1 00:00:00,000 --> 00:00:00,900 In this lesson, 2 00:00:00,900 --> 00:00:03,330 we're going to cover fiber network connections. 3 00:00:03,330 --> 00:00:04,770 Now, a fiber network connection 4 00:00:04,770 --> 00:00:06,930 is created by connecting a fiber optic cable 5 00:00:06,930 --> 00:00:08,640 to two different devices. 6 00:00:08,640 --> 00:00:11,460 On each end of the fiber optic cable or fiber media, 7 00:00:11,460 --> 00:00:13,080 you're going to find a fiber connector 8 00:00:13,080 --> 00:00:14,760 that will help enable a quicker connection 9 00:00:14,760 --> 00:00:16,530 and disconnection from the network, 10 00:00:16,530 --> 00:00:18,030 than splicing the fiber directly 11 00:00:18,030 --> 00:00:20,070 into the piece of equipment would. 12 00:00:20,070 --> 00:00:23,040 Now most fiber optic cables will require two different sets 13 00:00:23,040 --> 00:00:24,900 of connectors on that cable. 14 00:00:24,900 --> 00:00:27,480 One set will be for the transmission side of the cable, 15 00:00:27,480 --> 00:00:30,300 and the other will be for the receive side of that cable. 16 00:00:30,300 --> 00:00:31,380 Now for example, 17 00:00:31,380 --> 00:00:33,450 if you have a standard fiber optic patch cable 18 00:00:33,450 --> 00:00:35,070 using ST connectors, 19 00:00:35,070 --> 00:00:36,750 you're either going to use a single cable 20 00:00:36,750 --> 00:00:38,940 with one ST connector on each side, 21 00:00:38,940 --> 00:00:40,350 and you would then connect one 22 00:00:40,350 --> 00:00:42,030 to the transmit side of one device, 23 00:00:42,030 --> 00:00:44,670 and one to the receive side of the other device. 24 00:00:44,670 --> 00:00:47,100 Alternatively, some manufacturers make cables 25 00:00:47,100 --> 00:00:48,660 that are joined as a pair. 26 00:00:48,660 --> 00:00:50,970 In this case, you'd have two fiber optic cores 27 00:00:50,970 --> 00:00:53,100 inside of one cable jacket. 28 00:00:53,100 --> 00:00:55,530 Then you're normally going to find two connectors, 29 00:00:55,530 --> 00:00:56,670 with one set of connectors 30 00:00:56,670 --> 00:00:59,250 being for the first device's transmit and receive ports, 31 00:00:59,250 --> 00:01:01,710 and the other set being for the second device's transmit 32 00:01:01,710 --> 00:01:03,090 and receive ports. 33 00:01:03,090 --> 00:01:05,340 Now, there are many different types of fiber connectors 34 00:01:05,340 --> 00:01:06,690 used in modern networks, 35 00:01:06,690 --> 00:01:10,073 and these include things like SC, LC, ST, MTRJ, 36 00:01:11,331 --> 00:01:12,480 and MPO connectors. 37 00:01:12,480 --> 00:01:15,570 First, let's take a look at the subscriber connector. 38 00:01:15,570 --> 00:01:18,660 The subscriber connector, also known as an SC connector, 39 00:01:18,660 --> 00:01:21,390 is known for its square shape and push pull design, 40 00:01:21,390 --> 00:01:22,410 that offers a secure 41 00:01:22,410 --> 00:01:24,930 and simple connection mechanism for our use. 42 00:01:24,930 --> 00:01:27,840 One of the ways I remember how to identify the SC connector 43 00:01:27,840 --> 00:01:30,240 is by calling it the stick and click connector, 44 00:01:30,240 --> 00:01:31,710 because you stick it into the port 45 00:01:31,710 --> 00:01:33,180 until you hear the click, 46 00:01:33,180 --> 00:01:35,670 much like a regular copper twisted pair cable 47 00:01:35,670 --> 00:01:38,100 with an RJ 45 connector on it. 48 00:01:38,100 --> 00:01:41,370 The SC connector is widely used in single mode fibers 49 00:01:41,370 --> 00:01:43,680 due to its precision and minimal signal loss, 50 00:01:43,680 --> 00:01:45,780 which makes it a very commonly used connector type 51 00:01:45,780 --> 00:01:48,960 in telecommunication and data networking environments. 52 00:01:48,960 --> 00:01:51,180 The SC connector is also very durable 53 00:01:51,180 --> 00:01:52,230 and easy to use, 54 00:01:52,230 --> 00:01:53,670 so it's a very practical choice 55 00:01:53,670 --> 00:01:55,620 for a variety of applications. 56 00:01:55,620 --> 00:01:58,380 Frequently, you're going to find that SC connectors are used 57 00:01:58,380 --> 00:02:01,230 in fiber to the home or FTTH deployments, 58 00:02:01,230 --> 00:02:02,760 to connect individual houses 59 00:02:02,760 --> 00:02:06,000 to the main fiber network of your internet service provider. 60 00:02:06,000 --> 00:02:07,830 The reliability and ease of disconnection 61 00:02:07,830 --> 00:02:10,320 and reconnection does make it ideal for environments 62 00:02:10,320 --> 00:02:11,280 where modifications 63 00:02:11,280 --> 00:02:14,580 or maintenance might be necessary in the future as well. 64 00:02:14,580 --> 00:02:17,070 Second, we have the lucent connector. 65 00:02:17,070 --> 00:02:20,250 Now, the lucent connector, also known as the LC connector, 66 00:02:20,250 --> 00:02:22,320 is distinguished by its compact size, 67 00:02:22,320 --> 00:02:24,390 which utilizes a push-pull mechanism 68 00:02:24,390 --> 00:02:26,490 very similar to the SC connector, 69 00:02:26,490 --> 00:02:28,830 but in a much smaller form factor. 70 00:02:28,830 --> 00:02:30,900 The LC connector is highly favored 71 00:02:30,900 --> 00:02:33,270 in high density applications like data centers 72 00:02:33,270 --> 00:02:34,740 and telecommunication rooms, 73 00:02:34,740 --> 00:02:36,900 because the LC connector's smaller size 74 00:02:36,900 --> 00:02:39,600 allows for greater port density on panels and switches, 75 00:02:39,600 --> 00:02:40,920 which is an essential feature 76 00:02:40,920 --> 00:02:44,160 as your network size and demands continue to grow. 77 00:02:44,160 --> 00:02:46,200 Often you'll find that the LC connector 78 00:02:46,200 --> 00:02:48,030 is shipped as a two cable pair, 79 00:02:48,030 --> 00:02:50,280 but their connectors are bound together. 80 00:02:50,280 --> 00:02:52,980 For this reason, I like to think of the LC connector 81 00:02:52,980 --> 00:02:54,330 as the love connector, 82 00:02:54,330 --> 00:02:56,280 because they're usually coupled up with their transmit 83 00:02:56,280 --> 00:02:58,350 and receive sides being joined together 84 00:02:58,350 --> 00:02:59,940 by snapping them into place. 85 00:02:59,940 --> 00:03:01,890 But you can also separate them too 86 00:03:01,890 --> 00:03:04,440 if you need to for a particular use case. 87 00:03:04,440 --> 00:03:06,060 In your enterprise data centers 88 00:03:06,060 --> 00:03:07,260 where space is at a premium 89 00:03:07,260 --> 00:03:08,970 and high data rates are essential, 90 00:03:08,970 --> 00:03:11,010 you're commonly going to find the LC connectors 91 00:03:11,010 --> 00:03:12,450 are being used there. 92 00:03:12,450 --> 00:03:14,670 The LC connector's high precision alignment 93 00:03:14,670 --> 00:03:17,520 also helps to ensure the efficient data transmission occurs 94 00:03:17,520 --> 00:03:20,730 so that your potential data loss is going to be minimized. 95 00:03:20,730 --> 00:03:23,250 Third, we have the straight tip connector. 96 00:03:23,250 --> 00:03:24,600 Now, the straight tip connector, 97 00:03:24,600 --> 00:03:26,400 also known as the ST connector, 98 00:03:26,400 --> 00:03:28,200 is recognizable by its round shape 99 00:03:28,200 --> 00:03:29,730 and twist lock mechanism, 100 00:03:29,730 --> 00:03:32,100 that offers us a robust and reliable connector type 101 00:03:32,100 --> 00:03:33,570 to use in our networks. 102 00:03:33,570 --> 00:03:36,450 Personally, I like to call the ST connector the stick 103 00:03:36,450 --> 00:03:37,530 and twist connector, 104 00:03:37,530 --> 00:03:39,630 because you stick the connector onto the port 105 00:03:39,630 --> 00:03:41,970 and then twist it to lock it into place. 106 00:03:41,970 --> 00:03:43,140 The twist lock design 107 00:03:43,140 --> 00:03:45,090 ensures that we have a secure connection 108 00:03:45,090 --> 00:03:48,300 similar to a BNC connector used with our coaxial cables. 109 00:03:48,300 --> 00:03:50,190 And this is a critically important feature 110 00:03:50,190 --> 00:03:52,200 if you're operating in any kind of an environment 111 00:03:52,200 --> 00:03:54,780 where movement or vibrations might occur. 112 00:03:54,780 --> 00:03:58,020 Originally, the ST connector was developed by AT&T, 113 00:03:58,020 --> 00:03:59,580 and you're going to find that the ST connector 114 00:03:59,580 --> 00:04:02,040 is commonly used with multi-mode fiber optic cables 115 00:04:02,040 --> 00:04:03,570 and applications. 116 00:04:03,570 --> 00:04:06,120 Now, often I have found that the straight tip connectors 117 00:04:06,120 --> 00:04:08,550 are going to be used in campus network environments 118 00:04:08,550 --> 00:04:11,040 where the fiber might be run between two different buildings 119 00:04:11,040 --> 00:04:13,350 that are within a few hundred meters of each other. 120 00:04:13,350 --> 00:04:15,120 The ST connector's durability 121 00:04:15,120 --> 00:04:17,579 also makes it well-suited for outdoor applications, 122 00:04:17,579 --> 00:04:20,790 where environmental factors like wind, rain, and snow, 123 00:04:20,790 --> 00:04:23,670 might otherwise affect our network's connectivity. 124 00:04:23,670 --> 00:04:25,560 The ST connector's ease of installation 125 00:04:25,560 --> 00:04:28,050 and reliable connection makes it a preferred choice 126 00:04:28,050 --> 00:04:30,360 for all of these types of scenarios. 127 00:04:30,360 --> 00:04:33,360 Fourth, we have a mechanical transfer register jack. 128 00:04:33,360 --> 00:04:35,250 The mechanical transfer register jack, 129 00:04:35,250 --> 00:04:37,290 also known as the MTRJ connector, 130 00:04:37,290 --> 00:04:39,300 features a small, rectangular design, 131 00:04:39,300 --> 00:04:40,680 and it houses both the transmit 132 00:04:40,680 --> 00:04:43,560 and receive fibers inside of a single connector. 133 00:04:43,560 --> 00:04:45,660 This dual fiber connector is often used 134 00:04:45,660 --> 00:04:47,700 in space constrained applications. 135 00:04:47,700 --> 00:04:50,790 The MTRJ connector combines high density capabilities 136 00:04:50,790 --> 00:04:53,970 with the familiarity of an RJ style latch mechanism 137 00:04:53,970 --> 00:04:56,730 that you might otherwise find in a traditional copper cable 138 00:04:56,730 --> 00:05:00,510 like a CAT6A cable using an RJ45 connector on it. 139 00:05:00,510 --> 00:05:03,090 The most common use case for MTRJ connectors 140 00:05:03,090 --> 00:05:05,730 is for connecting devices inside of a local area network 141 00:05:05,730 --> 00:05:07,200 within an office building. 142 00:05:07,200 --> 00:05:09,600 The compact size of an MTRJ connector 143 00:05:09,600 --> 00:05:10,740 is going to make it well suited 144 00:05:10,740 --> 00:05:12,660 for connecting workstations and servers 145 00:05:12,660 --> 00:05:14,400 whenever you have space that's limited, 146 00:05:14,400 --> 00:05:16,800 such as when using a 24 port fiber switch 147 00:05:16,800 --> 00:05:18,660 inside of your network closet. 148 00:05:18,660 --> 00:05:20,040 Now the MTRJ's ability 149 00:05:20,040 --> 00:05:22,170 to accommodate two fibers in one connector 150 00:05:22,170 --> 00:05:24,060 is going to significantly reduce the space needed 151 00:05:24,060 --> 00:05:25,260 for fiber connection, 152 00:05:25,260 --> 00:05:27,150 and it makes it a cost-effective solution 153 00:05:27,150 --> 00:05:29,700 for densely populated network environments. 154 00:05:29,700 --> 00:05:32,520 Fifth, we have the multi-fiber push on connector. 155 00:05:32,520 --> 00:05:34,260 The multi-fiber push on connector, 156 00:05:34,260 --> 00:05:36,150 also known as an MPO connector, 157 00:05:36,150 --> 00:05:38,070 is designed to accommodate multiple fibers 158 00:05:38,070 --> 00:05:39,330 in a single connector 159 00:05:39,330 --> 00:05:41,220 to significantly increase the capacity 160 00:05:41,220 --> 00:05:43,890 and flexibility of your fiber networks. 161 00:05:43,890 --> 00:05:45,870 Normally, you're going to find that there are 12 162 00:05:45,870 --> 00:05:48,750 or more fibers contained within a single MPO connector. 163 00:05:48,750 --> 00:05:50,310 So this type of connector is essential 164 00:05:50,310 --> 00:05:52,020 for high density applications, 165 00:05:52,020 --> 00:05:53,610 and is used widely in data centers 166 00:05:53,610 --> 00:05:55,260 and high speed networks. 167 00:05:55,260 --> 00:05:56,700 Inside of a data center, 168 00:05:56,700 --> 00:05:58,350 MPO connectors are often going to be used 169 00:05:58,350 --> 00:05:59,550 for backbone cabling 170 00:05:59,550 --> 00:06:02,310 and high speed interconnections between your devices. 171 00:06:02,310 --> 00:06:04,260 The MPO connectors allow for the quick 172 00:06:04,260 --> 00:06:06,360 and efficient connection of multiple fibers 173 00:06:06,360 --> 00:06:08,160 to help reduce the installation time 174 00:06:08,160 --> 00:06:09,750 and increase the overall capacity 175 00:06:09,750 --> 00:06:11,490 of your network infrastructure. 176 00:06:11,490 --> 00:06:12,840 The MPO connectors ability 177 00:06:12,840 --> 00:06:15,000 to handle multiple fiber simultaneously, 178 00:06:15,000 --> 00:06:16,350 does make it a key component 179 00:06:16,350 --> 00:06:18,210 in modern data center architectures, 180 00:06:18,210 --> 00:06:22,110 particularly in applications that require rapid scalability. 181 00:06:22,110 --> 00:06:23,520 Now, we have just discussed 182 00:06:23,520 --> 00:06:25,560 five different fiber connector types, 183 00:06:25,560 --> 00:06:30,560 including SC, LC, ST, MTRJ, and MPO, 184 00:06:30,630 --> 00:06:32,400 but it's also important for you to realize 185 00:06:32,400 --> 00:06:34,500 that each type of connector can also be polished 186 00:06:34,500 --> 00:06:36,000 or shaped to create more 187 00:06:36,000 --> 00:06:37,560 or less back reflection 188 00:06:37,560 --> 00:06:40,080 when using that specific fiber optic cable. 189 00:06:40,080 --> 00:06:41,820 Now, when I talk about back reflection, 190 00:06:41,820 --> 00:06:43,650 what I'm talking about is that your machine is trying 191 00:06:43,650 --> 00:06:45,360 to send data over the fiber, 192 00:06:45,360 --> 00:06:47,520 but some of that light is actually coming back 193 00:06:47,520 --> 00:06:48,660 into your transmitter, 194 00:06:48,660 --> 00:06:50,520 and that can actually degrade your signal. 195 00:06:50,520 --> 00:06:53,220 So we want to try to minimize that where possible. 196 00:06:53,220 --> 00:06:55,590 So, when it comes to purchasing a cable, 197 00:06:55,590 --> 00:06:57,990 you're going to have to consider which type of polish 198 00:06:57,990 --> 00:06:59,130 it's going to use, 199 00:06:59,130 --> 00:07:02,550 and this may be PC, UPC or APC, 200 00:07:02,550 --> 00:07:04,920 and each one of these will affect the quality, speed, 201 00:07:04,920 --> 00:07:06,960 and reliability of your connection, 202 00:07:06,960 --> 00:07:08,820 as well as affecting the cost of each cable 203 00:07:08,820 --> 00:07:11,820 you're going to purchase to use inside of your network. 204 00:07:11,820 --> 00:07:15,810 Now, first we have the PC or physical contact style. 205 00:07:15,810 --> 00:07:18,780 The physical contact style is going to have a slight curvature 206 00:07:18,780 --> 00:07:20,010 in the face of the fiber, 207 00:07:20,010 --> 00:07:21,660 so there's a lower back reflection 208 00:07:21,660 --> 00:07:24,120 over a standard straight cut fiber. 209 00:07:24,120 --> 00:07:26,610 PC connectors are commonly used in digital 210 00:07:26,610 --> 00:07:28,290 and telephone services. 211 00:07:28,290 --> 00:07:30,630 Overall though, as compared to UPC 212 00:07:30,630 --> 00:07:32,400 or APC polish styles, 213 00:07:32,400 --> 00:07:34,320 the physical contact style connectors 214 00:07:34,320 --> 00:07:36,570 will provide you with the least effective reduction 215 00:07:36,570 --> 00:07:37,950 in back reflection, 216 00:07:37,950 --> 00:07:40,830 and so they're really going to be best suited for applications 217 00:07:40,830 --> 00:07:43,200 where back reflection is less of a concern, 218 00:07:43,200 --> 00:07:44,580 such as over a short distance 219 00:07:44,580 --> 00:07:47,130 or lower speed data transmission network. 220 00:07:47,130 --> 00:07:49,200 Second, we have a UPC, 221 00:07:49,200 --> 00:07:52,770 also known as the ultra physical contact style connector. 222 00:07:52,770 --> 00:07:54,750 The ultra physical contact style 223 00:07:54,750 --> 00:07:56,580 is going to have a dome shaped end face 224 00:07:56,580 --> 00:07:57,960 for better core alignment, 225 00:07:57,960 --> 00:07:59,850 and this offers lower back reflection 226 00:07:59,850 --> 00:08:02,100 than the standard PC style did. 227 00:08:02,100 --> 00:08:04,380 Basically, UPC is an updated 228 00:08:04,380 --> 00:08:06,510 and better version of the older PC 229 00:08:06,510 --> 00:08:08,910 or physical contact style polish. 230 00:08:08,910 --> 00:08:11,250 UPC connectors are usually going to be found 231 00:08:11,250 --> 00:08:14,400 in general broadband, data and video applications, 232 00:08:14,400 --> 00:08:15,630 because they offer a good balance 233 00:08:15,630 --> 00:08:17,730 between performance and cost. 234 00:08:17,730 --> 00:08:21,630 Third, we have APC or the angled physical contact. 235 00:08:21,630 --> 00:08:23,250 Now, the angled physical contact 236 00:08:23,250 --> 00:08:25,110 uses an eight degree angled polish 237 00:08:25,110 --> 00:08:27,300 to greatly reduce the back reflection. 238 00:08:27,300 --> 00:08:30,270 The APC style has the lowest amount of back reflection, 239 00:08:30,270 --> 00:08:32,280 which makes them well suited for high bandwidth 240 00:08:32,280 --> 00:08:34,260 and long distance applications. 241 00:08:34,260 --> 00:08:35,190 For this reason, 242 00:08:35,190 --> 00:08:37,679 you're going to find that APC polished connectors 243 00:08:37,679 --> 00:08:40,200 are often used in long haul fiber installations, 244 00:08:40,200 --> 00:08:41,970 such as undersea cable networks, 245 00:08:41,970 --> 00:08:44,580 where minimizing signal loss is going to be crucial, 246 00:08:44,580 --> 00:08:48,480 even though APC style polishes do cost more than a PC 247 00:08:48,480 --> 00:08:50,610 or UPC style polish. 248 00:08:50,610 --> 00:08:52,620 So remember, fiber optic media 249 00:08:52,620 --> 00:08:54,660 is going to use different types of fiber connectors 250 00:08:54,660 --> 00:08:57,240 to meet the the needs of your specific application. 251 00:08:57,240 --> 00:09:00,210 The subscriber connector, also known as an SC connector, 252 00:09:00,210 --> 00:09:02,880 is known for its square shape and push-pull design, 253 00:09:02,880 --> 00:09:05,760 that offers a secure and simple connection mechanism. 254 00:09:05,760 --> 00:09:08,670 The lucent connector, also known as an LC connector, 255 00:09:08,670 --> 00:09:10,680 is distinguished by its compact size 256 00:09:10,680 --> 00:09:12,480 that utilizes a push-pull mechanism 257 00:09:12,480 --> 00:09:16,080 that's similar to the SC, but in a much smaller form factor. 258 00:09:16,080 --> 00:09:19,200 The straight tip connector, also known as an ST connector, 259 00:09:19,200 --> 00:09:20,910 is recognizable by its round shape 260 00:09:20,910 --> 00:09:22,440 and twist lock mechanism, 261 00:09:22,440 --> 00:09:24,840 that offers us a robust and reliable connection type 262 00:09:24,840 --> 00:09:26,310 to use in our networks. 263 00:09:26,310 --> 00:09:28,260 The mechanical transfer register jack, 264 00:09:28,260 --> 00:09:30,240 also known as an MTRJ connector, 265 00:09:30,240 --> 00:09:32,580 is going to feature a small rectangular design, 266 00:09:32,580 --> 00:09:34,140 and houses both of its transmit 267 00:09:34,140 --> 00:09:37,410 and receive fibers inside of a single connector. 268 00:09:37,410 --> 00:09:39,180 The multi-fiber push on connector, 269 00:09:39,180 --> 00:09:41,100 also known as an MPO connector, 270 00:09:41,100 --> 00:09:43,050 is designed to accommodate multiple fibers 271 00:09:43,050 --> 00:09:44,280 in a single connector 272 00:09:44,280 --> 00:09:46,050 to significantly increase the capacity 273 00:09:46,050 --> 00:09:48,630 and flexibility of your fiber networks. 274 00:09:48,630 --> 00:09:50,100 Now, when it comes to the different types 275 00:09:50,100 --> 00:09:51,330 and shapes of polishes, 276 00:09:51,330 --> 00:09:53,370 I just want you to remember that the original one, 277 00:09:53,370 --> 00:09:56,280 the physical contact, only provides slight improvements 278 00:09:56,280 --> 00:09:58,140 in back reflection reduction. 279 00:09:58,140 --> 00:10:01,050 The ultra physical contact is going to improve upon this 280 00:10:01,050 --> 00:10:02,820 by creating a more dome like shape, 281 00:10:02,820 --> 00:10:06,120 and the angled physical contact uses that eight degree angle 282 00:10:06,120 --> 00:10:07,920 to minimize back reflection the most 283 00:10:07,920 --> 00:10:10,320 out of these three different polish styles. 284 00:10:10,320 --> 00:10:12,360 As fiber optics continue to evolve, 285 00:10:12,360 --> 00:10:14,490 it's important that you stay informed about these connectors 286 00:10:14,490 --> 00:10:15,330 and the standards, 287 00:10:15,330 --> 00:10:17,010 because it will give you more efficiency 288 00:10:17,010 --> 00:10:19,110 and effectiveness in your network designs 289 00:10:19,110 --> 00:10:21,983 and maintenance when you're working as a network technician.