Classification and difference of optical fiber interface
An optical fiber is a fiber made of glass or plastic that can be used as a means of light transmission and is mainly used in the communication industry. The advantages of optical fiber are: broadband, long distance, anti-interference, safe and reliable, light and durable, etc. According to different transmission modes, optical fibers can be divided into single-mode optical fibers and multi-mode optical fibers. This article will introduce the classification and difference of optical fiber interfaces from the following aspects:
The concept of fiber optic interface
Optical fiber interface, the full name is optical fiber active connector, is a device used for detachable (movable) connection between optical fiber and optical fiber or between optical fiber and equipment. It precisely butts the two end faces of the optical fiber, so that the light energy output by the emitting fiber can be coupled into the receiving optical fiber to the maximum extent, and the impact on the system is minimized.
Classification of optical fiber interface
Optical fiber interfaces can be divided into various types according to different structural forms and connection methods. The commonly used ones are FC, SC, ST, LC, D4, DIN, MU, MT-R, etc. The characteristics and applications of these types are introduced below:
FC-type optical fiber interface: the full name is Ferrule Connector, the external reinforcement method is a metal sleeve, and the fastening method is a turnbuckle. The FC interface is generally used in telecommunications networks. There is a nut screwed onto the adapter. The advantage is that it is reliable and dust-proof, and the disadvantage is that the installation time is slightly longer. It is generally used on the ODF side (mostly used on distribution frames, and also mostly used in optical transceivers).
SC-type optical fiber interface: the shell is rectangular, and the fastening method is plug-in and pull-out pin-bolt type, without rotation. The SC interface is directly pluggable, which is very convenient to use, but the disadvantage is that it is easy to fall out (mostly used on router switches).
ST-type optical fiber interface: the shell is round, and the fastening method is a screw buckle. After the ST head is inserted, it is fixed by a bayonet when it rotates half a circle. The disadvantage is that it is easy to break; it is often used in optical fiber distribution frames (for 10Base-F connection, the connector is usually ST type).
LC-type optical fiber interface: the shell is rectangular, and the fastening method is plug-in and pull-out pin-bolt type. The LC type optical fiber interface is suitable for SFP modules (the SFP optical module defaults to LC interface), and it is made of a modular jack (RJ) latch mechanism that is easy to operate.
D4-type optical fiber interface: the external strengthening method is metal sleeve and rubber sleeve, and the fastening method is screw buckle. The D4 type connector has a high-precision ceramic sleeve and a metal cap, and is widely used in the Japanese market.
DIN-type optical fiber interface: the full name is Deutsche Industrie Norm, the external strengthening method is metal sleeve and rubber sleeve, and the fastening method is a turnbuckle. DIN connectors have high-precision ceramic sleeves and metal caps, and are widely used in the European market.
MU-type optical fiber interface: the shell is rectangular, and the fastening method is self-locking. The MU-type optical fiber interface is a miniaturized SC-type optical fiber interface. It uses a 1.25mm diameter ceramic sleeve and is suitable for high-density installation.
MT-R type optical fiber interface: the outer shell is rectangular, and the fastening method is plug-in pin-bolt type. MT-R optical fiber interface is a square optical fiber connector with integrated transceiver, one end with dual fiber transceiver. The MT-R type optical fiber interface consists of two high-precision plastic molded connectors and optical cables, suitable for indoor applications in telecommunications and data network systems.
The difference between optical fiber interface
The difference of optical fiber interface is mainly reflected in the following aspects:
Appearance shape: Different types of optical fiber interfaces have different appearance shapes, such as round, rectangular, etc., which can be distinguished by naked eyes.
Fiber core diameter: Different types of fiber optic interfaces have different core diameters, such as 2.5mm, 1.25mm, etc., which can be distinguished by measuring tools.
Fastening method: Different types of optical fiber interfaces have different fastening methods, such as turnbuckle, plug-in latch type, self-locking type, etc., which can be distinguished by the operation method.
Adapter type: Different types of optical fiber interfaces need to be used with corresponding types of adapters, such as FC-FC, SC-SC, LC-LC, etc., which can be distinguished by the adapter identification.
Application range: Different types of optical fiber interfaces have different application ranges, such as telecommunication networks, local area networks, data centers, SFP modules, etc., which can be distinguished by device types.
Actual use case
Here are six cases of actually using different types of fiber optic interfaces:
Case 1: A telecommunications company needs to establish a long-distance communication link between two cities. In order to ensure signal quality and stability, single-mode optical fiber is selected as the transmission medium, and FC-type optical fiber interface and FC-FC adapter are used to connect the devices at both ends.
Case 2: An enterprise needs to deploy a LAN covering the whole building in an office building. In order to save costs and improve efficiency, multimode optical fiber is selected as the transmission medium, and SC optical fiber interfaces and SC-SC adapters are used to connect each floor switch.
Case 3: A school needs to deploy a wireless network covering the whole school in the campus. In order to ensure clear and real-time signals, single-mode optical fiber is selected as the transmission medium, and ST-type optical fiber interfaces and ST-ST adapters are used to connect each floor. wireless access point.
Case 4: A data center needs to connect various servers and storage devices inside the computer room. In order to ensure high-speed and safe data transmission, single-mode optical fiber is selected as the transmission medium, and LC-type optical fiber interface and LC-LC adapter are used to connect Various SFP modules.
Case 5: A railway company needs to install a video surveillance system on a 500-kilometer railway line. In order to ensure clear and real-time images, single-mode optical fiber is selected as the transmission medium, and D4-type optical fiber interface and D4-D4 Adapters to connect cameras at various monitoring points.
Case 6: A hospital needs to install a high-definition endoscope system in the operating room. In order to ensure detailed and accurate images, single-mode optical fiber is selected as the transmission medium, and MT-R optical fiber interface and MT-R-MT-R are used Adapter to connect endoscope and monitor.