Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/1219491
April/May/June 2020 I 43 FIGURE 10: The MPO/MTP connector was launched in 1992. FIGURE 9: The popular LC connector shown was introduced in 1986. FIGURE 8: Shown is the SC connector, launched in 1984. SC CONNECTOR. The SC (subscriber) connector connects a single strand of fiber. Developed by NTT, the SC connector was launched in 1984 (Figure 8). PROS: Duplex capable, fiber type agnostic, and push-pull operation. CONS: Low fiber strand capacity, requires specific cross polarity and key alignment for mating, so it may be susceptible to performance issues. MPO CONNECTOR. The MPO/MTP (multi-fiber push on) connector has 4 to 12 strands of fiber. It was developed by Corning and US Conec, and it was launched in 1992. MTP is a registered trademark of US Conec and is the brand name of its MPO connector. Since then, many manufacturers have introduced their various versions of MPO connectors. PROS: High fiber strand count capacity, fiber type agnostic, small form factor, and push-pull operation. It is one of the more valuable connectors due to its compatibility and widespread installation. CONS: Specific key alignment for mating, requires male-to-female genderized coupling, and different variations have the same form. The MPO is suscepti- ble to debris that can adversely impact performance. LC CONNECTOR. The LC (Lucent) connector connects two strands of fiber. Developed by ATT and Lucent, this connector was introduced in 1986 (Figure 9). PROS: Very small form factor, duplex embodied, and fiber type agnostic. It is one of the more valuable connectors due to its compatibility and widespread installation. CONS: Low fiber strand capacity and requires a specific cross polarity coupling that creates issues with installation and may cause push tabs to disconnect.