In the field of communications, optical fiber and cable have become the main means of information transmission due to their high speed and large capacity. From domestic to international, from city to region, optical fiber and cable have built a huge communication network and realized the rapid transmission of information.

Next, let's take a brief look at some types of optical cables and connectors.

What are Fiber Optic Cables?

A fiber optic cable is a network cable that contains strands of glass fibers inside an insulated casing. They're designed for long-distance, high-performance data networking, and telecommunications. Compared to wired cables, fiber optic cables provide higher bandwidth and transmit data over longer distances. Fiber optic cables support much of the world's internet, cable television, and telephone systems. AimiFiber has 17Years experience for how to produce good FOC.

Fiber optics, or optical fiber, refers to the technology that transmits information as light pulses along a glass or plastic fiber.

A fiber optic cable can contain a varying number of glass fibers, from a few up to a couple hundred. Another glass layer called cladding surrounds the glass fiber core. The buffer tube layer protects the cladding, and a jacket layer acts as the final protective layer for the individual strand.

Fiber optic cables are commonly used because of their advantages over copper cables. Some of those benefits include higher bandwidth and transmit speeds.

Fiber optics is used for long-distance and high-performance data networking. It is also commonly used in telecommunication services, such as internet, television and telephones.

How Fiber Optic Cables Work

At its most basic, a communications optical fiber cable is composed of glass strands, like threads, about the diameter of human hair, each of which can transmit messages modulated onto light waves at the speed of light. They offer greater bandwidth than copper wire cable and have become the go-to option to meet the demands of the age of the internet where large amounts of data (e.g., streaming apps) must be distributed to thousands of subscribers, miles away and instantaneously.   Fiber optic cables are not only found in communications systems, they are also used in industrial networks, sensing, and avionics applications.

Types of fiber optic cables

Multimode fiber and single-mode fiber are the two primary types of fiber optic cable.

Multimode Fibers – OM1, OM2, OM3, OM4 and OM5

The core diameter of multimode optical fiber is generally 50μm/62.5μm. Due to the larger core diameter of multimode optical fiber, it allows different modes of light to be transmitted on one optical fiber. The standard wavelengths of multimode are 850nm and 1300nm respectively.

Types of Multimode Fiber Cable and Specifications

OM1

• Jacket Color – Orange
• Core Size – 62.5um
• Data Rate – 1Gb @ 850nm wavelength
• Distance – Up to 300 meters
• Application – Short-haul networks, Local Area Networks(LANs) & private networks.

OM2

• Jacket Color – Orange
• Core Size – 50um
• Data Rate – 1Gb @ 850nm wavelength
• Distance – Up to 600 meters
• Application– Short-haul networks, Local Area Networks(LANs) & private networks
• Generally used for shorter distances. Has twice the distance capacity has OM1

OM3

• Jacket Color – Aqua
• Core Size – 50um
• Data Rate – 10Gb @ 850nm wavelength
• Distance – Up to 300 meters
• Uses fewer modes of light, enabling increased speeds
• Able to run 40GB or 100GB up to 100 meters utilizing an MPO connector
• Application – Larger Private Networks

OM4

• Jacket Color – Aqua
• Core Size – 50um
• Data Rate – 10G @ 850nm wavelength
• Distance – Up to 550 meters
• Able to run 100GB up to 150 meters utilizing an MPO connector
• Application – High-Speed Networks, Data Centers, Financial Centers and Corporate Campuses

OM5

• Jacket Color – Lime Green
• Fully compatible and can mate with OM3 and OM4 cabling
• Utilizes a wider range of wavelengths between 850nm and 953nm
• Designed to support Short Wavelength Division Multiplexing (SWDM)
• Can Transmit 40 Gb/s and 100 Gb/s
• Application – High-speed Networks and Data Centers that require greater link distances and higher speeds.

Multimode Fiber Summary

As the demand for applications continues to increase, multimode optical fibers are developing in the direction of low bending loss, high bandwidth, and multi-wavelength multiplexing. Among them, the most promising application is OM5 optical fiber, which has the best performance of multimode optical fibers at present and provides a powerful optical fiber solution for future 100Gb/s and 400Gb/s multi-wavelength systems.

In addition, in order to meet the requirements of high-speed, high-bandwidth, and low-cost data center communications, new multimode optical fibers, such as single-mode and multi-mode general optical fibers, are also being developed. In the future, AIMIT will work with its peers in the industry to launch more new multimode optical fiber solutions, bringing new breakthroughs and lower costs to data centers and optical fiber interconnection.

Types of Singlemode Fiber Cable and SpecificationsOS1,OS2

Both OS1 and OS2 cables are single-mode fiber optic cables, but they have several key differences. OS1 cables are primarily used for indoor applications with a maximum distance of 10 km. They have a higher attenuation (signal loss), typically around 1dB/km. On the other hand, OS2 cables are designed for outdoor applications and can transmit data up to 200 km with an attenuation of 0.4dB/km.

Types of Singlemode Fiber Cable and Specifications

OS1

• OS1 SMF cables are compliant with the specifications of ITU-T G.652
• Embedded in a heavy polymer jacket
• The attenuation of an OS1 fiber cable is higher than an OS2 fiber cable
• the maximum transmission distance is 10 km
• Application: (Indoor Use) – moderate distance telco local loops, LANs and point-to-point links in cities, buildings, factories, office parks or campuses. OS1 can support speeds up to 10G and distances up to about 10km (6 miles)

OS2

• OS2 SMF fiber cables are only compliant with ITU-T G.652C or ITU-T G.652D standards that are specifically applied to the low-water-peak fibers
• OS2 cable is predominantly of a loose-tube construction
• Application: (Outdoor Use) high fiber count, long distance telco backbone and backhaul lines, direct bury applications along streets and railroads. OS2 can support speeds up to 100G and distances up to 200km (124 miles)

Singlemode Fiber Summary

Single Mode jacket color is typically yellow for jumpers but you may see a variety of colors depending on the application and the outer jacket type.

Single mode fiber is the standard choice for high data rates or long distance spans and can carry signals at much higher speeds than multimode fibers with less signal attenuation and external interference. It offers many advantages over multimode fiber and is an effective way to future proof your network cabling infrastructure.

Types of fiber optic connectors

What is a Fiber Connector?

An optical fiber connector is a device used to link optical fibers, facilitating the efficient transmission of light signals. An optical fiber connector enables quicker connection and disconnection than splicing. They come in various types like SC, LC, ST, and MTP, each designed for specific applications. In all, about 100 different types of fiber optic connectors have been introduced to the market. These connectors include components such as ferrules and alignment sleeves for precise fiber alignment. Quality connectors lose very little light due to reflection or misalignment of the fibers.

Structure of Fiber Connectors

It is usually made of plastic, metal, ceramic, and glass. The connector body helps support the ferrule and shield the optic fiber cables and this part is usually made of metal or plastic. The attachment mechanism makes the way to connect the connector body and optical equipment.

SC Connector

The SC was developed by the laboratories at Nippon Telegraph and Telephone (NTT) in the mid-'80s, and was one of the first connectors to hit the market following the advent of ceramic ferrules. Sometimes referred to as the ‘square connector’ the SC has a push-pull coupling end face with a spring-loaded ceramic ferrule. Initially intended for Gigabit Ethernet networking, it was standardized into the telecommunications specification TIA-568-A in 1991 and slowly grew in popularity as manufacturing costs came down. Due to its excellent performance, it dominated fiber optics for over a decade with only the ST rivalling it. It remains the second most common connector for polarization maintaining applications. The SC is ideally suited for datacoms and telecoms applications including point to point and passive optical networking.

LC Connector

LC connectors are small form factor fiber optic connectors designed for making fast connections in high-density applications. They are a miniaturized version of the earlier SC fiber connector (50% smaller) and feature a square plastic housing with a 1.25 mm ceramic ferrule. Like the SC, LCs utilize a push-pull design, and they also have an anti-snag latch and retaining tab mechanism. Several other types of fiber optic connectors preceded the LC connector, but miniaturization in the telecommunications industry created a need for a smaller connector that would take up less room on high-density panels. The LC is the most common of the legacy optical interfaces used in high volume networking applications today.

FC Connector

This type of connector was first developed by NTT of Japan. FC is the abbreviation of Ferrule Connector, indicating that its external reinforcement method is a metal sleeve and the fastening method is a screw buckle. At first, the FC type connector used a ceramic pin at the butt end (C). This type of connector has a simple structure, convenient operation, and easy production, but the fiber end face is more sensitive to dust and is prone to Fresnel reflection, making it difficult to improve the return loss performance. Later, this type of connector was improved by using a spherical pin (PC) at the butt end face, while the external structure remained unchanged, which greatly improved the insertion loss and return loss performance.

ST Connector

ST fiber connector is a type of fiber optic connector. This connector connects optical fibers in such a way that the fibers are accurately aligned, resulting in good signal quality during transmission. It is also known as a straight connector due to its shape. For a quick and secure connection, it uses a bayonet coupling mechanism. ST connectors are widely used in short and long distance network systems; such as LAN, telecommunication networks, and fiber optic instruments, etc. They are designed to be rugged, so they can withstand harsh conditions without losing much signal strength.

MTP/MPO Connector

MPO is the abbreviation of Multi-fiber Push On, the first generation of multi-fiber connectors designed by NTT of Japan. Its main industrial standard is IEC-61754-7, the current national standard is YD/T1272.5-2009, and the US standard is EIA/TIA-604-5.

MTP is the abbreviation of Multi-fiber Termination Push-on, which is a registered trademark of US Conec for its own MPO connector. Through multiple innovative designs, it has made many optimizations to MPO connectors and has its own patent protection. Therefore, MTP connectors are MPO connectors, but they have better mechanical and optical performance than ordinary MPO connectors. MTP connectors fully meet the professional standards of all MPO connectors.

Hardened Fiber Optic Connectors (HFOC)

Hardened Fiber Optic Connectors (HFOC), for outdoor use, became popular in the United States for FTTH applications in the early 2000s. HFOCs were the first outdoor-rated connectors deployed in large-scale broadband network access and drop applications. Throughout the past 20 years, tens of millions of HFOChfoc-zoomed_image ports have been deployed in the U.S. and adoption of this type of connector has expanded internationally. Telcordia GR-3120 is the most common international standard offered. Other vendor specific hardened connectors exist, but the HFOC has the widest usage and has become the de facto standard hardened outdoor connector for broadband networks.

VSFF (Very Small Form Factor) Connectors

The most recent significant development in fiber optic connectors are Very Small Formvsff-connector_image Factor (VSFF) connectors. Originally driven by need for greater fiber density in data centers and optical transceivers, both the MDC and SN connectors deliver triple the fiber density of a duplex LC adapter. Three of the SN or MDC connectors plug into the same panel cutout space as one duplex LC.

MT-RJ Connector

MT-RJ stands for Mechanical Transfer Registered Jack. It is a duplex connector with female and male variants employing alignment pins. MT-RJ is almost no longer in use. Specific systems, however, may still require these connectors for maintenance. MT-RJ is only compatible with multimode duplex cables. Both fibers enter the ferrule, connected to its mated half via pins and holes, much like the MPO/MTP connector.

MU Connector

MU connectors and adapters were developed by NTT, and have push-pull function. The connectors are composed of plastic housing and φ1.25mm Zirconia Ferrules. These products, called as "mini SC," have high reliability and operationally same with SC connectors and adapters. MU connectors are the optical connectors which miniaturized and were advanced the density application and performance.

E2000 Connector

The E2000/LX-5 connector is a small form factor designed for single-mode and multimode fiber optic cables. It is a type of LC connector, meaning it has a 1.25mm ferrule for alignment and two spring-loaded plastic clips for securing the connector into the adapter.

MDC Connector

The MDC is a two fiber very small form factor connector manufactured with proven 1.25mm ferrule technology used in industry standard LC connectors. Three port MDC adapters fit directly into standard panel openings for duplex LC adapters, increasing fiber density by a factor of three. Supporting port breakout architectures for emerging transceiver MSAs, the smaller size will allow a single array transceiver to accept multiple MDC patch cables, which are individually accessible directly at the transceiver interface. The new format will support four individual MDC cables in a QSFP footprint and two individual MDC cables in an SFP footprint.

CS Connector

The CS is a Very Small Form Factor (VSFF) connector and is ideal for space-saving solutions. The CS connector allows you to double the density in patch panels compared to an LC duplex. It offers the ability to add more room for cable management as well as better airflow within a rack.

SN Connector

The SN is ceramic-based fiber optic connector so compact and flexible that it can be utilized either as a Base-8 trunk solution, a Base-2 patching interface or as a Base-8 connection to next generation 200G, 400G, and 800G transceivers.

DIN Connector

DIN connectors are round, with pins arranged in a circular pattern. This type of connector was used widely for PC keyboards, MIDI instruments, and other specialized equipment. Another type of DIN connector is the mini-DIN. As the name suggests, mini-DIN connectors are smaller in size than a regular DIN.

D4 Connector

The D4 connector is an older generation single mode fiber optic connector with threaded nickel-plated brass body and 2.0mm precision zirconia ferrule.

Connector maintenance work

Inspection: When receiving the connector, we should carefully observe the outer packaging to see if there are obvious damages, and also see if there will be damage to the connector itself, etc. We must ensure that the connector we see is intact, so as not to affect our use of the connecting machine.

Placement: When the connector is not in use temporarily, do not place the connector casually, especially in a sunny place. If you forget to place it because of negligence, the connector will be damaged in quality due to long-term exposure to the sun, thus affecting its use, and even causing safety accidents. We must carefully remember where the connector can be stored, and must not cause safety accidents due to negligence.

Environmental impact: Connectors cannot be placed in high-temperature places. Continuous high temperature or high humidity will damage the connector, especially in an environment with chemicals. The connector will be corroded, and the outer metal protective layer will lose its protective function, causing the damage of the current line inside. Without the normal conductive function, it will become a scrapped product.

Move: When you need to move the connector, be careful to avoid the connector touching hard objects, causing damage to the connector, and do not place it under heavy objects to avoid crushing the connector.

Avoid grease: Another enemy of the connector is grease. During storage or use, if the connector comes into contact with grease, it will lose its original effectiveness and become an obstacle that affects our work.

Conclusion

Although we have introduced the most common fiber optic connector, many more types exist in the industry, such as OptiJack, NTT SC-P, 3M Volition, Sumitomo Mini BNC, AMP Optimate DNP, etc. In most cases, we will not encounter the other fiber optic connectors.

As a professional fiber optic supplier, AIMIT offers a comprehensive portfolio of fiber optic cables with different connector types. They all have passed the industry standard test to deliver optimal performance and reliability. You may trust our total fiber optic connectivity solution from this optical transceiver connectivity, like SFP, QSFP, and QSFP28, to the high-density fiber system, including 10G, 100G, and 400G.