Enterprise Design Guide - Public - CommScope
Enterprise Design Guide - Public - CommScope
Enterprise Design Guide - Public - CommScope
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Fiber Optic Connectors<br />
While many fiber optic connectors have been developed, three main types are presently in<br />
use - the ST, SC and LC. These connectors are designed to fit onto 900 µm tight buffered fiber,<br />
loose tube cable with fan-out kits, or 1.6 or 2.9 mm cordage. Ceramic ferrules are customarily<br />
used to position the fiber.<br />
A fiber connectorized at one end is called a pigtail; if connectorized at both ends, it’s called a<br />
patchcord. Pre-terminated patch cords and pigtails are readily available.<br />
LC connectors<br />
LC connectors are Small Form Factor (SFF) connectors about half the size of SC/ST connectors.<br />
They come in both simplex and duplex versions. They can be easily snapped in and out and<br />
offer excellent optical performance in a very small size. Most LC connectors have a ceramic<br />
ferrule. TIA/EIA 568 allows for the use of SFF connectors such as the LC. The LC connector is<br />
increasingly popular in enterprise networks and is often the connector used in network switches.<br />
SC connectors<br />
SC connectors are a push/pull design about the same size as an ST. They are sturdy, easy to<br />
handle, pull-proof when used in cordage and can be yoked together into a convenient duplex<br />
assembly. The SC connector has a long heritage of successful deployments around the world.<br />
They offer excellent optical performance and are recommended by TIA/EIA 568 to illustrate<br />
fiber systems. Most SC connectors have a ceramic ferrule.<br />
ST connectors<br />
ST connectors are bayonet-style; they push into position and twist to lock in place. STs are<br />
easy to handle and relatively inexpensive, though somewhat awkward when used as duplex<br />
patchcords. STs offer slightly more insertion loss than other connector types, but have a large<br />
installed base from years of use.<br />
Most connectors and adapters (see next page) are color-coded as specified in TIA-568 for<br />
easy recognition:<br />
• Single-mode components are blue.<br />
• SM/APC (Single-Mode Angled Polish Contact) components are green.<br />
• Multimode components are beige.<br />
•<br />
Aqua is used to designate 50 µm laser optimized components.<br />
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