Since the beginning of the previous year, Gigabit Ethernet based on fiber optic cable has developed very rapidly. Most of the backbone networks in the LAN use fiber-optic cable-based Gigabit Ethernet. New changes have also taken place in the cable link connection used in the Gigabit network cable link.
The traditional Optical Cable Connection method
The traditional optical cable link connection is mainly ST, LC, SC or FC connection. They are still in large use at present. These cables are simple and convenient to connect, and each cable connected can be used independently. In actual use, when connecting the optical cable to the network device, it is necessary to determine the transmission direction of the signal in the optical cable in order to connect correctly. In addition, the connector of the optical cable is not convenient to manufacture, and special tools and the like are required.
New cable connection method
As we all know, Gigabit Ethernet is used in pairs when connecting optical cables, that is, an output (also a light source) and an input (a light detector). For example, the fiber optic cable connection between the router and the switch. If you can use them in pairs without regard to the direction of the connection, and the connection is simple and convenient, it will help Gigabit Ethernet connection. Therefore, many fiber optic cable manufacturers have introduced a variety of connectors to meet this application. This new fiber optic cable connector is called SFF (Small Form Factor). There is currently no clear term to describe it, which we generally refer to as a miniature fiber optic cable connector.
There are currently four types of SFF fiber optic connectors in the market. The LC type, which is an SFF type connector from Lucent. Type FJ, which is a connector from Panduit. The MT-RJ model is a connector from AMP Corporation of the United States and a VF-45 connector from 3M.