Hardware installed on Fiber Cable ends to provide cable attachment to a transmitter, Receiver or other cable. Usually a device that can be connected and disconnected repeatedly.

Since fiber optic technology was introduced in the late 70s, numerous Connector styles have been developed. Each new design was meant to offer better performance (less Light Loss and back reflection), easier and/or Termination and lower cost. Of course, the marketplace determines which connectors are ultimately successful.

Fiber optic connector types are as various as the applications for which they were developed. Different connector types have different characteristics, different advantages and disadvantages, and different performance parameters. But all connectors have the SAME four basic components: ferrule, connector body, cable and Coupling device.

Each connector type has strong points. For example, ST connectors are a good choice for easy field installations; the FC connector has a floating Ferrule that provides good mechanical isolation; the SC Connector offers excellent packing density, and its push-pull design resists fiber End Face Contact damage during unmating and remating cycles.