Where to find fiber optic connectors

You can find high-quality fiber optic connectors from specialized suppliers and online stores such as RP Photonics, Fiber Savvy, EFB-Elektronik, and Fiber Optic Systems, offering a wide range of connector types and technical support.

Recommended Suppliers and Online Stores

1. RP Photonics – Offers a comprehensive buying guide with 82 suppliers, detailed technical background, and selection criteria for various connector types including LC, FC, SMA, and polarization-maintaining connectors. They emphasize low-loss, high-reliability components suitable for high-power and extreme temperature applications (RP Photonics) .
2. Fiber Savvy – Provides a wide selection of SC, LC, ST, and MIL-SPEC connectors, including PC, UPC, and APC polish types. They also supply Corning UniCam connectors for fast field termination and high-precision ceramic ferrule connectors with minimal insertion loss, ideal for datacom, telecom, and rugged environments (Fiber Savvy) .
3. EFB-Elektronik – Features over 3,300 fiber optic cables, connectors, pigtails, splice boxes, and tools. They offer pre-terminated cables, custom solutions, and support for single-mode and multimode fibers, including OM1 to OM5 types. Their online shop provides both standard and specialized connectors for data centers, campuses, and corporate networks (EFB-Elektronik) .
4. Fiber Optic Systems (FSI) – Focuses on the top connector types (LC, SC, ST, MTP/MPO) and provides guidance on optimizing network performance and reliability. They highlight the compact LC connector for high-density applications and the robust SC connector for stable, secure connections in datacom and telecom networks (FSI) .

Connector Types to Consider

• LC (Lucent Connector) – Small form factor, ideal for high-density networks, available in duplex and simplex options, compatible with single-mode and multimode fibers (BYXGD) .
• SC (Subscriber Connector) – Push-pull design, widely used in FTTH, patch panels, and PONs, durable and user-friendly (BYXGD) .
• ST (Straight Tip) – Bayonet twist-lock, suitable for campus networks and multimode applications (BYXGD) .
• FC (Ferrule Connector) – Screw-on metal body, precise alignment, ideal for single-mode fibers in vibration-prone environments (BYXGD) .
• MTP/MPO – High-density multi-fiber connectors for data centers and high-speed networks (FSI) .

Tips for Choosing Connectors

• Determine compatibility with your existing equipment (transceivers, adapters, patch panels).
• Consider environmental requirements, such as temperature extremes or rugged conditions.
• Choose the polish type (PC, UPC, APC) based on signal loss and reflection requirements.
• For high-density or high-speed networks, LC or MTP/MPO connectors are often preferred.
• Ensure you have the right tools for installation and testing to maintain performance and reliability (Fiber Savvy) . By selecting connectors from these reputable suppliers and considering your network requirements, you can ensure high performance, low loss, and reliable fiber optic connections.