer data between a fiber optic network and a conventional, UTP data network, will employ MTRJ connectors because of their relative convenience.

Toslink

Much like the MTRJ connector, the Toslink connector serves a specialized purpose. Toslink connectors are some of the few fiber optic connectors intended almost only for the individual market. Sometimes referred to as optical audio connectors, Toslink connectors are prepared for carrying digital audio signals between audio sources and loudspeakers, via fiber optic cables.

The initial aim of the Toslink connector ended up being form connections between CD players and residential stereo systems. Today, Toslink connectors can be used connecting DVD players, Blu-Ray players, and computer game consoles to digital home theatre systems.

At fs.com obscurity is our obsession. Our passion to deliver large choice of Connectors. Find Fiber Connectors including SC, ST, FC, LC, MT-RJ, Toslink, plus much more!

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