Fibre optic adapters and connectors improve rack efficiency

L-com has released four new lines of fibre optic connectors and adapters with features that will take a user's fibre installation to the next level of performance.

The new additions to the company's growing fibre optic inventory comprise SN adapters and connectors (made by SENKO Advanced Components) and CS adapters and connectors. The SN adapters allow users to fit many more connectors in a smaller space. The new CS adapters have a mechanism for sealing out contaminants and keeping fibre lines clean and clear. The SN connectors provide high data rates and small form factors to fit dense installations. The new CS connectors are so space-conscious that they may permit users to double the density of patch panels.

The company's new retrofittable SN adapters are an excellent choice for cabling providers or equipment manufacturers wanting to upgrade their existing systems to SN hyper-density without redesigning new panels or hardware. Each adapter will double the density of many existing SC/LC-based hardware, reducing the total cost per port of the overall system. Operators can benefit from much-reduced rack consumption and improve their rack-unit revenue efficiency. Choose single-channel (two fibres), dual-channel (four fibres), or quad-channel (eight fibres).

Applications for the new SN adapters include upgrading fibre management hardware from SC/LC to SN, improving rack-space utilisation in Brownfield data centres, making high-density centralised cross-connects and patch panels, and combining different connector types in mixed fibre panels.

The new CS adapters include built-in automatic shutters that prevent contamination, which is a leading cause of network failure. With the assistance of a visible light source through the adapter sleeve, these devices make traceability of the adapter effortless. They are provided in single-channel (two fibres), dual-channel (four fibres), triple-channel (six fibres), or quad-channel (eight fibres). Applications include data centres, onboard optics, medical, wireless, quantum computing, and FTTH.

The new SN connectors are developed for next-generation data rates, allowing network operators to densify their legacy infrastructure while providing an upgrade path to 400G and beyond. The connectors are suitable for termination to 1.6mm or 2mm round cable with a ruggedised jacket and internal strain relief. They have an integrated push-pull boot that simplifies insertion and removal of the connector, even in dense patch panels with limited finger access.

Applications for the new SN connectors incorporate high-density patching; QSFP-DD, OSFP, and SFP-DD transceiver links for higher data rates; hybrid Base-2 cable assemblies combining SN and other duplex connector types; and hyperscale, edge, enterprise and colocation data centres.

The CS connectors are a part of the new VSFF (very small form factor) Series, created for high-density data centres and OSFP/QSFP-DD break-out applications. Compared to the LC duplex, the connector provides a 40% size reduction and allows users to double the density in patch panels. They offer more room for cable management and better airflow within a rack. They are supplied with a 2mm or 3mm boot and an integrated push-pull tab. This UPC polished, single-mode fibre optic connector has two ferrules in a single housing.

"We aim to help our customers improve their fibre optic connectivity with our new SN and CS adapters and connectors," said product line manager Paul Hospodar. "These product lines enable higher density installations without the need for more space or having to redesign panels or hardware."