ST Connector
ST connectors were one of the first connector types to be broadly executed in fiber optic networking applications. The ST, or “Straight Tip” connector, was created by AT&T. The connector makes use of a 2.5mm ferrule. Because they all have the same ferrule size, the ST can be mixed and matched with FC, SC, FDDI, and ESON connectors using a hybrid adaptor. The connector stays in place with the help of a half twist bayonet style lock.
The ST connector is typically found on the end of a multi-mode cable, but this connector is gradually being replaced with multi-fiber connectors (LC and MTP). ST connectors can be plugged and unplugged from fiber optic cables easily and quickly. Typical insertion loss from matching ST connectors is 0.25dB.
SC Connector
SC connectors are snap-in connectors that were developed in Japan by an indigenous telecommunications company called NTT. The SC is believed to stand for “Subscriber Connector” or “Standard Connector”. This connector can be utilized with singlemode and multimode fiber optic cables. Just as with ST Connectors, multi-fiber connectors are gradually replacing SC connectors in fiber optic communications.
The SC connector uses a 2.5mm ferrule and latches with a push-pull mechanism that offers quick insertion and removal. SC connectors are generally easier to use in tight spaces, as compared to the twist-style ST connectors. Two square-shaped SC connectors are commonly bound together with a plastic clip, creating a duplex connection. SC connectors are relatively low cost, simple and durable. Matching SC connectors have an insertion loss of 0.25dB.
MTP/MPO Connector
The MTP connector, manufactured by US Conec, is an improvement on the NTT designed MPO connector. The MTP connector terminates up to 12 strands of fiber in one ferrule and locks in place with a push-on/pull-off latch. A pair of metal guide pins protrude from the front of the connector.
Both singlemode and multimode cables may be used with MTP/MPO connectors. Singlemode MTP/MPO connectors have an angled ferrule for minimal reflection. Multimode MTP/MPO connectors have a flat ferrule. MTP/MPO assemblies are mainly used in breakout, cross-connect and backbone applications.
Matched MTP/MPO connectors have a typical loss insertion of 0.25dB.
LC Connector
Developed by Lucent Technologies, the LC connector or Lucent Connector, measures about half the size of an SC connector. LC connectors are used for high density deployments where multiple fibers terminate within a confined space. A small form factor connector, the LC connector uses a 1.25mm ferrule with a retaining tab mechanism that is similar to that of a phone or RJ-45 connector.
Just as with SC connectors, the body of a LC connector is square shaped, and two LC connectors are commonly bound together with a plastic clip to create a duplex connection. LC connectors can be used with both singlemode and multimode cables. Matching LC connectors have an insertion loss of 0.25dB.
FC Connector
Developed by Lucent Technologies, the LC connector or Lucent Connector, measures about half the size of an SC connector. LC connectors are used for high density deployments where multiple fibers terminate within a confined space. A small form factor connector, the LC connector uses a 1.25mm ferrule with a retaining tab mechanism that is similar to that of a phone or RJ-45 connector.
Just as with SC connectors, the body of a LC connector is square shaped, and two LC connectors are commonly bound together with a plastic clip to create a duplex connection. LC connectors can be used with both singlemode and multimode cables. Matching LC connectors have an insertion loss of 0.25dB.