Below is a helpful guide showing the most common types of fibre optic connectors and what the connectors are used for. We also supply Expanded Beam connectors for rugged outdoor fibre optic applications and MTP/MPO connectors for data centres, please call us on 01488 685800 to discuss or fill in our Contact Form.
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ST: A metal cylindrical keyed bayonet type fibre connector that is spring loaded and attached using a push and twist motion. It is most widely used as a connector for multimode networks Ferule – 2.5mm |
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SC: A plastic push/pull type connector, with a square connector body. The SC connectoris used for multimode and singlemode due to it’sexcellent performance. Often used on Gigabit Interface Converters (GBIC’s) andlegacy switches.Two SC connectors can be held together with a plastic clip for a duplex connection. Ferule – 2.5mm |
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LC: A push/pull type fibre connector similar to SC but half the size. Often found on SFP/mini GBIC’s and current generation switches. Two LC connectors are often held together in a duplex configuration with a plastic clip. Ferule – 1.25mm |
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FC: A metal threaded screw on type connector with alignment key, popular with singlemode fibres but less commonly used than SC and LC. Ferule – 2.5mm |
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MU: A push/pull type fibre connector similar to LC but mainly used in Japan. Ferule – 1.25mm |
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MTP/MPO: A push/pull high density ribbon fibre connector which can take 12-24 fibres. The MTP is a technical enhancement of the MPO. Ferule – 2.5 x 6.4mm |
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MT-RJ: A duplex only push/pull small form factorfibre connector (about half the size of an SC) whichhouses two fibres and mates with locating pins on the plug. Easy to install but not widely used. Ferule – 2.45 x 4.4mm |
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E2000/LX-5: A push/pull fibre connector similarto an LC but with a spring loaded shutter over the end of the fibre protecting from damage and dustcontamination.Ferule – 2.5mm |
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ESCON: A duplex push/pull connector developed by IBM with fixed shroud and keyed. Ferule – 2.5mm |
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SMA: A threaded fibre optic connector developed and manufactured by Amphenol, but rarely used any more. The SMA-905 has a straight ferule, the SMA-906 has a stepped ferule; the latter has better insertion loss. Ferule – 2.5mm |
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VF-45: A duplex only push/pull small form factor connector which is available as plug and jack Ferule – 2.5mm |
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