The most commonly known fiber connectors among fiber optic technicians are SC, LC, ST, FC, and MPO. Each has distinct physical characteristics and use cases, with SC and LC dominating modern deployments.

SC (Subscriber Connector)
The SC connector is a square-shaped, push-pull style fiber optic connector with a 2.5 mm ferrule. It’s widely used in telecom rooms, patch panels, and FTTH deployments due to its reliable snap-in mechanism and ease of use. SC connectors are available in UPC and APC polish types, with SC/APC preferred in RF video and GPON systems for its superior return loss performance.

LC (Lucent Connector)
The LC connector is a compact, high-density fiber connector featuring a 1.25 mm ferrule and a latch mechanism similar to an RJ45 plug. It’s the standard interface for SFP transceivers and is heavily used in data centers and enterprise networks where space efficiency is critical. LC connectors are available in both simplex and duplex formats, with APC variants used in applications requiring low reflectance.

ST (Straight Tip)
ST connectors use a bayonet-style twist-lock mechanism and a 2.5 mm ferrule. Once dominant in multimode LAN environments and legacy systems, ST connectors are now less common in modern deployments but still recognized by technicians for their rugged design and ease of field termination.

FC (Ferrule Connector)
The FC connector features a threaded coupling and a 2.5 mm ferrule, providing a secure and vibration-resistant connection. It was historically favored in lab environments and early single-mode systems, especially where physical stability was essential. Though largely replaced by SC and LC in field installations, FC remains relevant in precision test setups.

MPO (Multi-Fiber Push-On)
MPO connectors are rectangular, multi-fiber interfaces that can support 8, 12, 24, or more fibers in a single connector. They are the backbone of high-density backbone cabling and parallel optics in data centers. MPO connectors require careful polarity and alignment management and are often paired with MTP variants for enhanced performance and durability.

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