What is LC connector?

LC fiber connector definition‌

LC (Lucent Connector) is a miniaturized fiber optic connectors developed by Bell Labs. It uses a 1.25mm ceramic ferrule and is only half the size of a traditional SC FC connector. It belongs to the high-density wiring (SFF) standard.

lc duplex connector

LC fiber optic connector characteristics‌

Miniaturized design: 1.25mm ferrule diameter (SC is 2.5mm), saving 50% space than SC connector, suitable for high-density rack deployment.

Modular latch: Adopts RJ-45-style buckle structure, supports quick plug-in and pull-out, and has an anti-accidental touch design.

LC connector specification‌

Insertion loss: ‌0.10–0.20dB‌ (better than SC’s 0.25–0.3dB).

Return loss: ‌-55dB (UPC)‌ or ‌-65dB (APC)‌.

Duplex configuration‌: Can be installed side by side, supports dual-fiber transmission (such as TX/RX).

Main application scenarios

data center

Data center

40G/100G optical module interconnection, compatible with high-bandwidth interfaces such as QSFP+/CFP2.

ftth

Fiber to the home (FTTH)

Green APC-type LC connector is used for home ONT terminals to suppress echo reflection.

5g基站

5G communication

low-loss connection between base station AAU-DU (typical loss ≤ 0.2dB).

‌‌Comparison of technical advantages

Item‌LC connectors‌SC connectors
Insert size1.25mm (high density)2.5mm (traditional size)
Insert methodSnap-on (RJ-45 mechanism)Push-pull (square interface)
Typical loss0.10–0.20dB0.25–0.3dB
fiber cable sc vs lc

LC fibre connector types

  • LC PC fiber connector: gray/aqua/violet/rose red/green housing, flat polishing, universal multimode connection.‌
  • LC UPC fiber connector‌: blue housing, flat polishing, universal single mode fiber LC connector connection.
  • LC APC fiber connector‌: green housing, 8°bevel polishing, dedicated to high return loss scenarios (such as CATV).
  • LC simplex connector: single LC connector with one ferrule, usually are LC fiber pigtails
  • LC duplex connector‌: integrated dual ferrules, supports bidirectional transmission (such as BiDi optical modules).
ultra low loss sm lc pigtail 0.2db insertion loss, os2 standard, bend insensitive fiber
ultra low loss sm lc pigtail 0.2db insertion loss, os2 standard, bend insensitive fiber
plastic lc lc attenuator 3db blue, single mode simplex, 1 core
plastic lc lc attenuator 3db blue, single mode simplex, 1 core
lc adapter duplex with 2 protection covers one sie, auto shutter, apc green single mode, 9/125um
lc adapter duplex with 2 protection covers one sie, auto shutter, apc green single mode, 9/125um

Market position ‌

LC has become the mainstream choice for data centers and 5G networks due to its miniaturization, low loss and high reliability, with a global market share of over 40% (2025 data). In the future, in CPO (co-packaged optics) technology, LC and MPO will jointly support 800G/1.6T optical interconnection.

FAQ

How to install LC fiber connectors properly?

Please below video of how to plug in the LC connectors into the LC duplex adapter.

What is the life of an LC connector?

The plugging and unplugging life of a standard fiber optic connector is generally greater than 1,000 times, determined by the mechanical wear of the components. This data applies to conventional LC style connector.

Methods to extend the life of LC style connectors

Please properly store fiber LC connectors, regularly check the LC bulkhead connector status, avoid frequent plugging and unplugging, and use appropriate dust caps,etc

What is difference between LC and sc connector?

The LC connector fiber is half the size of the SC fiber connectors. Generally, the fiber optic LC connector can be used wherever the SC connector fiber can be used. However, the appropriate fiber connector should be selected according to the actual application scenario. For more information, please refer to the article: What is difference of LC and sc connector?

How many LC type fiber connector on market?

LC Type connector can be simplex, duplex, quad, with different cable diameter 0.9mm, 2,0mm, 2.0mm, 3.5mm, 5mm, etc.

lc connector 900um
0.9mm lc fiber optic connectors single mode multimode fiber upc apc pc
LC 3.0mm Duplex Connector Multimode Fiber Violet Housing, PC, IL
connector lc pc fiber connection 3.0mm duplex om1 om2 multimode unibtoot, beige body, white boot, switch polarity (copy)
LC 2.0mm DX Connector
fiber optic lc duplex connector 2.0mm om4 multimode violet with clip, red black boots
fc/upc male to lc/upc female adapter, 9/125um sm fiber, simplex, 2.5mm to1.25mm hybrid adapter
fc/upc male to lc/upc female adapter, 9/125um sm fiber, simplex, 2.5mm to1.25mm hybrid adapter
fiber lc adapter duplex multimode om4 mm rose red, w/o flange, one piece body with metal clip
fiber lc adapter duplex multimode om4 mm rose red, w/o flange, one piece body with metal clip
lc/upc quad adapter fiber optic, blue, il<0.2db, 1000 times mating, 4 cores, asymmetrical type
lc/upc quad adapter fiber optic, blue, il<0.2db, 1000 times mating, 4 cores, asymmetrical type
lc optical attenuator, single mode 1550nm, female to male, build out type, apc green, 6db
lc optical attenuator, single mode 1550nm, female to male, build out type, apc green, 6db
lc mems voa optical attenuator, female to female, metal material, wide 0db 60db adjustable range
lc mems voa optical attenuator, female to female, metal material, wide 0db 60db adjustable range
afop fiber attenuator lc/upc dual connectors 2 cores, c&l band, 3mm cable single mode 30db
afop fiber attenuator lc/upc dual connectors 2 cores, c&l band, 3mm cable single mode 30db
12 core armored patch cable lc apc lc apc single mode g.657 opnr riser, 2.5 mts, outdoor tpu sheath
12 core armored patch cable lc apc lc apc single mode g.657 opnr riser, 2.5 mts, outdoor tpu sheath
90 degree fiber patch cable sc lc fc st, single mode fiber & multimode, bend boot 2.0mm 3.0mm soft cable
90 degree fiber patch cable sc lc fc st, single mode fiber & multimode, bend boot 2.0mm 3.0mm soft cable
12 strand os2 single mode lc fiber pigtail, 0.9mm tight buffer, 2.0mm pvc jacket, custom length 1 20m, upc/apc optional
12 strand os2 single mode lc fiber pigtail, 0.9mm tight buffer, 2.0mm pvc jacket, custom length 1 20m, upc/apc optional

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