CHOOSING

FIBER OPTIC
CONNECTORS
Choosing the correct type of fiber optic connector
comes down to three main questions:
1. What connector type does the equipment being
installed require?
2. What fiber type is needed?
3. Are there any requirements for polish type?

This guide discusses common connectors for fiber optic networking and
audio/video applications. For questions on other connector types and
configurations, please contact us at [email protected].
Cleerline manufactures easily installable LC and SC mechanical splice
connectors. For more information on available connector types, visit
cleerlinefiber.com/product/connectors or see the last page of this booklet.

www.cleerlinefiber.com | 1-866-469-2487 | [email protected]

CONNECTORS The equipment in use dictates the connector type. In these examples,
the fiber extenders and SFP modules require LC connectors, but this

IN NETWORKS
varies by device. The LC connectors, identifiable by their small size and
distinctive clips, are at either end of the pictured SSF™ fiber optic cable.

Display
Source
SSF™ VIDEO EXTENSION

HDMI HDMI
Cable Cable

Fiber Extender SSF™ Fiber Optic Cable Fiber Extender

Network Switch
SSF™ NETWORKING Media Converter
(Fiber to RJ45)

SFP Module SSF™ Fiber Optic Cable SFP Module

(Small Form-Factor Pluggable) (Small Form-Factor Pluggable)

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COMMON There are many types of fiber optic connectors, including LC, SC, ST,
FC, MPO, MTRJ and more. Within the United States, three of the most

CONNECTORS
popular styles for networking and A/V are LC, SC, and ST connectors.

Clip

LC CONNECTOR SC CONNECTOR ST CONNECTOR

LC (Lucent) connectors were developed by SC connectors were the first connector chosen for Like SC connectors, ST connectors have a 2.5 mm
Lucent Technologies, Inc. Each connector has the TIA-568 standard and are still in frequent use ferrule. ST connectors were designed by AT&T.
a 1.25 mm ferrule, half the size of an SC or ST today. Each connector has a 2.5 mm ferrule. Each connector features a bayonet mount with a
connector’s 2.5 mm ferrule. long cylindrical ferrule.
They are a snap-in connector and latch with a
Today, LC connectors are a very common choice simple push-pull motion. Most ferrules are ceramic, but some may be metal
for networking and high-density installations due or plastic.
to their small size. SC connectors are used with select styles of fiber
optic extenders, although LC styles are more ST connectors, while previously widely used, are
SFP (Small Form-Factorable Pluggable) modules commonly used. less popular today.
and fiber optic extenders also often use LC
connectors, although this varies by manufacturer.
LC connectors can be distinguished by their small
size and clip design.

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SINGLE MODE Fiber connectors are designed specifically for the type of fiber
in use. Single mode fiber requires single mode connectors.

vs. MULTIMODE Multimode fiber requires multimode connectors.

SINGLE MODE
Single mode fiber has a 9 micron (µm) core with a 125 µm cladding. A 9/125
notation indicates single mode. The core size is much smaller than that of a
multimode fiber. To transfer signal correctly, single mode fibers require single
mode connectors.
It is impossible to distinguish core size with the naked eye, so it is vital to
ensure fiber type is known before choosing connectors.

MULTIMODE
Multimode fibers have either a 50 µm core with a 125 µm cladding (OM2/
OM3/OM4) or a 62.5 µm core with a 125 µm cladding (OM1).
While generally connectors for OM2, OM3, and OM4 fibers are
interchangeable, OM1 rated connectors cannot be used on OM2, OM3, or
OM4. This is due to the difference in core size.

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POLISH TYPE Connectors can have differently polished endfaces. This impacts the
connector’s level of return loss. Polish type is particularly applicable to
single mode connectors.

UPC (Ultra Physical Contact) APC (Angled Physical Contact)

UPC connectors have the most common polish type. The endface is slightly APC Connectors have an 8° angle at the endface. This angle causes light to
domed. These connectors are used for common networking applications and bounce toward the fiber’s cladding, helping to decrease return loss.
are installed more frequently than APC connectors for A/V applications.
However, APC connectors have very specific applications, such as GPON,
Single mode UPC connectors are color-coded blue. FTTx, etc. They are only used when required by specific equipment. These
connectors are most frequently used by service providers, or for long
distance transmissions. APC connectors are colored green.

UPC and APC connectors cannot be mated due to the angle of the APC connector. The connector types are not interchangeable.
Always verify the type of connector required. If a single mode connector is recommended and no polish is specified, utilize UPC
connectors. If APC connectors are required, you must install APC connectors.
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CONNECTOR Connectors are often color-coded for easy identification. The chart
below shows this with LC connectors. Note color-coding varies by

COLOR CODES manufacturer, so be sure to double check. (For example, Cleerline

SSF™ OM2/OM3/OM4 Duplex Patch Cables have beige connectors.)

OM1 OM2 OM3/OM4 OS2 - UPC OS2 - APC

Multimode 62.5/125 Multimode 50/125 Multimode 50/125 Single Mode 9/125 Single Mode 9/125
Beige* Black* Aqua Blue Green

*Beige and Black may also apply to different grades of multimode - check jacket and print legend

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CHANGING Install an SC connector and need an LC connector? No problem!
Instead of re-terminating, use an SC-SC adapter with an SC-LC patch

CONNECTORS cable. (Just make sure your fiber type matches throughout!)

SC CONNECTOR + SC ADAPTER + SC-LC PATCH CABLE

Items similar to those above, such as LC adapters and different patch cables, can be used to convert to a wide variety
of connector types.
In addition, hybrid adapters are available, such as the SC to LC adapter pictured (left).
Patch cables are available in many configurations, including SC-SC, SC-LC, and LC-LC. Simply ensure that your fiber
type remains consistent throughout.

Learn more about available Cleerline SSF™ connectors and connectivity

products at cleerlinefiber.com/products.
www.cleerlinefiber.com | 1-866-469-2487 | [email protected]
CLEERLINE SSF™ Cleerline SSF™ field-installable LC & SC connectors eliminate the
need to hand polish, epoxy, or crimp in the field. Compatible with all

CONNECTORS SSF™ fibers as well as traditional fiber optic cabling.

SSF-LC-MMFPC-10 SSF-LC-SMUPC-10 SSF-LC-SMAPC-10

LC Multimode OM2/3/4 UPC, 10 Pack LC Single Mode UPC, 10 Pack LC Single Mode APC, 10 Pack

SSF-SC-MMFPC-10 SSF-SC-SMUPC-10 SSF-SC-SMAPC-10

SC Multimode OM2/3/4 UPC, 10 Pack SC Single Mode UPC, 10 Pack SC Single Mode APC, 10 Pack

View all Cleerline SSF™ Connectivity Products at

cleerlinefiber.com/product-category/connectivity
www.cleerlinefiber.com | 1-866-469-2487 | [email protected]