Fiber Optic Cables Guide: Types and Structure

This connector is to be attached to a fiber optic cables.
There are two types: an adapter for extension and a plug type to be attached to the cable.

You can choose from 5 types of Fiber Optic Adapters..

The SC connector is the most commonly used square connector in optical communications. Thanks to its push-pull mechanism, it is easy to handle and is standard across a wide range of fields, including LAN cabling, communication equipment, and optical line installation. It is a highly reliable connector with strong compatibility and stable transmission performance.

・Structure and connection method:
Easy attach/detach with a push-pull mechanism. Employs a 2.5 mm ceramic ferrule to deliver low loss and stable optical transmission.

・Features and benefits:
The most widely adopted optical connector worldwide. Highly compatible and easy to use. Stable signal quality with low return loss.

The LC connector is a compact optical connector designed to be half the size of the SC connector and has become mainstream in high-density equipment and data centers. Despite its small size, its connection performance is equivalent to that of SC, making it suitable for scenarios where many ports need to be implemented in limited space.

・Structure and connection method:
Push-pull mechanism with a 1.25 mm ferrule. The compact body supports high-density patch panels and communication equipment.

・Features and benefits:
Compact and space-saving, ideal for high-density deployment. Loss characteristics equivalent to SC for high reliability. Standard in cutting-edge facilities such as data centers.

The ST connector is a round optical connector featuring a metal body and a bayonet-style locking mechanism. It is resistant to vibration and continues to be used in situations where stable fastening is required, such as laboratory equipment, industrial machinery, and older communication systems.

・Structure and connection method:
Insertion type secured with a bayonet lock. Uses a 2.5 mm ferrule, supporting highly reliable optical transmission.

・Features and benefits:
Robust fastening that resists vibration and shock. Widely adopted in outdoor and industrial installations. High compatibility with legacy equipment.

The FC connector is an optical connector with a screw-on lock that provides high fastening strength. It is used in scenarios requiring high stability, such as long-distance communications and critical lines.

・Structure and connection method:
Screw-on lock to prevent looseness.
A 2.5 mm ferrule enables high-precision core alignment.

・Features and benefits:
High-retention type that is unlikely to come loose. Suitable for long-distance communication and backbone infrastructure. Less susceptible to temperature and vibration.

The MU connector is an ultra-compact optical connector that uses a small 1.25 mm ferrule and is employed in domestic optical communication equipment and subscriber terminals. It is suitable for environments that require many connections in limited space.

・Structure and connection method:
Employs a small 1.25 mm ferrule.
Push-pull type for easy connection.

・Features and benefits:
Compact standard equivalent to LC, advantageous for high-density deployment. Widely adopted in domestic communication equipment. Structure suitable for implementation in multi-core and compact devices.

The SMA905 connector is a metal optical connector used for laser light and large-core fiber transmission, and is more widely adopted in industrial, medical, and research fields than in communication applications.

・Structure and connection method:
Employs a metal screw-in structure. Supports large-core fibers to ensure high durability.

・Features and benefits:
Structure suitable for high-power laser transmission. Common in industrial, medical, and research applications. High-durability, high-reliability metal body.

1-core (Single) type is the most popular optical fiber cable.

The single-core type, also known as simplex communication, uses one fiber and transfers data in a single direction.
It is suitable for one-way communication such as sending traffic or packets, and transmitting to data centers or control rooms, offering low-cost and high-speed communication.

The 2-core type bundles two optical fiber cables and has two connectors attached.

Because the two fibers are grouped together and resemble eyeglasses, it is also called “Zipcord”. The 2-core type, also known as duplex communication, uses two fibers for bidirectional data transfer. It is ideal for two-way communication such as between servers, switching hubs, and data centers.

For long lengths, on-site installation can be difficult, so the “bundled-cord type” is preferred.

Fan-out refers to a cable where a single multi-core cable “branches out” into multiple thin cables (fan-shaped).

By bundling four optical fibers and attaching four connectors, it is called the 4-core type. When one end is open, fusion splicing can be done per tape cord, enabling bulk 4-core splicing and significantly reducing installation time.

For long lengths, on-site installation is difficult, so the “bundled-cord type” described later is preferred.

The bundled-cord type optical fiber cable has a tension member in the center, making it well-suited for on-site installation over long distances.

Unlike 2-core (zipcode) or 4-core (fan-out) cables, each multi-core unit is consolidated into a single assembly with a filler.

The flat-type optical fiber cable has a tension member in the center, making it well-suited for long-length on-site installation.

Additionally, in the 2-core version, the cores are wrapped in a flame-resistant sheath, and V-groove rip seams are provided on both the left and right sides.