Fiber Connector Types
Common fiber optic connectors and their characteristics.
Fiber optic connections come in several connector types, each designed for a different density, environment, or performance requirement. LC is the modern default for SFP and SFP+ transceivers, SC dominates in OSP and patch panels, MPO/MTP is used for 40G and 100G parallel optics, and ST and FC persist in legacy and industrial installations.
The polish matters as much as the connector: UPC and APC terminations are not interchangeable, and mixing them across a link damages the end faces. When documenting your cable plant, record both the connector and the polish - the Fiber Patch Panel Inventory template is built for exactly this.
| Connector | Type | Polish | Return Loss | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LC | Duplex | UPC / APC | >50 dB (APC) | SFP/SFP+ transceivers, high density |
| SC | Duplex | UPC / APC | >50 dB (APC) | OSP, patch panels, older equipment |
| ST | Simplex | UPC | >30 dB | Legacy multimode, industrial |
| FC | Simplex | UPC / APC | >60 dB (APC) | High-power, test equipment, telco |
| MPO/MTP | Multi-fiber | UPC / APC | >20 dB | 40G/100G parallel optics, trunk cables |
| E2000 | Duplex | UPC / APC | >50 dB (APC) | European telco, spring-loaded shutter |
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