Fiber optic cables appear to be the integral components in such out-to-date industries as automobile, telephone and cable television, networking, Internet technologies, etc. Multiple specialists and people utilize unique flexible devices called fiber connectors to quickly connect and disconnect fiber wires. The current market offers a diversity of these connectors, including SC fiber connectors, LC fiber connectors, ST fiber connectors, and many others. This article will try to figure out what an LC fiber connector is and introduce you to the main types of fiber connectors.
LC connector fiber at the glance
The LC connector usually refers to a small form factor (SFF) connector that links LC fiber cables where the connection or disconnection is needed. The LC is usually associated with Lucent Connector – Lucent Technology firstly designed this connector for use in the TelCo environment. However, LC can also refer to Local Connector or Little Connector. These connectors contain components of a traditional connector, although a ceramic ferrule distinguishes LC fiber optic connectors from other options. The applications of an LC connector are various – starting from local networks to cable television and distribution on-premises.
LC connectors are pretty popular in the current market, thanks to their promising benefits. For instance, these connectors can save time during installation since installing any mountable field connectors isn’t required. Apart from that, the LC connector features convenient size – they are two times smaller than usual SC connectors.
Thanks to the polarized characteristic, these connectors can ensure high repeatability and are great for maintaining transfer and receiving. In addition, LC fiber connectors are more durable and offer reduced rearrangement via repeated cross-connections at the expense of the anti-snag latch.
What are the major types of LC fiber optic connectors?
When it comes to the types of an LC-LC connectors, they come in both single-mode and multimode. UPC and APC polishing kinds are available for these connectors, as well. The green color can easily recognize LC APC fiber connectors, and they feature reduced back reflection thanks to the specific angle in a connector itself. At the same time, LC UPC connectors are associated with blue-colored housing. LC connectors can be divided into BTW connectors and jumper connectors available on the current market.
1. BTW connectors
This version of LC connectors is represented as behind-the-wall since BTW connectors are installed on the backside of the appliances and equipment in most cases. These connectors are designed for mounting on 0.9 mm fiber cables. Additionally, connection and disconnection are easy with BTW LC connectors, thanks to their extended latch and finger catch.
2. Jumper connectors
Jumper LC connectors are widely used in LAN central offices, not to mention on-premises distribution systems. They feature the standard latch and a trigger that makes these connectors easy to engage or disengage. Besides, people often utilize Jumper connectors to terminate 1.6 to 2.0 mm simplex and duplex fiber optic cables.