A LC connector is a smaller version of the SC connector. It is a fiber optics connected that was developed by Lucent Technologies (where it gets its name from). Typically, they are found on small form-factor pluggable transceivers which are typically used in telecommunication and data communications applications. The LC connector easily connects to the SFP which makes it the ideal one of the two [between SC and LC].

Why the LC is better than the SC?

The LC was created as a miniature version of the SC. Some LC connectors are at least 50% smaller than their predecessor which is attractive to a lot of companies. The bulkiness of the SC gave fewer uses to it because it could not go into every environment.

When it was being developed, Lucent Technologies wanted to create a smaller connector. Often times, the SC would get damaged because cabinet doors were being shut on it. This damage resulted in faulty data transfer. When the LC was made, the standard 52mm was shortened to 42.5mm. This 20% drop from the back of the piece to the ferrule tip resulted in a drop in board space usage when plugged into a transceiver.

What can the LC be used for?

The LC connector is used primarily in the telecommunication field which is what Lucent Technologies developed it for. However, it has found more applications in the growing data communications field as well which increased the value of the connector. The transferring of information through the fiber-optic connector was very important and despite it being smaller, the effectiveness of it did not drop.

What modes does it come in?

The LC connector comes in a single-mode and multi-mode styles. The single-mode is used for much longer cables. The downside to it, though, is only a single light wave can be transmitted at a time which slows down the amount of data being transmitted at any one time. The multi-mode is used in much shorter cables which can be a downfall; however, they tend to be thicker which results in multiple waves being transmitted.

Will the SC become obsolete to the LC?

As things become smaller, there are those in the professional world that expect the SC to become obsolete to the LC. Due to the LC’s 50% drop in size and its ability to transfer the same data effectively, the SC has continued to decline. However, there are older pieces of equipment that still require the much larger SC.