Types of Fiber Optic Cables and Connectors - Quick Reference

Single-Mode Fiber

Single-mode fiber is a type of fiber optic cable through which only one light signal can travel at a time.
Because single-mode fiber is more resistant to attenuation than multi-mode fiber, it can be used in significantly longer cable runs.
The core of a single-mode fiber is normally 9 microns wide. A micron is one millionth of a meter.
Single-mode fiber can support Gigabit Ethernet over distances as long as 10 kilometers.
The opposite of single-mode fiber is multi-mode fiber.
Single-mode fiber cables are generally yellow in color,
Single-mode fiber is sometimes abbreviated as SMF.

Multi-mode fiber is a type of fiber optic cable which is thick enough for light to follow several paths through the code.
Multi-mode fiber is best suited for use in short lengths, such as those used in Local Area Networks (LANs) and Storage Area Networks (SANs).
Multi-mode fiber comes in two standard widths, 62.5 micron and 50 micron. A micron is one millionth of a meter.
62.5 micron multi-mode fiber can support Gigabit Ethernet over distances as long as 275 meters; 50 micron multi-mode fiber can increase that range to 550 meters
The opposite of multi-mode fiber is single-mode fiber.
Multi-mode fiber is easier to work with than single-mode fiber. The fiber is larger and the tolerances required are much lower.
Multi-mode fiber is sometimes abbreviated as MMF.
Multi-mode fiber cables are generally orange in color.
Multi-mode fiber is generally less expensive than single-mode fiber.

The SC connector is a fiber optic connector with a push-pull latching mechanism which provides quick insertion and removal while also ensuring a positive connection.
The SC connector has been standardized as FOCIS 3 (Fiber Optic Connector Intermateability Standards) in EIA/TIA-604-03.

The ST connector is a fiber optic connector which uses a plug and socket which is locked in place with a half-twist bayonet lock.
The ST connector was the first de facto standard for fiber optic cabling.
The ST connector has been standardized as FOCIS 2 (Fiber Optic Connector Intermateability Standards) in EIA/TIA-604-02.
Reference: http://www.thefoa.org/tech/connID.htm

The LC connector is a small form-factor fiber optic connector.
The LC connector resembles a small SC connector.
Lucent Technologies developed the LC connector for use in TelCo environments.
The LC connector has been standardized as FOCIS 10 (Fiber Optic Connector Intermateability Standards) in EIA/TIA-604-10.

The FC connector is a fiber optic connector with a threaded body which was designed for use in high-vibration environments.
The FC connector has been standardized in a FOCIS 4 (Fiber Optic Connector Intermateability Standards) in EIA/TIA-604-04.

The MTRJ connector is a small form-factor fiber optic connector which resembles the RJ-45 connector used in Ethernet networks.
The MTRJ connector was designed by AMP, but was later standardized as FOCIS 12 (Fiber Optic Connector Intermateability Standards) in EIA/TIA-604-12.