Fiber Patch Cords by Types of Connectors: An In-Depth Guide

Connectors are crucial components in fiber optic systems, serving as the interface between different devices or fiber optic cables. This article delves into the various types of connectors used in fiber patch cords, highlighting their unique features, benefits, and typical applications.

Types of Connectors

SC Connector: SC (Subscriber Connector or Standard Connector) connectors feature a push-pull latching mechanism that allows for easy insertion and removal. They offer excellent stability and low insertion loss, making them a popular choice in telecommunications and datacom environments.
LC Connector: LC (Lucent Connector) connectors boast a compact, small form factor design, making them ideal for high-density applications. Their precision and reduced size favor their use in modern networking equipment where space is at a premium.
ST Connector: ST (Straight Tip) connectors employ a bayonet-style mounting mechanism that ensures a secure and durable connection. They are commonly used in fiber optic networking applications and are valued for their robustness and ease of installation.
MTP/MPO Connector: MTP/MPO (Multi-fiber Termination Push-on/Pull-off) connectors enable high-density, multi-fiber connections, supporting the rapid deployment of fiber networks. They prove especially useful in data centers and for backbone installations, where space efficiency and scalability are crucial.

Comparison of the different types of fiber connectors: SC, LC, ST and MTP / MPO/ — Comparison of different types of fiber patch cord connectors

How are fiber patch cords labelled?

Fiber patch cords are named based on several key attributes that describe their physical and optical characteristics. The naming convention typically follows a pattern that includes the connector types on either end, the fiber type (single-mode or multimode), and sometimes additional attributes related to performance or application. Here’s a breakdown of the naming convention using the example “SC – SC SM”:

Connector Type on the First End: The first part of the name specifies the type of fiber optic connector attached to one end of the patch cord. For instance, in “SC – SC SM”, the initial “SC” represents the Subscriber Connector, showing its use on the first end of the patch cord.
Connector Type on the Second End: The name’s second part (after the dash) shows the connector type on the patch cord’s other end. In the example, the second “SC” shows that both ends of the patch cord use the same Subscriber Connector type. If the connectors were different, the name would include the respective abbreviation for each connector type (e.g., SC – LC).
Fiber Type: The name’s last part indicates the optical fiber type in the patch cord. “SM” means Single-Mode, showing the patch cord uses single-mode fiber, typically for long-distance communication because it supports only one light mode, reducing dispersion and extending transmission distance. Conversely, “MM” would signify Multimode fiber, suitable for shorter distances and capable of supporting multiple light modes.

Additional Attributes may also be included, such as:

“DX” or “SX”: Indicates duplex or simplex configuration. Duplex means the patch cord has two fibers for bidirectional communication, while simplex has a single fiber.
Fiber Performance Category: For multimode fibers, categories like OM1, OM2, OM3, OM4, or OM5 might be included to indicate the performance level of the fiber, primarily related to bandwidth and transmission distance capabilities.
Length: Sometimes, the length of the patch cord is also part of the name, either at the end or in the middle.

So, “SC – SC SM” succinctly indicates a single-mode fiber patch cord with SC connectors on both ends, designed for applications requiring the low dispersion and high bandwidth of single-mode fiber.

Below is a table summarizing common types of fiber patch cords based on their connector combinations and what each combination means. This table will help you understand the various configurations available and their typical applications.

Patch Cord Type	Connector End A	Connector End B	Meaning	Common Uses
SC – SC	Subscriber Connector	Subscriber Connector	A patch cord with SC connectors on both ends.	Used in datacom, telecom, and CATV networks for both single-mode and multimode fibers.
SC – LC	Subscriber Connector	Lucent Connector	A patch cord with an SC connector on one end and an LC connector on the other.	Ideal for connecting equipment or panels with different connector types, widely used in high-density applications.
LC – LC	Lucent Connector	Lucent Connector	A patch cord with LC connectors on both ends.	Preferred for high-density networking environments like data centers, due to their small form factor.
ST – ST	Straight Tip	Straight Tip	A patch cord with ST connectors on both ends.	Commonly used in industrial and military applications, as well as older fiber installations.
ST – SC	Straight Tip	Subscriber Connector	A patch cord with an ST connector on one end and an SC connector on the other.	Used to connect fiber optic equipment or panels with different connector types, suitable for a variety of network configurations.
LC – MTP/MPO	Lucent Connector	Multi-fiber Termination Push On/Pull Off	A patch cord with an LC connector on one end and an MTP/MPO connector on the other.	Used in high-speed data communications and data centers requiring rapid deployment and scalability with high fiber counts.
SC – MTP/MPO	Subscriber Connector	Multi-fiber Termination Push On/Pull Off	A patch cord with an SC connector on one end and an MTP/MPO connector on the other.	Suitable for telecommunications and datacom environments that require connections between traditional SC interfaces and high-density MTP/MPO backbones.
FC – FC	Ferrule Connector	Ferrule Connector	A patch cord with FC connectors on both ends.	Often used in test environments, telecommunications, and data centers for single-mode fibers due to its screw-on mechanism that ensures a secure connection.

Common types of Fiber patch cords

This table covers the most common fiber patch cord types and their typical applications. The choice of a specific patch cord type depends on the requirements of the network, including the types of equipment being connected, the required transmission distance, and the network’s density.