In the world of fiber optic cabling, it’s essential to have a sound understanding of connectors. The anatomy of these little splices is crucial to ensuring a reliable and efficient communication network. There are many types of connectors on the market, including the Universal Product Code (UPC) and Angled Physical Contact (APC) connectors.
In this blog post, we will take an in-depth look at the differences between UPC and APC connectors, their applications, and why it matters to your network.
What Are UPC Connectors?
UPC connectors are a type of physical contact connector that uses a flat polish on the end of the fiber to make a connection. These flat polishes create a larger and wider surface area than any other connector, which enables excellent optical performance.
The flat polish makes it easy to achieve a low attenuation at the connector, minimizing the amount of light loss in transmission. UPC connectors are ideal for networking applications that don’t require single-mode fiber optic cabling.
Why Are UPC Connectors Useful?
UPC connectors are the most common physical contact connectors on the market that come highly recommended for multimode fiber optic cabling. Their low insertion loss makes them ideal for optical links that require minimal signal loss.
UPC connectors are a popular choice for inside-plant applications, such as backbone cabling and equipment room to equipment room cabling. They’re also used in short-distance point-to-point cables, fiber patch cords, pigtails, and other applications where multimode fiber is in use.
What Are APC Connectors?
APC connectors are a specialized variant of physical contact connectors that feature an angled polish on the end-face to reduce back reflections, which can cause light to bounce back and interfere with the performance of the network.
The angled polish on APC connectors, typically at 8 degrees, only allows a small degree of light to reflect back into the fiber, which helps ensure minimal signal loss when transmitting data. This feature is ideal for single-mode fiber optic cabling where signal loss should be minimal.
Why Are APC Connectors Useful?
APC connectors are popularly used in single-mode applications, especially where long distances are involved. They’re commonly used in telecommunications for long-distance point-to-point cabling, fiber-to-the-home applications, and fiber optic cable television networks.
For example, High-speed data transfer, like IPTV and video-on-demand services, require APC connectors because of their low return loss capabilities. These connectors can reduce reflection on fibers and help in delivering the best quality of signals.
UPC vs. APC: Which One is Better?
When it comes to UPC vs. APC connectors, the choice depends on the application. For example, if your network relies on single-mode fiber optic cabling, you should opt for APC connectors.
However, in multimode applications that don’t require long distances, UPC connectors should suffice. They’re less expensive, easier to work with, and can achieve low signal attenuation levels in short-distance link applications.
The good news is that both UPC and APC connectors can be intermixed to create hybrid fiber optic cables to meet specific needs, provided that the mode, the diameter and the fiber count for both cables are arranged identically.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the type of connector you choose for your fiber optic cabling network can make a big difference in your network’s performance. Whether you choose a UPC or APC connector, depending on the type of application, you can achieve optimal network reliability and efficiency.
UPC connectors offer minimal signal loss, making them ideal for multimode applications, while APC connectors offer minimal signal distortion and loss on single-mode fibers. The key is to choose a connector that meets the specific requirements of your network. Contact us at (deleted brand name) to learn more about our fiber optic connectors for your network’s needs.