16 Types of Fibre Optic Connectors You Need to Know

Optical fibre is a type of computer network cable. To connect between network cables, usually requires an additional tool called a connector. In general, there are several types of fibre optic connector that are often used to build computer networks.

Optical cable is a type of cable that contains optical fibre. The optical fibre in the fibre optic cable has a task or role to guide light waves from optical fibres made of silica or glass which are very small in size and light in weight but can convey large amounts of information signals.

Choosing the types of connector for fibre optic must be done carefully and carefully. The goal, of course, is to minimize the occurrence of light signal leakage during the data transmission process. So that no data is lost during the transmission process.

16 Types of Fibre Optic Connectors
Conclusion

16 Types of Fibre Optic Connectors

Many connectors can be used in telecommunications, data lines, television and cable, and other industrial fields. Generally, each types of fibre optic connector has its own different functions and installation methods.

In this article, we will review the types of connectors that are often used in fibre optics. Some types of connectors that will be discussed may not be found in the market because they are rarely used in modern network topologies.

1. Fibre Optic Connector Type: Bionic

Maybe many of you are unfamiliar with this type of connector. This is because this types of fibre optic connector is no longer used. The current Bionic Connector has expired and is no longer in use.

Bionic connectors are among the earliest types of network cable connectors used. This type of connector is one of the first connectors used in fibre optic communication links.

These connectors are easily identifiable due to the tapered sleeve attached to the fibre optic connector. The tapered end allows the sleeve to sit properly in the connector. Bonding is confirmed by guide rings attached directly to the cap.

2. Standard Connector (SC)

The next types of fibre optic connector is the standard connector (SC). This type of connector is quite simple but sturdy and has an affordable price. This connector is one of network device need to construct networking.

This connector uses a ceramic ferrule to provide precise SMF alignment. The SC connector is equipped with a locking tab that allows it to be pushed/pulled. So that the cable installation process can be done more accurately.

3. Ferrule Core Connector (FC)

Although this type of FC connector is still widely used in recent times, its popularity is starting to decline. This connector uses a threaded housing and a notch that can be positioned to achieve a proper SMF position in relation to the receive and optical source. Once the connectors are in place, they are kept snugly without changing anything.

4. ST Connector

The design of the ST connector bayonet is similar to that of the BNC connector (Bayonet Nut Connector or Bayonet Neill-Concelman). The ST connector is widely used for MMF and SMF FOC and is really easy to use. The ST connector is made in two versions – ST and ST-II. Both types of fibre optic connector have locks and springs, and use a “push and turn” mechanism.

5. SMA Connector

The next types of fibre optic connector is the SMA connector. Although this type of connector is currently out of date, the SMA connector is the forerunner to the emergence of the ST connector that was discussed earlier.

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SMA connectors that are obsolete and unused, are now being replaced with newer types of connectors. Currently, SMA connectors are being replaced with ST type connectors as well as SC connectors.

6. Lucent Connector (LC)

Lucent connectors are sometimes also called small connectors. In summary, the Lucent connector is a small form factor FOC using a 1.25 mm ferrule. In general, there are 3 types of LC connectors that are commonly found, namely:

• Single LC APC Mode

• Single LC UPC Mode

• Multi-Mode LC UPC

7. Plastic Fibre Optic Cable Connectors

Fibre optic cable connectors are the type of connectors that need to be known next. Although there are relatively few plastic connectors available today when compared to glass fibre, this type of fibre optic connector is quite popular in computer networks.

Plastic fibre optic cable connectors are quite popular because the price is relatively cheap. So that it can be used as a means to save the cost of installing network cabling and computer topologies.

8. Enterprise Systems Connection Connector (ESCON)

The next connector that you also need to know is the Enterprise Systems Connection Connector (ESCON). This connector model was developed by a well-known computer company, namely IBM. In short, ESCON is a 1/2 duplex series interface that uses FOC. This types of fibre optic connector was developed with the intention of connecting peripheral storage devices, including tape drives, to IBM mainframes.

9. Fibre Distributed Data Interface Connector (FDDI)

The next types of fibre optic connector is the Fibre Distributed Data Interface Connector (FDDI). FDDI is capable of providing data transmission speeds of up to 100 Mbps in a local network over a distance of 200 km.

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The FDDI Fibre Optic Connector connects network equipment to a wall plug. The connector contains a 2.5mm ferrule that can be attached to ST and SC connectors using an adapter.

10. Opti-Jack Connector

If you look closely, the Opti-Jack duplex connector is similar to the universal RJ-45 connector. This types of fibre optic connector contains two ST type ferrules and is a robust plug-and-jack connector.

11. LX-5 Connector

The LX-5 connector is a type of high-class connector that is quite popular and is often used in networking. LX-5 can provide access to data transmission with high speed, high performance, and reliable network.

This connector uses automatic metal shutter technology in a standard small form factor package with a 1.25 mm ferrule. This types of fibre optic connector is planned to be used in CATV programs and in reliable telecommunications network performance.

12. Volition Connector

Maybe Volition is one of the most unique types of connectors. Because this type of connector uses a ferrule on the inside. In addition, this plug-and-jack duplex connector uses a ‘V’ shape to match the fibre.

13. MT-RJ Connector

The next connector for fibre optic cable is MT-RJ. Single polymer duplex ferrule MT-RJ connector includes synchronization. This type includes a male/female connector and is also available in a plug-and-jack connector format.

14. MU connector

MU connectors have a smaller footprint. This type includes the latest fibre optic connectors and has a wide range of applications. The connectors are square and use a push-pull installation process. Some of the common types of MU connectors are:

• Single Model APC

• Single Model UPC

• Multi-Model UPC

This connector is used for SONET, SDH, LAN, WDM, as well as CATV.

15. MT Connector

The next types of fibre optic connector that you need to know is the MT connector. MT connector is a type of connector with a ribbon cable that has 12 fibre connectors. They are used for factory finished cable assemblies and cable mechanisms.

16. Types of Fibre Optic Connector : E2000

More and more modern telecommunications networks are using the E2000 connector. This fibre optic connector is equipped with a spring shutter so that it is more unique than others. This makes the Ferrule inside the connector more protected from dust, dirt, and scratches.

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This connector uses a monoblock ceramic ferrule, problems related to other coefficients of expansion are ignored. The E2000 is a push-pull locking connector equipped with a latch. This connector is traded by Swiss-based Diamond SA.

This connector is available in the following variations:

• Single Mode APC

• Single Mode UPC

• Multi-Mode UPC

This connector is used in broadband applications, telecommunication networks, LAN (Fibre-In-the-loop [FITL], Fibre CATV, Fibre-to-the-Desk [FTTD], Fibre-to-the-Home [FTTH] and data networks.

Conclusion

Fibre optic is an important component in the installation of computer networks and the internet. In order to be able to connect one network cable to another, a connector is needed so that each component can be properly connected to the network.

Those are some types of fibre optic connectors that you need to know. Now with this discussion, I hope you are not confused anymore with network cables, connectors, and various types of components in them.