Evolution Of Ethernet And Fiber Optic Termination: A Look At Sc Vs. Lc Connectors

By Author: Ryan
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In the previous 20 years, there has been relatively little change in how copper Ethernet Category cable is terminated. Whether in the late 1990s or now, 8P8C RJ45-type connections may be found at the ends of Ethernet patch cables and keystone jacks placed in walls that lead back to patch panels. The T568A and T568B color codes have also remained consistent, prescribing the wiring color code sequence required to create suitable connections. One important aspect of copper Ethernet is that it is almost hard to directly splice if you need to extend it. To go from A to B, you must end it in some way, and keep in mind the relatively stringent length constraints.


Extending and eventually terminating fiber optic cable is considerably different from copper Ethernet wire. To begin, if an installer has to expand a fiber run that does not need to be connected or removed, the fibers are spliced together (by fusion or mechanical splices). During the installation, at the point where the fiber cable must be plugged in and/or removed, change your approach and attach a connection of some type. Fibre optic cable connections have ...
... evolved significantly, and none of them are compatible with one another. Certain connection types are genuinely being phased out. What's noteworthy about fiber optic connections is how you decide which one to utilize. The decision is mostly determined by the equipment needs and, to a lesser extent, the installation environment.


SC Connectors


SC Cable is perhaps the most prevalent fiber connector in use today, however, they are soon being surpassed by the much smaller LC connector since SC connectors do not lend themselves to ultra-high density applications. SC stands for "Subscriber Connector" and means such. It is frequently the connector connected to fiber entering a house or company (the end subscriber).


SC connectors are plastic push-pulls that are keyed with a tab. There is no sophisticated screw-in system here, and it is unnecessary. SC connections are wiggle-proof and fairly pull-proof, and they are simple to plug and unhook. When compared to FC, there is a lower chance of damaging the fiber's end face during connecting and disengagement. The main disadvantage of these connections is their size. SC connections employ a 2.50mm ferrule, much like FC connectors do.


LC Connectors


SFF (Small Form Factor) connections are becoming increasingly popular and with good cause. Their much lower size enables extremely dense installations. Enter the LC connection. The LC abbreviation stands for "Lucent Connector," although everyone simply says "LC." This connector is keyed, wiggle-proof, and made of plastic, much like the SC connector is. Unlike SC connections, the LC connector is completely pull-resistant due to the positive latch and is approximately half the size. LC connections have a 1.25mm ferrule.


LC Cable is commonly used with fiber optic transceivers, which are hot-pluggable and may be inserted into an Ethernet switch with SFP/SFP+ ports. The transceiver's function is to convert electrical signals into optical pulses, and this approach provides enormous flexibility.

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