Fiber optic connectivity is getting better and better. Two improvements that have caught on due to their practical benefits are fiber connectors and adapters that are smaller and better protected from contaminants. Below we discuss the nature of these two improvements and how they can benefit your fiber optic network. We conclude with some brief details of how you can attain these benefits from four new L-com product lines: SN® connectors, SN® adapters, CS® connectors, and CS® adapters.
Are Fiber Connectors and Adapters Getting Smaller?
The relentless march of technology has brought us some sleeker, more compact fiber optic connectors and adapters over the past decade. Engineers have been on a quest to make things smaller, faster, and more efficient, and fiber optics is no exception.
There's been a notable shift towards smaller form factors like VSFF (very small form factor), which include the SN and CS interfaces. Other streamlined form factors include LC (Lucent Connector) and MTP/MPO (multiple-fiber push-on/pull-off) connectors. Such connectors are significantly smaller than their predecessors, like the SC (subscriber connector) or ST (straight tip) connectors. The reduced size doesn’t mean a compromise in performance; in fact, it often means the opposite.
Benefits of Smaller Fiber Connectors and Adapters
Smaller form factor fiber optic connectors and adapters bring a bunch of benefits to the table. First off, they help optimize space usage. Think about it like a game of fiber optic Tetris − you want to fit in as many pieces as possible without compromising on performance.
Now, imagine a scenario where you need to connect a gazillion fibers in a limited space. Here’s where the smaller connectors shine. They allow for higher port density, meaning you can pack more connections into the same amount of space. This is particularly crucial in places like data centers where real estate is like prime downtown property.
Beyond the spatial efficiency, smaller connectors and adapters also often come with improved performance. They can support higher data rates and bandwidth, which is fantastic for keeping up with our ever-growing appetite for faster and more reliable communication.
So, it’s not just about saving space; it’s about doing more with that space, doing it faster, and doing it better.
Keeping Fiber Lines Free of Contaminants
Imagine you’re trying to have a crystal-clear conversation on the phone, but someone's constantly muffling the microphone with a blanket. Annoying, right? Well, that’s kind of what contaminants do to fiber optic connectors and adapters − they muck up the communication. Dirt, dust, and other airborne particles can cause:
- Signal Loss: Contaminants on connectors and adapter can absorb, scatter, or reflect light signals. This leads to loss of signal strength and quality. In the high-speed world of fiber optics, even a small amount of signal loss can affect performance.
- Data Errors: Dirty connectors and adapters can introduce errors in the transmitted data. These errors can result in retransmission of information, reducing the overall efficiency and speed of the network.
- Equipment Damage: Some contaminants can actually scratch or damage the delicate surface of connectors and adapters. This not only affects the current connection but can cause long-term damage to the equipment.
- Increased Maintenance: Regular cleaning and maintenance are necessary if connectors and adapters are prone to contamination. This adds to the operational costs and can disrupt services during maintenance periods.
- Reliability: In critical applications like telecommunications, data centers, or healthcare, reliability is paramount. Contaminated connectors and adapters can lead to intermittent or unreliable connections, which is a big no-no in these scenarios.
New L-com Fiber Connectors and Adapters Are Smaller, Stay Cleaner
L-com has just introduced four new lines of fiber optic SN and CS connectors and adapters with features that will take your fiber installation to the next level.
The SN connectors (developed by SENKO Advanced Components) deliver high data rates and small form factors to fit dense installations. They deliver next-generation data rates and allow network operators to densify their existing legacy infrastructure while providing an upgrade path to 400G and beyond. They are VSFF (very small form factor) connectors, with three times the fiber cabling density over duplex LC.
The SN adapters (also by SENKO) are ideal for those who want to upgrade their existing systems to SN hyper-density without redesigning new panels or hardware. Each adapter will double the density of many existing SC/LC-based hardware and thus reduce the total cost per port of the overall system. Operators can benefit from much-reduced rack consumption and improve their rack-unit revenue efficiency.
The new CS connectors are so space-conscious that they may allow you to double the density of your patch panels. They are a part of the new VSFF Series, which is designed for high-density data centers and OSFP/QSFP-DD break-out applications. Compared to the LC duplex, the CS connector provides a 40% size reduction. They offer more room for cable management as well as better airflow within a rack.
The new CS adapters have built-in automatic shutters for sealing out contaminants and keeping your fiber lines clean and clear. With the help of a visible light source through the adapter sleeve, these devices make traceability of the adapter effortless. They are offered in single-channel (two fibers), dual-channel (four fibers), triple-channel (six fibers), or quad-channel (eight fibers).
L-com’s newly released SN connectors, SN adapters, CS connectors, and CS adapters and are in stock now and available for immediate shipment. All orders on in-stock products placed before 6 p.m. CST weekdays will ship the same day. Need help deciding on the right connector or adapter for your application? Connect with one of our L-com technical experts now. Call us toll-free at +1 (866) 506-2818, chat with us live, or email us at sales@l-com.com.
