How To Choose The Proper Fiber Optic Connector For Your FTTH Installation

ber optic connectors can be divided into three groups: simplex, duplex and multiple fiber connectors.

mplex connector means only one fiber is terminated in the connector. Simplex connectors include FC, ST, SC, LC, MU and SMA.

plex connector means tw o fibers are terminated in the connector. Duplex connectors include SC, LC, MU and MT-RJ. (Note: SC, LC and MU

nnectors have both simplex and duplex version)

ultiple fiber connector means more than tw o fibers (for up to 24 fiber) are terminated in the connector. These are usually ribbon fibers w ith fiber count

4, 6, 8, 12 and 24. The most popular ribbon fiber connector is MT connector.

w let's examine each type of connector closely.

C Connector

C stands for Fixed Connection and it w as developed by Japanese company NEC (Nippon Electric Co.). It has a screw on locking mechanism and is

ore popular in single mode applications than in multimode applications. FC connectors are popular in test environments and long haul applications. FC

as once the most popular connector but now is being replaced by SC and LC connectors. FC connector is available only in simplex version.

dvantages: low est insertion loss, excellent repeatability

sadvantage: Bulky, simplex version only, screw -on mechanism is hard to operate in a busy telecom closet.
Connector
stands for Straight Tip. ST connector has a bayonet tw ist locking mechanism and w as developed by AT&T in the 1980s. ST connectors w ere

edominant in the early 1990s but now they are being replaced by SC and LC connectors. ST connectors are most common for multimode applications.
connectors are available in simplex version only.

dvantages: ST connector can be easily inserted and removed thanks to its spring-loaded bayonet locking mechanism.

sadvantages: Its locking mechanism design are both a bless and a curse. You have to make sure the connector is seated in its socket securely and

operly. It may be necessary to remove and reconnect your ST connector if you experience high insertion loss. But if you did it correctly, less than

3dB connection loss could be easily achieved.

C Connector

C stands for Subscriber Connector and w as developed by Japanese company NTT. It is a square shaped push/pull type connector w ith a snap-in
king mechanism. Because of its easy locking mechanism and excellent repeatability, SC connector has become the dominant connector since late

90s, especially in multimode applications. SC connectors are available in both simplex and duplex version.

dvantages: Easy push/pull snap-in locking mechanism, low cost, excellent repeatability, low insertion loss

sadvantages: Bulky footprint. Modern high speed fiber optic netw orks need more compact connectors. LC connector is almost half the size of a SC

nnector and is becoming more popular, especially in single mode applications.

C Connector

C stands for Lucent Connector and it w as developed by Lucent. This is a small form factor connector that occupies only half the size of a SC

nnector. LC connector looks much like a miniature SC connector. It also has the same push/pull snap-in type locking mechanism. LC has become the

ost favored connector for single mode applications.

dvantages: Easy push/pull snap-in locking mechanism, excellent repeatability, low insertion loss, small form factor

TRJ Connector

T-RJ stands for Mechanical Transfer Registered Jack. MT-RJ is available in duplex only. It houses tw o fibers in half the size of a SC connector. MT-RJ

nnectors come in pair of male and female type. Male MT-RJ connector has tw o guiding pins and female type has tw o guiding holes. Male and Female

T-RJ connectors are mated together by plugging the guiding pins into the holes.