LESSON 4.3.pdf - 1 Welcome To This Lesson In this lesson we...

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1: Welcome To This Lesson.
In this lesson we will look at CommScope's range of fiber optic terminations and hardware.
Copyright © 2017 CommScope Inc and Cabling Science Ltd. All rights reserved.

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2: Common Connector Specifications.
Fiber optic connectors come in several designs but nearly all of them are sized to fit either 900 micron tight buffered
fiber or jacketed cordage. To position the fiber in the center of the connector, ceramic ferrules are customarily used.
Most connectors and adapters are color-coded for easy recognition: single-mode is blue, multimode is beige, laser
optimized multimode is aqua, and single-mode APC (Angled Physical Contact) components are green.
Copyright © 2017 CommScope Inc and Cabling Science Ltd. All rights reserved.

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3: Fiber Optic Connectors.
While many different fiber optic connectors have been developed, three main types are frequently used - ST, SC, and
LC. The CommScope STII is a more robust version of the original ST connector and prevents momentary
disconnects when an axial load is placed on jumper cordage. These connectors twist and lock, commonly called a
bayonet fitting and are a simplex connector. SC connectors are a push/pull design and are about the same size as an
ST, but lighter due to their plastic construction. They are sturdy, easy to handle, pull-proof when used with cordage,
and can be used in either simplex or duplex format depending on the application. The average loss on both the ST
and SC is about 0.3dB.
Copyright © 2017 CommScope Inc and Cabling Science Ltd. All rights reserved.

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4: Fiber Optic Connectors.
LC connectors are known as SFF (Small Form Factor) connectors, and are about half the size of SC or ST
connectors. They come in both simplex and duplex versions, can be easily snapped in and out, have ceramic ferrules
and offer excellent optical performance. The average loss on a multimode LC connector is 0.1dB. They are available
with standard color coding to match the fiber they are being connected to.
Copyright © 2017 CommScope Inc and Cabling Science Ltd. All rights reserved.

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5: Optical Fiber SECURE Products.
To complement the CommScope fiber connector range, there is a wide range of LC connectors available including
keyed types, that prevent improper connections in segregated networks. A range of colors is offered for easy
matching of different types of connection. Secure connectors are available for both single-mode and multimode and
they interface with standard test equipment. The key component in the LC connector, and similar types, is the ferrule
that holds the end of the fiber. Ferrules may be made of ceramic, metal, or plastic. Ceramics are the most durable of
the materials, but are more expensive than plastic. Plastic and metal ferrule materials may 'shave off' during mating
and re-mating, creating debris that must be cleaned off.