Ⅰ. Introduction
As fiber optic networks continue to expand and evolve, selecting the appropriate connector becomes increasingly important in order to ensure optimal performance and scalability. Therefore, this article will provide an in-depth introduction and comparison: SC vs LC connectors, which will help you make an informed choice based on your specific needs.
Ⅱ. SC connector
SC connector, namely, square connector, subscriber connector, or standard connector. It is one of the most common fiber connectors.
(1) Compatibility
In the early 1980s, NTT Corporation Japan created the SC connector, as a simple and cost-effective fiber optic connection solution. By 1999, SC connector had became one of the standard connectors in the industry of fiber optic communication, and was recognized as an international standard. As a standard in industry, SC connector is compatible with a wide range of fiber optic equipment, getting a rapid adoption across various manufactures.
(2) Safety
Safety issues are fully considered in SC connector design. Its metal contacts and precision mating system, reducing the risk of fiber breakage or poor connections effectively. Additionally, the laser eye safety feature in SC connector ensures that optical signals will not harm the user’s eyes during operation. These features guarantee the safety in the widely-use process of SC connector.
(3) Convenience
The SC connector was the first connector field-installable, requiring no polishing. This means that users can install it directly on-site, without specialized equipment and conditions, thus eliminating the complex polishing steps.
(4) Stability
The SC connector adopts a standard square push-pull design, ensuring its stability during use. The design makes users easily plug and unplug the connection, and the installation and maintenance more convenient and quick.
(5) Hardened SC connector
Designed for more demanding environments, offering superior waterproof, dustproof, and shock-resistant capabilities. Its shell is also more robust, can be used in extreme conditions, such as high temperatures, humidity, or chemical exposure.
(6 )Applications
Due to its stable performance, easy installation, and low insertion loss, the SC connector is widely used in data centers, telecom networks. It supports high-speed fiber transmission, simplifying installation and maintenance, while ensuring efficient data transmission and reliable network connectivity.
High performance, stability and adaptability make SC connectors occupy an important position in modern fiber optic communications.
Ⅲ. LC connector
LC connector, namely, lucent connector, little connector, or local connector. It is a compact, high-performance fiber connector.
(1) Compatibility
The LC connector is compatible with various types of fiber optic equipment, and is suitable for SMF and MMF. Thanks to its interoperability between different devices, it makes an ideal choice for high-density network cabling and large-scale data transmission.
(2) Miniaturization
LC connector uses a 1.25mm ferrule, and size of it is just half the size of SC connector. The LC connector is more suitable for space-limited environments, because of its small design.
(3) High-density Connection
The small-size design of LC connector makes it offer more connection points in the same space. The design makes LC connector perfect for high-density fiber connection in space-limited environment, such as data centers and telecom racks.
(4) Easy Installation and Maintenance
LC connectors adopt latched connector, easy to plug and unplug, and requiring no complex technical supports. Additionally, the installation of LC connector is efficient and flexible, due to its field-installable feature.
(5) Duplex LC Connector
Duplex LC connector combine two optical fiber with one LC connector. The design provides higher wiring efficiency, denser fiber optic connection, and lower cost, compared with common LC connector. Commonly used in bidirectional transmission, like high-speed networks and data center connections.
(6) Applications
The small-size and high-density design makes LC connector well suitable for scenarios needing high port density, space-saving, and high-speed data transmission, such as data centers, cloud computing, 5G networks.
With high performance, small size and strong adaptability, LC connectors paly a critical role in high-density fiber optic cabling and modern network applications.
Ⅳ. SC connector vs LC connector
(1) Similarities
Insertion Loss(IL) and Return Loss(RL)
Both SC and LC connectors have low IL, typically under 0.4 dB, showing a minimal attenuation of optical signal in transmission, beneficial for signal integrity in long-distance transmission. SC and LC connectors all have high RL, commonly between 50 dB and 60 dB, reducing signal reflection and interference effectively.
Compatibility in Device
Both are compatible with SMF and MMF, and both meet international standards, ensuring their compatibility with most devices and fiber optic systems.
(2) Differences
Size
SC connector has a larger size, using a 2.5 mm ferrule, suitable for environments requiring no such more fiber connection. LC connector, on the other hand, was designed in a small size, using a 1.25mm ferrule, about half the size of SC connector, making LC connector ideal for applications with high-density fiber optic cabling.
Insertion and Extraction Design
SC connector features a square plug, with a push-pull design similar to a telephone plug, and larger in size. Its locking clip ensures a higher stability than LC connector, especially in harsh environments. LC connector adopts an insertion and extraction design like RJ45, namely, latched connector. It offers a convenient connection method, with its spring latch, ensuring plug and unplug stablility. Thus, LC connector performs better in high-density connections and applications needing frequent plugging and unplugging.
Adaptive fiber
SC connector is used with optical fibers in a diameter of 2.5 mm or 3 mm, while LC connector is used with optical fibers in a diameter of 0.9mm.
Cost
SC connector is cheaper than LC connector usually, for its simple design and large structure. However, given the high-density advantage, LC connector has also been one of the most primary fiber optic connectors, and the economies of scale may narrow the cost gap between SC and LC connector.
Applications
SC connectors are suitable for environments requiring no such more fiber connection, partially in traditional fiber optic communications and telecom applications, also for long-distance transmission. LC connector, with its small-size design for high-density scenarios, performs well in data centers, supercomputing centers, telecom networks, and high-speed Ethernet environments.
Here is a comparison table for SC and LC connectors.
| Features | SC connector | LC connector |
| Size | Larger, typical in 12.5mm x 10.5mm. | Compact, typical in 9mm x 7mm, about half the size of SC. |
| Insertion/Extraction Design | Standard square plug, use simply. | Latched design, lighter than SC. |
| Suitable Fiber Density | Low-density fiber wiring. | High-density fiber wiring. |
| Stability | High stability. The larger size ensures a more stable connection, minimizes loosening.. | Good stability. Provides a stable connection, suitable for frequent insertion/extraction in dense environments. |
| Durability | Stronger durability. With a metal shell enhancing pressure resistance, suitable for harsh scenarios. | Good durability. Its design and materials ensure long-term use, but lower pressure resistance than SC. |
| Ease of Use | Easy to install and use. | Easy to install and use. |
| Cost | Lower cost. Typically from $0.5 to $2 per connector. | Higher cost. Typically from $1 to $3 per connector. |
| Adaptive fiber | Compatible with both SMF and MMF, including 9/125μm SMF and 50/125μm or 62.5/125μm MMF. | Compatible with both SMF and MMF, including 9/125μm SMF and 50/125μm or 62.5/125μm MMF. |
| Applications | Suitable for telecom networks, long-distance fiber connections, traditional fiber access, and lower-density data center applications. | Widely used in data centers, LANs, high-speed network connections, and modern network infrastructures requiring high fiber density. |
Ⅴ. Conclusion for Your Choice between SC connector and LC connector
The choice between SC and LC connectors mainly depends on the fiber density requirements and space limitations of the application scenario.
SC connector, with their larger size and stability, is ideal for low-density fiber wiring environments, such as traditional telecom networks and long-distance fiber connections. Its simple design, lower cost, and ease of installation and maintenance make the SC connector suitable for situations with fewer fiber connections.
On the contrary, due to the compact size and high-density design of LC connector, it is particularly better suitable for environments with high fiber port density requirements, such as modern data centers, high-speed networks, and cloud computing applications. Especially in space-limited environments, LC connector can provide a higher connection point density.
Although SC connector has a lower cost, LC connector, with its efficient high-density wiring and compatibility with small-diameter fibers, is increasingly becoming the preferred choice for large-scale network infrastructures.
