Understanding ST connectors

Developed in the 1980s by AT&T, ST connectors belong to the older generation connectors that have a metallic body, but are still commonly used in multimode networks such as LANs for buildings and campuses. ST stands for ‘straight tip’ and consists of a plug and socket held in place with a ‘half-twist bayonet lock’.

Considered the earliest ‘defactor’ standard for fiber optic cabling, ST connectors are available for both multimode and single mode fibers. The two types of connectors differ in the precision of the central pin. It is important to select the connectors carefully as the difference between the two connectors is barely noticeable.

A typical ST connector consists of the following parts:

ST connectors belong to the Fiber Optic Connector Intermateability Standards 2 (FOCIS 2) and are of two types, ST and ST-II. The ST version is pushed or keyed in to connect and the ST-II version is twisted or spring loaded to connect. They can be used for five hundred cycles. Generally, the insertion loss for matched ST connectors is 0.25 dB.

Typically, ST connectors are used for ‘local area networks (LANs), data processing networks, premise installations, and instrumentation. During the initial years, multimode and single mode were denoted by orange, black or gray and yellow, respectively;hHowever, the origin of metallic connectors such as the FC and ST complicated the existing color coding system. Therefore colored boots were used for distinguishing them.

Although ST connectors were initially very popular, their market is now being over taken by smaller and denser connections in scores of installations.

A great variety of AproCables fiber optic cables can be fitted with ST connectors.

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