Optical connector - Everything you need to know !

An optical connector type SC
An optical connector type SC

Optical Connectors

An optical connector, also known as a fiber optic connector, is a device used to connect two fiber optic cables or to connect an optical fiber to an optical device, such as an optical switch or transceiver.

Its main role is to enable the efficient transmission of optical signals between different components of an optical network.

The optical connector is usually composed of several elements :

Ferrule : It is a small cylindrical piece that contains the end of the optical fiber. The ferrule ensures precise alignment of the optical fibers to ensure an optimal optical connection and minimize signal losses.

Sleeve : The sleeve is the part of the connector that holds the ferrule in place and ensures stable alignment between the optical fibers. It can be made of metal, plastic, or ceramic, depending on the type of connector.

Connector Body : It is the external part of the connector that protects the internal components and allows it to be easily handled during installation or removal. The connector body can have different shapes and sizes depending on the type of connector.

Locking Clip : Some optical connectors are equipped with a locking clip to ensure a secure connection and prevent accidental disconnections.

Protective end caps : To protect the ends of optical fibers from damage and contamination, optical connectors are often equipped with removable protective end caps.

Optical connectors are widely used in telecommunications networks, computer networks, audio and video transmission systems, high-speed data networks, surveillance systems, and industrial applications. They provide reliable, high-speed connectivity for transporting optical signals over long distances, making them an essential component of modern optical networks.
SC LC, FC ST and MPO optical connectors
SC LC, FC ST and MPO optical connectors

Types of optical connectors

These optical connectors are distinguished by their size, locking mechanism, ease of installation, reliability, and specific application. The choice of connector depends on the specific needs of the application, such as connectivity density, connection reliability, ease of installation, and environmental requirements.
Just as there are color codes for cables, the color of the connector also tells you what type of connector can be used.
The most commonly used optical connectors are :
LC Connector (Lucent Connector) The LC connector is one of the most popular optical connectors due to its small size and high connectivity density. It uses a clip-locking mechanism to ensure a secure connection. LC is commonly used in telecommunications networks, computer networks, and optical equipment.
SC Connector (Subscriber Connector) The SC connector is a bayonet locking optical connector that provides a robust and reliable connection. It is larger than the LC connector and is often used in applications where reliability and ease of connection are critical, such as telecommunications networks and local area networks.
ST (Straight Tip) connector The ST connector is a bayonet locking optical connector that has been widely used in the past. It is larger than the LC and SC and requires rotation to lock in place. Although less common than the LC and SC, the ST connector is still used in some telecommunications networks and in military installations.
MPO (Multi-fiber Push-On) connector The MPO connector is a multi-fiber optical connector that allows multiple optical fibers to be connected in a single operation. It is often used in applications that require high connectivity density, such as data centers, high-speed communication networks, and fiber optic telecommunications systems.
FC Connector (Fiber Connector) The FC connector is an optical screw connector that provides a secure and stable connection. It is mainly used in applications that require high reliability, such as test and measurement equipment, defense networks, and industrial applications.

Colour codes

Here is an overview of the color codes of fiber optics :
Connector Single-mode connector Multimode connector
LC No color coding No color coding
SC Blue Beige or Ivory
ST Blue Beige or Ivory
DFO Blue Green or Beige
FC Blue Beige or Ivory

Optical Connection

In terms of optical connections, developments are envisaged to meet the growing needs for bandwidth, energy efficiency, miniaturization and reliability in various fields. Here are some of the potential developments to watch :

  • Development of compact, high-density connectors :
    Data networks, data centers, and electronic equipment require increasingly compact, high-density connectivity solutions to optimize the use of space and resources. Compact optical connectors, such as uniboot LC connectors or high-density multi-fiber MPO connectors, could be developed to meet these requirements.

  • Improved performance and transmission speed :
    With the increasing demand for bandwidth, especially for applications such as 4K/8K video streaming, virtual reality, 5G mobile telephony, and IoT applications, optical connectors could evolve to support even higher data rates and faster transmission rates, for example by adopting technologies such as parallel multi-fiber transmission or increasing fiber optic capacity.

  • Integration of solid-state photonics technology :
    The integration of solid-state photonics into optical connectors could enable advanced functions such as optical modulation, optical sensing, and optical signal processing directly at the connector. This could pave the way for innovative applications such as low-latency and high-throughput optical networks, silicon photonics and smart optical devices.

  • Development of flexible and bendable optical connectors :
    Applications requiring flexible and adaptable connectivity, such as distributed sensor networks, wearable equipment, and harsh environment communication systems, could benefit from the development of flexible, bendable optical connectors that can withstand twisting, bending, and vibration.

  • Integration of security and encryption technologies :
    With a focus on data security and privacy, future optical connectors could incorporate advanced security and encryption features to ensure the confidentiality and integrity of data transmitted over the optical network.


These potential developments in the field of optical connections reflect the challenges and opportunities faced in modern communication networks and future applications, and are intended to meet the growing needs in terms of performance, reliability and efficiency of optical systems.

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