Exceptional Fiber Optic Products, Always Delivered with Excellence.
Ten Years of Excellence in Fiber Optic Products: Our Dedication to Customer Satisfaction, Collaboration, and Mutual Success.
By goodvin | 09 May 2023 | 0 Comments

What is a Fiber Optic Adapter?

                                           Fiber Optic Adapters: A Comprehensive Guide

Fiber optic adapters, also known as couplers, are a crucial component of any fiber optic network. They are designed to connect two fiber optic cables together and are available in simplex, duplex, and quad versions. In this article, we will explore the different types of fiber optic adapters and their functions.

Types of Fiber Optic Adapters

Fiber optic adapters are available in two types: singlemode and multimode. Singlemode adapters offer more precise alignment of the tips of the connectors (ferrules). It is acceptable to use singlemode adapters to connect multimode cables, but the reverse is not recommended. Using multimode adapters to connect singlemode cables can cause misalignment of the small singlemode fibers and loss of signal strength (attenuation).

Fiber optic adapters are typically used to connect cables with similar connectors (SC to SC, LC to LC, etc.). Hybrid adapters accept different types of connectors (ST to SC, LC to SC, etc.). Adapters with differing ferrule sizes (1.25mm to 2.5mm), such as LC to SC adapters, are more expensive due to a more complicated design/manufacturing process.

Design and Functionality

Most fiber optic adapters are female on both ends, allowing for the connection of two cables. However, some are male-female and plug into a port on a piece of equipment. This allows the port to accept a different connector than for which it was originally designed. We discourage this use because the adapter extending from the equipment is subject to being bumped and breaking. Furthermore, if not properly routed, the weight of the cable and connector hanging from the adapter may cause some misalignment and a degraded signal.

Conclusion

Fiber optic adapters are an essential component of any fiber optic network. They connect two fiber optic cables together and are available in simplex, duplex, and quad versions. Singlemode adapters offer more precise alignment of the tips of the connectors (ferrules). It is acceptable to use singlemode adapters to connect multimode cables, but the reverse is not recommended. Adapters are typically used to connect cables with similar connectors, but hybrid adapters accept different types of connectors. We discourage the use of male-female adapters because of the risk of damage and signal degradation.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.Required fields are marked. *
Name
E-mail
Content
Verification code