There are many types of fiber optic connectors avaible for various performance:

SC Connector

SC stands for Subscriber Connector- a general purpose push/pull style Connector developed by NTT. SC has an advantage in keyed duplexibility to support send/receive channels.SC Connectors are frequently used for newer Network applications. The SC is a snap-in connector that is widely used in singlemode systems for its performance. The SC connector is also available in a Duplex configuration. They offer low cost, simplicity, anddurability. SC connectors provide for accurate alignment via their ceramic ferrules. The square, snap-in connector latches with a simple push-pull motion and is keyed. They feature a 2.5mm Ferrule and molded housing for protection. Typical matched SC connectors are rated for 1000 mating cycles and have an Insertion Loss of 0.25 dB

FC Connector

FC stands for Fixed Connection.It is fixed by way of a threaded barrel housing. FC connectors are typical in test environments and for singlemode applications. FC connectors were designed for use in high- vibration environments. The FC Connector is the most popular connector used today. It can be seen in every area of the communications environment, from a telecom´s distribution room to a LAN closet, the FC has set the standard for optical Fiber connectors. FCS are being replaced by SC and LC connectors.

FC connectors offer extremely precise positioning of the fiber optic Cable with respect to the transmitter´s optical Source Emitter and the receiver´s optical detector. They feature a position locatable notch and a threaded receptacle. FC connectors are generally constructed with a metal housing and are nickel-plated. They have ceramic ferrules and are rated for 500 mating cycles. The Insertion Loss for matched FC connectors is 0.25 dB. FC is the Fiber Optic Connector standard for Nippon Telephone & Telegraph (NTT) installations, developed with Nippon Electric Co. (NEC). TIP: The FC screws on firmly, but make sure you have the Key aligned in the slot properly before tightening.

LC Connector

LC stands for Lucent Connector. The LC is a small form-factor Fiber optic connector.

The LC Connector uses a 1.25 mm ferrule, half the size of the ST. Otherwise, it is a standard ceramic Ferrule connector. The LC has good performance and is highly favored for singlemode.

ST Connector

ST stands for Straight Tip - a quick release bayonet style Connector developed by AT&T. STs were predominant in the late 80s and early 90s. ST Connectors are among the most commonly used Fiber optic connectors in networking applications. They are cylindrical with twist lock coupling, 2.5mm keyed ferrule. ST Connectors are used both short distance applications and long line systems. The ST connector has a bayonet mount and a long cylindrical Ferrule to hold the fiber. Because they are spring-loaded, you have to make sure they are seated properly. They are easily inserted and removed due to their design. If you experience high Light loss, try reconnecting. ST connectors come in two versions: ST and ST-II. These are keyed and spring-loaded. They are push-in and twist types. They are rated for 500 mating cycles. The typical Insertion Loss for matched ST connectors is 0.25 dB.

MU Connector

MU is a small form factor SC. It has the same push/pull style, but can fit 2 channels in the same Footprint of a single SC. MU was developed by NTT. The MU Connector looks a miniature SC with a 1.25 mm ferrule. It is a popular connector type in Japan.

MT RJ Connector

MT-RJ stands for Mechanical Transfer Registered Jack. MT-RJ is a fiber-optic Cable Connector that is very popular for small form factor devices due to its small size. Housing two fibers and mating together with locating pins on the plug, the MT-RJ comes from the MT connector, which can contain up to 12 fibers.

The MT-RJ is commonly used for networking applications. Its size is slightly smaller than a standard phone jack and just as easy to connect and disconnect. It´s half the size of the SC Connector it was designed to replace

MT Connector

Multi-fiber Connector housing up to 72 fibers in a single ferrule. Ribbon Fiber Cables offer a compact, efficient, and versatile solution to applications requiring maximum connectivity in a minimum amount of space. Based on single Ferrule MT technology, these Cable assemblies provide up to 72 fiber connections in a single point, reducing the physical space and labor requirement, while providing the same Bandwidth capacity of a multi-fiber cable with individual fiber/connector terminations per fiber. The advantage of utilizing Ribbon Fiber Cables resides in the ability to achieve a much higher density in patch panel, cable routing/ducting, and device connection environments, without compromising the quality or quantity of the connection. View an image of ribbon cable. Ribbon Fiber Cables are available in MT to MT and MT distribution styles, with a multitude of options including fiber type, fiber count, Jacket style, breakout length, connector type, and attenuation. The MT housing is referred to as MTP® - manufactured by US Connec Ltd.

SMA Connector

SMA is a Fiber optic Connector developed and manufactured by Amphenol Fiber Optic Products; it stands for SubMiniature version A.

SMA connectors use a threaded plug and socket. It was the first connector for optical fibers to be standardized. The SMA was designated as FOCIS-1 by the TIA. In addition to their compact size, the SMA connector has exceptional mechanical durability. The SMA connector holds a single fiber. SMA connectors have a threaded Coupling nut. The Ferrule is traditionally made of steel, although ceramic versions are available. SMA connectors come in two varieties: the SMA-905 has a straight ferrule, whereas the SMA-906 has a stepped ferrule design. The SMA-905 is a non-contact connector typically used in medical, industrial, and military applications. When two SMA 906 are mated together the stepped ferrule design allows an alignment sleeve to be used and therefore the connection has lower insertion loss. The SMA 905 does not have an alignment sleeve therefore the Insertion Loss of the 905 is higher than that of the 906.