1. FC Connector
FC, short for "ferrule connector," is the first fiber optic connector to utilize a ceramic ferrule, featuring a circular screw-type fitting made of nickel-plated or stainless steel, unlike the plastic-bodied SC and LC connectors. The end face of the FC connector is aligned and screwed into the adapter using a fiber collet, providing precision for instruments like OTDRs and making it suitable for high-vibration environments due to its secure fit with a spring-loaded collar. Initially designed for data center and telecom applications, its usage has declined with the introduction of SC and LC connectors, which are less expensive and offer faster connection speeds.
2. SC Connector
The SC (Standard Connector, Subscriber Connector) is a fiber optic connector introduced by NTT in the mid-1980s, featuring a snap-on square design with a push-pull mechanism and a 2.5mm diameter ferrule. Initially used in Gigabit Ethernet networks, it was included in the TIA-568-A specification in 1991 and gained popularity due to decreasing manufacturing costs. While it has dominated the fiber optic field for decades and remains one of the two most common connectors, its larger size has led to a gradual replacement by more compact connectors like LC and MPO.
3. LC Connector
The SC (Standard Connector, Subscriber Connector) is a fiber optic connector introduced by NTT in the mid-1980s, featuring a snap-on square design with a push-pull mechanism and a 2.5mm diameter ferrule. Initially used in Gigabit Ethernet networks, it was included in the TIA-568-A specification in 1991 and gained popularity due to decreasing manufacturing costs. While it has dominated the fiber optic field for decades and remains one of the two most common connectors, its larger size has led to a gradual replacement by more compact connectors like LC and MPO.
4. ST Connector
AT&T developed the ST (Straight Tip) fiber connector shortly after the FC type, featuring a bayonet mount and a 2.5mm ceramic ferrule to secure the fiber. Its spring-loaded design requires proper seating, and reconnecting may help if there is a significant loss. ST connectors are commonly used for both long-distance and short-distance applications, including campuses, multimode fiber applications, enterprise networks, and military uses.
5. MPO Connector
MPO stands for Multi-fiber Push-On connector, which features a fiber array supporting multiple fibers, typically up to 12, 24, or 36 strands. Due to their complexity, MPO connectors are unsuitable for field-fit applications and must be factory-terminated. They are commonly used in high-density data centers and fiber cabling systems that require space-saving solutions. While the overall cabling costs are higher than standard LC, SC, or FC connectors, MPO connectors offer significantly faster deployment and lower costs on a "per-fiber" basis.
6. MTP Connector
MTP® is a registered trademark of US Conec and stands for Multi-fiber Termination Push-on. It is an enhanced version of the MPO connector, offering improved accuracy, reliability, and performance, although it is priced higher than standard MPO connectors.
In this way, by combining the appropriate ferrule shape described earlier with the form of the connector, it is possible to prepare the required optical fiber connector. For instance, if an APC-shaped ferrule is combined with an FC connector, an FC/APC connector can be created, and if a PC-shaped ferrule is combined, an FC/PC connector can be formed.
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