| Fiber optic connectors can be divided into three | | | | than 0.3dB connection loss could be easily |
| groups: simplex, duplex and multiple fiber | | | | achieved. |
| connectors. | | | | :: SC Connector |
| Simplex connector means only one fiber is | | | | SC stands for Subscriber Connector and was |
| terminated in the connector. Simplex connectors | | | | developed by Japanese company NTT. It is a |
| include FC, ST, SC, LC, MU and SMA. | | | | square shaped push/pull type connector with a |
| Duplex connector means two fibers are | | | | snap-in locking mechanism. Because of its easy |
| terminated in the connector. Duplex connectors | | | | locking mechanism and excellent repeatability, SC |
| include SC, LC, MU and MT-RJ. (Note: SC, LC and | | | | connector has become the dominant connector |
| MU connectors have both simplex and duplex | | | | since late 1990s, especially in multimode |
| version) | | | | applications. SC connectors are available in both |
| Multiple fiber connector means more than two | | | | simplex and duplex version. |
| fibers (for up to 24 fiber) are terminated in the | | | | Advantages: Easy push/pull snap-in locking |
| connector. These are usually ribbon fibers with | | | | mechanism, low cost, excellent repeatability, low |
| fiber count of 4, 6, 8, 12 and 24. The most | | | | insertion loss |
| popular ribbon fiber connector is MT connector. | | | | Disadvantages: Bulky footprint. Modern high speed |
| Now let's examine each type of connector closely. | | | | fiber optic networks need more compact |
| :: FC Connector | | | | connectors. LC connector is almost half the size |
| FC stands for Fixed Connection and it was | | | | of a SC connector and is becoming more popular, |
| developed by Japanese company NEC (Nippon | | | | especially in single mode applications. |
| Electric Co.). It has a screw on locking mechanism | | | | :: LC Connector |
| and is more popular in single mode applications | | | | LC stands for Lucent Connector and it was |
| than in multimode applications. FC connectors are | | | | developed by Lucent. This is a small form factor |
| popular in test environments and long haul | | | | connector that occupies only half the size of a SC |
| applications. FC was once the most popular | | | | connector. LC connector looks much like a |
| connector but now is being replaced by SC and | | | | miniature SC connector. It also has the same push |
| LC connectors. FC connector is available only in | | | | pull snap-in type locking mechanism. LC has |
| simplex version. | | | | become the most favored connector for single |
| Advantages: lowest insertion loss, excellent | | | | mode applications. |
| repeatability | | | | Advantages: Easy push/pull snap-in locking |
| Disadvantage: Bulky, simplex version only, | | | | mechanism, excellent repeatability, low insertion |
| screw-on mechanism is hard to operate in a busy | | | | loss, small form factor |
| telecom closet. | | | | :: MT-RJ Connector |
| :: ST Connector | | | | MT-RJ stands for Mechanical Transfer Registered |
| ST stands for Straight Tip. ST connector has a | | | | Jack. MT-RJ is available in duplex only. It houses |
| bayonet twist locking mechanism and was | | | | two fibers in half the size of a SC connector. |
| developed by AT&T in the 1980s. ST | | | | MT-RJ connectors come in pair of male and |
| connectors were predominant in the early 1990s | | | | female type. Male MT-RJ connector has two |
| but now they are being replaced by SC and LC | | | | guiding pins and female type has two guiding holes. |
| connectors. ST connectors are most common for | | | | Male and Female MT-RJ connectors are mated |
| multimode applications. ST connectors are available | | | | together by plugging the guiding pins into the holes. |
| in simplex version only. | | | | :: MT Connector |
| Advantages: ST connector can be easily inserted | | | | MT connector is designed for ribbon fiber |
| and removed thanks to its spring-loaded bayonet | | | | applications. It can hold 4, 6, 8, 12, 24 and up to |
| locking mechanism. | | | | 72 fibers in a square shaped footprint. One MT |
| Disadvantages: Its locking mechanism design are | | | | compatible connector is called MTP connector |
| both a bless and a curse. You have to make sure | | | | which is manufactured by US Conec. |
| the connector is seated in its socket securely and | | | | Advantages: MT connector provides much higher |
| properly. It may be necessary to remove and | | | | connection density than any other type of |
| reconnect your ST connector if you experience | | | | connectors. This makes it the excellent choice for |
| high insertion loss. But if you did it correctly, less | | | | patch panel, routing applications. |