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8
cHaPter 2
Fiber optic connectors
Simplex Fiber Connector
A simplex fiber connector contains a
single fiber located in the center of the
ferrule. Common types include SC, LC, FC
and ST.
Simplex and
Multi-fiber Connectors
Multi-fiber Connector
A multi-fiber/ribbon fiber connector
contains multiple linear fibers (4, 8, 12,
24, 48 or 72) in a single connector to
provide high-density connectivity. The
most common configuration is MPO (also
called the MTP®).
Ferrule
Fiber
Simplex Fiber Connector
Multiple Fibers
Ribbon Fiber Connector
Body
Houses the ferrule that secures the fiber in place; utilizes a latch and key mechanism that
aligns the fiber and prevents the rotation of ferrules of two mated connectors
.
Ferrule
Thin cylinder where the fiber is mounted and acts as the fiber alignment mechanism; the
end of the fiber is located at the end of the ferrule.
Cladding
Core
Ferrule
Body
Fiber
Cladding
Glass layer surrounding the core, which prevents the signal in the core from escaping.
Core
The critical center layer of the fiber; the
conduit that light passes through.
