Tag Archives: ST connector

Two Main Connector Type: ST vs SC

Share

There are many different fiber optic connection methods, connector types, and ways to terminate them, such as SC connector and ST connector. Single-mode and multi-mode connectors create differences in the types and methods used as well. If you plan to work with fiber optics, you should perform in-depth research about fiber before attempting to terminate it. In fact, it is best to take a course in fiber optic cable termination or learn from an expert. This post will tell you how to choose  ST vs SC connector when terminating fiber and adding connectors.

In addition to the two main connector types of ST vs SC connector, there are many other connection types that have been developed through the years. But to limit the scope of this book to what is most widely used on data networks today, you need to be thoroughly familiar with the ST vs SC connectors.

ST vs SC Connector: Which to choose?

SC Connector

SC type connector is a snap-in connector, meaning that you place it in a receptacle, such as on a network switch, and click it into place; this is also called stick and click. The SC connector is shown in the figure below.

SC connector

SC connector is a relatively new connector-type technology, but are in popular use today. Part of their popularity is that SC connector is cheaper and easier to use than ST connectors, and less prone to damage. You will most likely see these types of connections from large core switches with fiber uplinks to smaller closet switches in campus network.

As we know, SC patch cable is with SC fiber connector which was invented by NTT. It is widely used fiber optic patch cables. SC fiber optic patch cable has low cost and good durability, SC fiber optic patch cables is with a locking tab on the cable termination, it is a push and pull type optical connector. The common SC patch cable we have seen, there are SC to FC, SC fiber optic cable, SC to ST, and SC to LC.

ST Connector

ST connector is another type of fiber connection. Like the BNC connector for coaxial cable, it has a bayonetbased mounting end and a long cylindrical ferrule, which is spring-loaded sheath used to hold the fiber in place. You insert the connector into a receptacle and twist it to lock it into place. Stick and twist considered an older technology, but is still widely used on data networks, and its install base is broad. An ST connector is shown in the figure below.

st-connector

Real-world production environments (especially when working with Cisco Systems, Nortel Networks) do not include ST in new implementations. In most cases, the only way to use this order technology is with a mediation device, such as a transceiver, which has one end that plugs into an attachment unit interface (AUI) port and an ST-based mounting connection on the other end.

Conclusion on ST vs SC Connector

To facilitate installation of our active fiber equipment, we support a large selection of fiber optic patch cords. The always in stock fiber cables are with SC connector, ST connector, LC connector and FC connector type, simplex and duplex. Our patch cords range from 0.5m to 10m and have almost all available combination of optical connectors. The most available lengths are 1m, 2m, 3m, 5m, and 10m patch cords. All single-mode patch cords are UPC polished (Ultra Physical Contact), while the multi-mode cables are PC polished. All fiber patch cords are manually tested and verified and each patch cable is individually sealed and labeled with measured optical performance.We offer competitive price for fiber optic patch cable, our company has strictly quality control system and high quality products,the custom fiber patch cable is fast delivery to worldwide customers.

Related Article:  Which Patch Cable Should I Choose for My Optical Transceiver?

                             How Many Fiber Connector Types Do You Know?

                             How Much Do You Know About Fiber Connector Cleaning? 



Several Common Kinds of Fiber Optic Connectors

Leave a reply
Share

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!