Category Archives: Fiber Optic Connectors

Review on Fiber Cable Connectors

Fiber cable connectors are designed to provide perfect alignment of the microscopic glass fibers that were used in fiber cables to transmit data. These kinds of connections must be highly accurate in order to facilitate high speed fiber optic networks. This article helps to review some common fiber cable connector types available on the market today.

What Is Fiber Cable Connector?

Fiber cable connector, also named fiber optic connector or optical fiber connector, is a hardware installed on fiber cable ends. It provides cable attachment to a transmitter, receiver or other cable. There are various fiber cable connectors, for which different connectors have different characteristics and functions. According to statistics, about 100 different types of fiber cable connectors have been introduced to the market.

Fiber Cable Connector Constructions

The most popular used ones are ST, SC, FC and LC style connectors, which vary differently from characteristics, applications and performances. But all the connectors have three major components: the ferrule, the connector body, and the coupling mechanism. Among those, the ferrule is used for protecting and aligning the stripped fiber end. The connector body holds the ferrule and attaches to the jacket and strengthens fiber cable. The coupling mechanism is a part of the connector body that keeps the connector in place when connected to other devices.

Common Fiber Cable Connectors and Their Differences

ST Connector

ST connector was developed by AT&T. It’s a high-performance fiber optic connector with cylindrical ceramic ferrules and bayonet locking features. Most ferrules are ceramic, but some are metal or plastic. ST connector is constructed with a metal housing and is nickel-plated, can be inserted into and removed from a fiber optic cable both quickly and easily. It’s commonly used in network environments such as campuses, corporate networks, industrial and military applications.

altST Connector of Fiber Cable Connectors

SC Connector

SC connector is a snap-in connector with a round 2.5mm ferrule used to hold a single mode fiber (SMF). It sometimes refers to “square connector” because of its “square shaped” connector body. It’s intended for Gigabit Ethernet networking with features of low price and excellent performance. SC connector is ideal for data communication and telecommunications applications, and still popular over the years.

altSC Connector of Fiber Cable Connectors

FC Connector

FC Connector is the first optical fiber connector to use a certain ferrule. It utilizes a round screw-type fitment made from nickel-plated or stainless steel. The end face relies on an alignment key for correct insertion and is then tightened into the adaptor/jack using a threaded collet. It’s commonly used in data communication, telecommunications, measurement equipment, and single-mode lasers. SC and LC connector deliver similar performance to FC connector but both of them have less expensive components, thus FC connector with screw-on collet performs effectively in high-vibration environments.

altFC Connector of Fiber Cable Connectors

LC Connector

LC connector is featured with a ferrule of 1.25mm, which makes it perfect for high density cabling. It’s available in simplex and duplex versions. It has half the footprint of the SC connector, thus it becomes the most popular connector in data communication and other high-density patch applications. LC connector is ubiquitous nowadays, especially for connections with SFP and SFP+ fiber transceivers.

altLC Connector of Fiber Cable Connectors

Conclusion

There are about 100 fiber cable connectors introducing to the market, but only a few represent the majority of the market. Here is a brief review on fiber cable connectors that have been the leaders of the industry. If you’d like more information on different fiber cable connectors, FS.COM has a complete fiber cable connector guide for you.

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Brief Introduction to Field Installable Connector

Sometimes fiber termination in the field needs to be finished quickly and effectively. Then how to achieve the perfect termination result we want? Today this article will introduce a new type of connector—field installable connector which enables users to get the ideal solution for their field installations. Hope it can help you.

Generally, the connectors we know comprise fiber ferrule, connector sub-assembly body, connector housing and fiber cable. Except for those, field installable connector is a little different. It is a kind of connector that is pre-polished in factory, which aims to offer users a fast, easy and reliable termination way. And if field installation connectors deployed in cable installation, the termination time will be less than two minutes without any difficulty and require no epoxy, polishing or crimping. That’s why field installable connectors are so popular.

field-inatallable-connector

As we all know, the most critical point in any optical interconnect is the physical contact interface between mated connector pairs. When fiber optic connectors are polished, a small lens, of which shape impacts the light transmission, is produced at the tip of the connector. Therefore, compared with common connectors, pre-polished field termination connectors provide more reliable, lower insertion loss and less return loss connection performance.

Common Types of Field Installable Connector

Field installable connectors have different types according to different standards. For example, according to the connector types, there are LC, SC and FC connectors. While according to the connection type of the fiber and the stub, field installable connector can be divided into mechanical field installable connector and fusion splice-on field installable connector. Here is a brief introduction to them.

Mechanical Field Installable Connector

The mechanical connector is a product that evolved primarily out of the enterprise space, and offers a simpler and cleaner alternative to the epoxy-and-polish connectors which preceded it. As its name implies, mechanical field installable connector uses a mechanical method to align a cleaved fiber with the pre-polished stub and then use a cam, wedge, or crimp mechanism to secure the fibers together. In essence, it is a connector end-face and a mechanical splice in one package and within a few millimeters distance of one another. And this kind of field installable connector can be used for both indoor and outdoor applications.

mechanical-field-installable-connector

Fusion Splice-on Field Installable Connector

A fusion splice-on field installable connector utilizes a fusion splicer to joint a fiber stub inside the connector with a fiber cable permanently. The splicing is protected within the boot of the connector, replacing the need for traditional pigtails because the splice is contained within the connector. The connector can be directly terminated using the patch panel’s existing cable management features. Compared to mechanical field installable connector, fusion splice-on connector has more advantages such as more flexibility, higher reliability, lower insertion loss and higher return loss.

splice-fusiion-on-field-installable-connector

Benefits of Field Installable Connector

In the last paragraph, we have mentioned that field installable connector can help users install cables in a quick way. However, it has other advantages. Here are the comprehensive benefits that field installable connectors can provide.

Save Time and Labor

As we have mentioned above, field installable connectors can simplify the termination process, which greatly reduces the installation time and set-up time. Unlike the common connectors, field installable connectors require no other tools to do the fiber termination. Only with the basic fiber preparation tools, a satisfactory installation can be achieved. It’s because of these simple procedures that training becomes easy. Therefore, there is no need of more labors.

Save Cost

Field installable connectors also reduce out-of-pocket cost. On one hand, no other tools needed means less money needs to be spent. On the other hand, since the installation way becomes simpler, the extra material cost that may be caused by installers due to misoperation can be eliminated.

Summary

Field installation connectors are designed to enable fast and easy fiber termination. Its factory pre-terminated ferrule can help operators reduce installation errors effectively. And they also can save time and cost for users. FS.COM offers several kinds of field installation connectors with cheap price. Hope you can select the most suitable one for your project.

Which LC Duplex Connector Suits Your Network?

As data processing technology has advanced rapidly, smaller and more compact cabling components also meet their golden age. Nowadays, there are a number of connectors in the market. However, LC connector, also well-known as the SFF (Small Form Factor) connectors, is currently the most frequent used types in LANs and data center. However, do you really know them well? And do you know which one suits your network better? Today, this post will get you to know more about LC duplex connectors.

Typical Type—Standard LC Duplex Connector

The standard LC duplex connector, namely the traditional type, was developed by Lucent Technologies. It is designed with a retaining tab mechanism that is similar to the RJ45 connector. Its connector body is squarish shape that is similar to SC connector. Thus, LC is also called mini SC. Standard LC duplex connectors are LC with a duplex configuration with a plastic clip. The ferrule of a LC connector is 1.25 mm. As the basic type, the standard LC duplex connectors are universal in various fiber optic network applications.

lc-duplex-connector

Variant Type—Mini-LC Duplex Connector

The mini-LC duplex connector is a variation of standard LC. It uses current industry-standard LC connectors but allows closer ferrule spacing by using the duplex clip (usually with color coding)—mini-LC has a reduced center spacing of 5.25 mm compared to a standard LC of 6.25 mm. And this type of LC duplex connectors is designed to operate with the Mini SFP transceivers and it enables a higher density deployed port count for data center network equipment. Generally, black color duplex latch clips and boots are used to distinguish the mini-LC duplex connectors.

Network Safeguard—Keyed LC Duplex Connector

There are 12 color-coded keyed designs in keyed LC assemblies. Each color of keyed LC duplex connectors represents a unique keying pattern which only allows its matched color-coded adapter mating. And the keyed features cannot be duplicated with standard LC components thereby keyed LC duplex connectors can reduce the risk of accidental or malicious network access, particularly in shared access areas or in secure hierarchical environments.

lc-keyed

High-density Application Helper—LC Duplex Uniboot Connector

LC duplex connector with uniboot is two LC connectors encased in a common housing with one boot, terminated on a single twin-fiber round cable. This type of connector is more compact compared to standard LC duplex. And the extended longer latch on top of the connector body makes it easier to disengage from the adapter, even in high-density packaging. Fiber patch cables terminated with uniboot LC duplex connectors, are ideal for high-density cabling application since they can reduce more fiber counts and greatly reduce cable management space.

lc-uniboot-duplex-connector

High-density Installation Assistant—LC-HD Duplex High Density Connector

If you have the experience of releasing LC duplex connectors in patch panels in high-density cabling, you may know how difficult this can be. Because in the cabling case, thumbs and forefingers are not ideally suited to operate the release lever and pulling the connector. But LC-HD duplex connectors can solve this problem perfectly. With a flexible “pull-tab” or “push-pull tab”, the LC-HD duplex connectors enable the connector to be disengaged easily from densely loaded panels without the need for special tools, which allows users easy accessibility in tight areas when deploying in data center high-density applications.

lc-hd-patchcord_%e5%89%af%e6%9c%ac

Conclusion

There are diverse variants of LC duplex connectors. Different types have different features. But as the fiber optic communication is developing quickly and the increasing requirements for smaller size components, choosing the suitable connectors is important. Of course, choosing which one is based on your actual applications and particular needs. FS.COM provides various kinds of fiber optic connectors and cables with those connectors which can maximize the effectiveness for your high-density applications, data centers, interconnect and cross-connect, private networks and premise installations. Besides, after reading this post, do you know whether you have chosen the right connector for your network?

How Much Do You Know About Fiber Connectors

Fiber connector is an inseparable part for connecting optic fiber with network devices. An optical fiber connector terminates the end of an optical fiber, and enables quicker connection and disconnection than splicing. The connectors mechanically couple and align the cores of fibers so light can pass. Without fiber connector, data can not be easily transmitted, therefore it is a better way for fiber optic transmission. But how much do you know about it?

Four Commonly Used Fiber Connectors

Here is the introduction to some commonly used fiber connectors:

SC-Connector

SC Connector  SC connector, being square, has a nickname of “Square Connector”, which some people believe to be the correct name, rather than the more official name of “Subscriber Connector”. Other terms often used for SC connectors are “Set and Click” and “Stab and Click”. It is a snap-in connector used for high performance transmission. First invented by Nippon Telegraph and Telephone (NTT) in 1980s. SC connector has a 2.5mm ceramic ferrule for providing accurate alignment. It is now one of the most popular connectors in the world because of its cheaper price, easier push-off installation, high-temperature and high-pressure resistance.

LC-Connector

LC Connector  As a widely used fiber optic connector for jointing equipment with optic fiber, the LC connector solution was developed in response to customer needs for smaller and easier-to-use fiber optic connectivity. LC stands for “Lucent Connector”, and sometimes to be called as “Little Connector”. The shape of LC looks like SC connector but is usually considered to be the replacement of SC connector due to a 1.25mm ferrule, which is only half the size of SC connector. LC connector is available for the push-pull function which is convenient for installation and uninstallation and is favored for single-mode.

ST-Connector

ST Connector  ST connector refers to having a “Straight Tip” because of its tipped shape on the top. Other names including “Set and Twist”, “Stab and Twist”, and “Single Twist” are referring to how it is inserted. It is a quick release bayonet style connector with a 2.5mm keyed ferrule. Developed by American Telephone & Telegraph (AT&T), ST connector is thought to be the first actual standard connector for most commercial wiring which took the leading role of industry in the late 80s and early 90s. But due to its usage limitation for single-mode fiber and FTTH, it is less welcomed than before.

FC-ConnectorFC Connector  FC connector is short for “Ferrule Connector” or “Fiber Channel”. It is a screw coupling type connector with 2.5mm ferrule which was also the first optical fiber connector to use a ceramic ferrule. The FC standard is made for NTT installations, developed by Nippon Electric Co. (NEC). But since the growth of SC and LC connectors, its usage has been declined.

Applications

The application of fiber optic connectors can reach various aspects of the telecommunication industry. They are applied to the quicker connection and disconnection between optic fiber and equipment, and different types connectors also have different practical areas. SC connector is widely used in datacom and telecom, Gigabit-Capable PON (GPON), Ethernet Passive Optical Network (EPON), GBIC offering an excellent packing density. And LC connector is replacing SC connector for the high-density connection on small form-factor pluggable transceivers, such as SFP, SFP+ and XFP transceivers. ST connector is usually used for short distance applications and long line systems in datacom and telecom premise installation and test lab. With the screw-on connection, FC connector is suitable for datacom, telecom, measurement equipment, single-mode lasers, especially for high vibration environments for that the spring-loaded ferrule can be firmly mated.

Conclusion

On the whole, different types of fiber connectors provide an easier and quicker solution for connecting and disconnecting the optic fiber with network devices. Fiberstore provides cost-effective but high quality connectors with many different choices, you can find any type of fiber connectors you want in the website. So what are you waiting for? Please come to FS.COM to start your new shopping journey.

SC Connector Overview

SC connector was developed by the laboratories at Nippon Telegraph and Telephone (NTT) in 1980s, hitting the market strongly after the advent of ceramic ferrules as the first connector. SC stands for “square connector” or “subscriber connector”, which is a push-on, pull-off connector with a locking tab. It has a push-pull coupling end face with a spring loaded ceramic ferrule by which SC connector can provide for accurate alignment. Commonly, it can be used with singlemode and multimode fiber optic cables with low cost, simplicity, and durability. Due to its excellent performance, it dominated fiber optics for over a decade and still plays an important part now.

SC Connector Structure

The picture below has given a visualized description of the most common elements in SC connector. It is mainly made up of the fiber ferrule, connector sub-assembly body, connector housing, fiber cable and stress relief boot.

SC connector structure

The fiber ferrule – In the heart of SC connector, there is a long cylindrical 2.5mm diameter ferrule which is made of ceramic or metal. The ferrule has a hole about 124~127um diameter in its center, so that the stripped bare fiber can be inserted through it. The end of the fiber is at the end of the ferrule, where it typically is polished smooth.

The connector sub-assembly body – The ferrule is then assembled in the SC sub-assembly body. The end of the ferrule protrudes out of the sub-assembly body to mate with another SC connector inside a mating sleeve (also called adapter or coupler).

The connector housing – Connector sub-assembly body is then assembled together with the connector housing. Connector housing provides the mechanism for snapping into a mating sleeve (adapter) and hold the connector in place.

The fiber cable – Fiber cables are often crimped onto the connector sub-assembly body with a crimp eyelet. This provides the strength for mechanical handing of the connector without putting stress on the fiber itself.

The stress relief boot – Stress relief boot covers the joint between connector body and fiber cable, and protects fiber cable from mechanical damage.

SC Connector Types

According to the polish style, SC connector can be divided into PC (Physical Contact) style, UPC (Ultra Physical Contact) style and APC (Angled Physical Contact) style. SC PC connector is polished with a slight spherical (cone) design to reduce the overall size of the end-face. But now, the most common types are UPC type and APC type.

SC UPC connector – It is an improvement from SC PC connector, resulting in a lower back reflection (ORL) than a standard PC connector, and allowing more reliable signals in digital TV, telephony and data systems. It is available in single-mode and multimode. You can tell them apart from the color: SMF UPC connector is blue, while MMF UPC connector is beige.

SC APC connector – It is angled at an industry-standard eight degrees. As a result, any light that is redirected back towards the source is actually reflected out into the fiber cladding, again by virtue of the 8° angled end-face. That is why its back reflection is the lowest among the three types. APC connector is only available in single-mode, and the color of it is green.

SC APC connector and UPC connector

According to the application, SC connector includes SC BTW connector and SC jumper connector.

SC BTW Connectors – BTW is the abbreviation of “behind the wall”. As the name implies, can be used to connect the adapter panel, and then terminate Outside Plant (OSP) cables as well as building cables. SC BTW connectors are designed for 900 micron buffered fiber. This product is intended to meet Telcordia GR-326-CORE, Issue 3 for Type II Media (900 micron buffered fiber).

SC Jumper Connectors – Generally, SC jumper connectors are designed on the end of fiber patch cables, and then connect GBIC modules in Central Office (CO), Local Area Networks (LANs), device terminations, etc. Robust family of connectors designed to mount on 1.6 – 3.0 mm fiber cordage and intended to meet the Telcordia GR-326-CORE, Issue 3, for Type I Media (reinforced jumper cordage). The common types are 2mm Jumper connector and 3mm Jumper connector.

SC Connector Application

Generally, when compared with other connectors, SC connector is more rugged and adaptable. What is more, it is capable of tunable and stable performance. With these significantly features, SC connector can be applied in many fields, such as telecommunication, CATV, broadband and so on. The products of SC connector are also various, such as SC adapters, SC terminators, SC converters and SC jumpers.

Fiberstore Solution

Fiberstore as the main professional fiber optic products manufacturer in china offers a various kinds of fiber cable connectors, including SC Connectors. What is more, the products with these connectors are also full in store, such as SC fiber cable, with good quality and low price.

Fiber Optic Cleaning and Inspection of Connectors & Adapters

Cleanliness of fiber optic connections is critical to the performance of optical communication networks. Contamination on a connector end face, even if only at the microscopic level, can create severe problems. Traditional single mode fiber optic core diameters are approximately 9 microns. By comparison, a human hair is 50 microns or larger in diameter. Contamination that blocks the fiber core generates strong back reflections (Return Loss), and may effect attenuation (Insertion Loss). Loose contamination on the connector end face that may not block the core may move during de-mating, or may prevent physical glass-to-glass contact required for proper signal transmission. Rigid contamination trapped between connector end faces may permanently damage the fiber core(s). Dry contaminates are relatively simple to remove compared to oils and films which naturally occur with human contact, vapor condensation, and solvent evaporation.

Fiberstore offers various kinds of fiber optic cleaning and inspection tools and kits that can service SC, ST, LC and MPO connectors etc. Here is a list of basic cleaning steps and recommendations for each connector type. After cleaning, always inspect the connector end face with an appropriate microscope to verify that it is free of dirt, smudges and/ or scratches.


Cleaning Single Fiber Connectors (LC/SC/ST) and Adapters

Connector Ferrule – Exposed Endface

Dry Cleaning: Using reel-based cassette cleaner with medium pressure, wipe connector endface against dry cleaning cloth (single swipe per exposure) in one direction. For Angled Physical Contact (APC) polished connectors, ensure that entire endface surface mates with the cleaning cloth. Dry cleaning will generally remove airborne contamination and should be attempted first. Inspect connector endface for contamination after cleaning.

IBC Cleaner M250Another method is to use single fiber In-Bulkhead Cleaner (IBC, a Brand of fiber optic cleaner) that is especially designed for both Physical Contact (PC) and APC polished connectors. This device feeds a cleaning cloth across a head while the head rotates. Cleaning cloth is advanced to ensure it is clean. Install connector into a clean adapter and after inserting cleaner tip inside the adapter from the opposite end, press lever to initiate cleaning. Some single fiber IBC cleaners offer intuitive cleaning with audible push when engaged. Always inspect connector endface for contamination after cleaning.

Wet Cleaning: Lightly moisten portion of a lint free wipe with fiber optic cleaning solution (or > 91% Isopropyl Alcohol) and by applying medium pressure, first wipe endface against wet area and then onto dry area to clean potential residue from the endface. For APC polished connectors, ensure entire endface surface mates with the cleaning wipes. Wet cleaning is more aggressive than dry cleaning, and will remove airborne contamination as well as light oil residue and films. Perform dry cleaning as described above after wet cleaning and inspect connector endface for contamination after cleaning.

Caution: Always clean sides and tip of ferrule. Core alignment may be affected if ferrule is not thoroughly cleaned.

Connector Ferrule – Bulkhead Adapter Application

Dry Cleaning: Insert appropriate size cleaning stick tip into the adapter until a contact is made with the connector on the opposite end. Cleaning sticks are available for both 1.25 mm ferrule connectors (LCs) and 2.5 mm ferrule connectors (SC and ST). Rotate the cleaning stick with medium pressure in one circular motion as it is pulled from the adapter. Inspect endface for any contamination after cleaning. Another method is to use IBC cleaners. Insert cleaner tip inside the adapter until a contact is made with the connector on opposite end and press lever to initiate cleaning.

Wet Cleaning: Insert a lightly moistened appropriate size cleaning stick tip with fiber optic cleaning solution (or > 91% Isopropyl alcohol) into the adapter until a contact is made with the connector on opposite end. Rotate the cleaning stick with medium pressure in one circular motion as it is pulled from the adapter. Follow up with a dry cleaning stick and complete with dry cleaning method using IBC cleaners. Always inspect connector endface for contamination after cleaning.

Caution: Discard cleaning sticks after each use. Do not turn the cleaning stick back and forth pressing against connector endface, this may cause scratches if a large contamination is present.

Single Fiber Adapters – Exposed/Bulkhead Adapter Application

Dry Cleaning: For both exposed and connector mated adapter, insert dry adapter cleaning stick (or fiber adapter sleeve brush) inside the adapter and pull out with twisting motion, cleaning inside surface of alignment sleeve. After cleaning adapter with connector installed on one end, inspect connector endface for contamination.

Wet Cleaning: For both exposed and connector mated adapter, insert adapter cleaning stick (or fiber adapter sleeve brush) moistened with fiber optic cleaning solution (or > 91% Isopropyl Alcohol) inside the adapter and pull out with twisting motion, cleaning inside surface of alignment sleeves. Follow up with a dry swab. After cleaning adapter with connector installed on one end, inspect connector endface for contamination.

Caution: Discard cleaning sticks after each use. Do not rotate the cleaning stick back and forth while pressed against connector endface; this may cause scratches if a large contamination is present.


Cleaning Multi-Fiber Array Connector (MPO or MTP) and Adapter

Connector Ferrule – Exposed Endface

Dry Cleaning: Using reel-based cassette cleaner with medium pressure, wipe against dry cleaning cloth (single swipe per exposure) in one direction. There are special cleaners available, which can be used for the pinned and the unpinned (PC and APC polished) MPO/MTP connectors. For APC MPO/MTP connectors, ensure that entire endface surface mates with the cleaning cloth. Dry cleaning will generally remove airborne contamination and should be attempted first. Always inspect connector endface for contamination after cleaning.

IBC Cleaner for MPO/MTP ConnectorsAnother method is to use reel based MPO/MTP IBC cleaner especially designed for cleaning both the pinned and the unpinned (PC and APC polished) MPO/MTP connectors. Insert MPO/MTP connector into the cap at the tip into the cleaner, and rotate the cleaner wheel to clean the connector endface. Always inspect connector endface for contamination after cleaning.

Wet Cleaning: For unpinned MPO/MTP connector, lightly moisten lint free wipe with fiber optic cleaning solution (or > 91% Isopropyl Alcohol) and by applying medium pressure, wipe endface of the MPO/MTP connector in a direction perpendicular to fiber array. Repeat process using dry lint-free wipe. For APC MPO/MTP connectors, ensure that entire endface surface mates with the cleaning cloth. Follow up with dry cleaning using MPO/MTP IBC cleaner as described above and always inspect connector endface for contamination after cleaning.

For wet cleaning of pinned MPO/MTP connector, fold the moistened wipe and using creased portion with medium pressure, wipe endface of the MPO/MTP connector in a direction perpendicular to fiber array. Repeat process using dry lint-free wipe. For APC MPO/MTP connectors, ensure that entire endface surface mates with the cleaning cloth. Follow up with dry cleaning using MPO/MTP IBC cleaner as described above and always inspect connector endface for contamination after cleaning.

Another wet cleaning method for both pinned and unpinned MPO/MTP connector is to use lightly moistened 2.5 mm SC/ ST cleaning stick tip with fiber optic cleaning solution (or > 91% Isopropyl alcohol). With damp tip, clean the pins by holding the tip parallel to pins such that the tip end contacts ferrule. Applying medium pressure, wipe the cylindrical surface of the pins, the connector endface in direction perpendicular to fiber array and all the way around each pin. Repeat process using dry cleaning stick tip. Follow up with dry cleaning as described above. Always inspect connector endface for contamination after cleaning.

Caution: To prevent scratching the end face, always clean the MPO/MTP connectors with a cleaning motion from top to bottom perpendicular to fiber array. Never clean the MPO/MTP connector by rubbing across it from side to side (parallel to fiber array). Discard cleaning sticks after each use.

MPO/MTP Adapter – Exposed/ Bulkhead Adapter Application

Wet Cleaning: Remove MPO/MTP connectors from adapters. Wipe inside surface with cleaning stick moistened with fiber optic cleaning solution (or > 91% Isopropyl Alcohol). Follow up with dry cleaning stick. After cleaning adapter with connector installed on one end, inspect connector endface for contamination.

Article Source: http://www.fiberopticshare.com/fiber-optic-cleaning-and-inspection-of-connectors-adapters.html

Talking about the Differences between ST, SC, FC, LC Fiber Connectors

ST, SC, FC fiber optic connector is a standard form of the early different companies to develop, they use the same effect but each connector has advantages and disadvantages.

ST, SC connector commonly used in general networks. There after ST head into the rotation half a bayonet fixed, the disadvantage is easily broken; SC connector directly plug, and it is very easy to use, the disadvantage is easy to fall out; FC connectors general telecommunication network using, there is a nut screwed onto the adapter, the advantages is a solid, anti-dust, the disadvantage is slightly longer installation time.

MTRJ fiber optic patch consists of two high-precision plastic molded connectors and cable components. Connector for precision plastic parts exterior parts, including push-pull plug clamping mechanism. Applicable to telecommunications and data networking systems for indoor applications fiber optic connectors, fiber optic connectors is access optical modules, but also have a good variety, and is not interoperable with each other. Fiber than regular contact with people may mistakenly think GBIC and SFP fiber optic connector module is the same, they do not. SFP LC fiber optic connector module connection, and then the GBIC SC fiber optic connector.

FC fiber connector: External strengthen way is to use a metal sleeve, fastening means for the turnbuckle. Generally adopt ODF side (on the patch panel with a maximum).
SC fiber optic connector: connector GBIC optical modules, its rectangular casing, fastening means is a latch pin plug type uses, do not need to rotate. (With a maximum switch on the router) .
ST fiber optic connectors: commonly used in fiber optic patch panels, rounded shell, fastening means for the turnbuckle. (For 10Base-F connector, the connector is usually ST type commonly used in fiber optic patch panel).
LC type optical fiber connector: connector SFP module, which uses a modular jack made easy operation (RJ) latch mechanism. (Routers used).
MT-RJ: transceiver square fiber optic connectors, one pair of fiber transceiver.

Fiber optic connector according to the different transmission media can be divided into common silicon-based single-mode fiber, multimode connectors, as well as other issues such as the transmission medium in plastic optical fiber connector; according to the form of connection head structure can be divided into: FC , SC, ST, LC, D4, DIN, MU, MT, etc. in various forms. Which, ST connector is commonly used wiring device side, such as fiber optic patch panels, fiber optic module; while SC and MT connectors are typically used for network equipment side. There are several common multimode optical fiber cable always apply in fiber optic telecommunications and high speed transmission systems, such as st-st 62.5/125 , LC to ST 62.5 multi mode, 62.5/125 multimode fiber lc-sc, SC to SC 62.5 multi mode fiber ect.

              LC-ST          SC-LC

Then let’s have an introduction of various types of optical interface Fiber optic connectors,FC Round threaded (on the patch panel with maximum), ST Snap-round, SC Snap-square (with a switch on the router maximum), PC Micro-spherical polishing, APC was 8 degrees and do micro-spherical polishing, MT-RJ square, one pair of fiber transceiver (Huawei 8850 on helpful). So we need to choose when we choose to optical fiber connection is suitable for interface.

Now I work in a fiber optic shop, if you need the fiber optic cable related products, you can directly online search the website: www.fs.com

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