1. Introduction
The continuous advancement of optical communication technology has driven the large-scale development of FTTH (Fiber to the Home), thereby promoting the expanding market size of fast fiber optic connectors.
In the process of fiber cabling, the method of fiber splicing is generally divided into two types. One is fusion splicing, which involves more complex operation and is mostly used in long-distance optical signal transmission for large-scale installation. The other is the use of fast fiber optic connectors for splicing; these are small in size, simple to operate, and can easily realize fiber link connections even in confined spaces.
Aligning with the characteristics of FTTH construction deployment, fast fiber optic connectors have been widely applied in FTTH network deployment. Particularly, SC fiber connectors are extensively used in on-site wiring and FTTH due to their high termination success rate and strong stability. A prime example of such a solution is the Baudcom SC Fast Fiber Optic Connector. Designed for quick field terminations without the need for gluing or polishing, it enables installers to achieve reliable connections in about two minutes, perfectly aligning with the efficiency demands of FTTH deployment.
The fast fiber optic connector is an innovative on-site termination connector. It contains pre-installed fiber in the factory, a pre-machined ceramic insert, and a mechanical splicing mechanism. During termination, only the incoming fiber or indoor fiber needs to be inserted into the mechanical splicing mechanism, without the need for other tools. The splicing process takes only about 2 minutes, greatly saving installation time. Currently, the fast fiber optic connectors available on the market can terminate single-mode and multimode fibers with diameters of 250 μm, 900 μm, 2.0 mm, and 3.0 mm. The fast fiber optic connector can be directly applied in environments such as corridors and indoor cables, without additional protection, and can basically achieve the original fiber strength. It reduces wiring requirements and thereby significantly increases the speed of FTTH fiber cabling. It is an important guarantee for realizing an all-optical network.
2. The internal structure of the fast fiber optic connector
The internal insert and end face of the fast fiber optic connector have been pre-grinded and pre-polished before leaving the factory. The mechanical splicing mechanism is located at the end of the insert and is used to fix the inserted fiber. The mechanical splicing mechanism mainly consists of a V-groove and a clamping element. When inserting the fiber, the wedge-shaped clamp opens the V-groove to facilitate the smooth insertion of the fiber. After the fiber is inserted into the V-groove and fixed, the wedge-shaped clamp can be pulled out from the V-groove.
3. Working principle of the fast fiber optic connector
Fast fiber optic connectors can be divided into two main categories: pre-terminated fiber and non-pre-terminated fiber.
The connection point of the pre-terminated fiber fast connector is inside the connector and is pre-filled with matching liquid; the non-pre-terminated fiber fast connector’s connection point is on the surface of the connector, without pre-filled matching liquid, and directly mates with the target fiber through an adapter.
The principle of the pre-terminated fiber fast connector: the pre-terminated fiber is glued into the insert, and the connection point is set in the V-groove containing a matching liquid with an refractive index close to that of the fiber core, enabling seamless mating of the pre-terminated fiber and the target fiber.
4. Key performance indicators
To measure the quality of a fast fiber optic connector, the following key indicators are mainly considered:
|
Performance Indicator |
Definition and Importance |
Typical Requirements/Values |
|
Insertion Loss |
The attenuation of optical signal power after passing through the fast fiber optic connector. The smaller the value, the better, directly determining connection efficiency. |
General scenario: <0.3 dB; High-standard scenario: <0.1 dB |
|
Return Loss |
The ratio of reflected optical signal power at the connection point returning to the light source. The larger the value, the better; excessive reflection can interfere with laser operation. |
UPC type: >50 dB; APC type: >60 dB (APC achieves higher return loss through angled polishing) |
|
Reproducibility |
The ability of the fast fiber optic connector to maintain consistent insertion and return loss after multiple plug-in and unplug cycles. Represents connection reliability and lifespan. |
Performance variation within acceptable range after hundreds of plug/unplug cycles |
|
Environmental Adaptability |
The ability to maintain stable performance under environmental changes such as temperature, humidity, vibration, etc. Critical for outdoor applications. |
Operating temperature range: -40℃ to +75℃; Protection level: IP67, etc. |
These performance benchmarks are met by high-quality connectors on the market. For instance, the Baudcom SC Fast Connector specifies an average insertion loss of ≤0.3dB and a maximum of ≤0.5dB, ensuring efficient signal transmission. Its design also supports multiple reconnections (up to 10 times), offering good reproducibility and value for maintenance scenarios.
5. Features and Applications of the fast fiber optic connector
Main features include: good stability in splicing, low insertion loss, very low usage costs, extremely fast installation speed, and simple installation and maintenance.
The convenience of the fast fiber optic connector makes it an indispensable tool in many fields:
Fiber to the Home (FTTH): This is its largest application scenario. In users’ homes or corridor fiber distribution boxes, installation personnel use the fast fiber optic connector to complete high-quality connections between user cables and equipment within minutes, greatly enhancing installation and maintenance efficiency.
Local Area Networks and Data Centers: Used for fiber patch cord connections within rack-mounted equipment and for terminating patch panels, facilitating flexible network structure adjustments and quick replacement of faulty ports.
Fiber repair and emergency communications: In emergencies such as fiber cable breaks, repair personnel do not need to wait for fusion splicers and power supplies; they can directly use mechanical fast fiber optic connectors underground or in manholes to quickly restore service, saving valuable time for rapid response.
Testing and Measurement: During fiber cable construction and maintenance, used for temporary connections to testing equipment, enabling fast fault location.
Harsh environments: Such as military field communications, oil and gas platforms, and rail transit situations where conditions are demanding or space is limited, the fast, passive, and robust characteristics of the fast fiber optic connector are fully utilized.
6. Steps for Using the fast fiber optic connector
Although the use of the fast fiber optic connector is quite simple, it is still necessary to follow the correct steps during installation. Generally speaking, the installation process of the fast fiber optic connector is as follows:
First step: prepare the fast fiber optic connector, fiber stripping pliers, fiber cutting knife, fiber cleaning tools, etc.;
Second step: put the connector tail sleeve onto the fiber cable;
Third step: use fiber stripping pliers to strip off the outer sheath of the fiber cable, clean the fiber, then use the fiber cutting knife to cut the bare fiber, with the length of the bare fiber reserved according to specific requirements;
Fourth step: insert the fiber into the fast fiber optic connector;
Fifth step: press down the clamping cover to lock the fiber in place;
Sixth step: put the tail sleeve onto the fast fiber optic connector.
Precautions
The fast fiber optic connector is highly susceptible to contamination; it should be kept away from areas with dust and pollutants.
The result of fiber cutting significantly affects the performance of the fast fiber optic connector; it is best to use an automatic fiber cutting knife to achieve optimal cutting quality.
When inserting the fiber into the fast fiber optic connector, do so slowly to prevent damage to the fiber, which could result in poor transmission performance.
Do not remove the dust cap before completing the installation of the fast fiber optic connector.
Choosing high-quality refractive index matching solution for the fiber is very important, as it greatly extends the lifespan of the fast fiber optic connector.
7. Conclusion
As a key component of the physical layer connection in fiber optic networks, the fast fiber optic connector has completely changed the traditional fiber splicing operation mode with its prominent features of "speed, convenience, and flexibility." It is not only the technological foundation for the large-scale popularization of FTTH but also a powerful tool to ensure efficient network operation and quick response.
From mechanical splicing to embedded fibers and thermal fusion types, the evolution of technology has always focused on enhancing performance, simplifying operation, and improving reliability. In the future, as optical networks develop toward higher speeds, broader coverage, and smarter functions, the fast fiber optic connector will continue to evolve, providing more outstanding performance and smarter features to build a high-speed information channel for the all-optical era.