Choosing the right fibre connector is just as important as choosing the right transceiver. This guide explains the most common fibre connector types used with SFP, SFP+, QSFP28 and QSFP-DD optics in Australian networks, and when to use each one.

LC connectors

LC (Lucent Connector) is the most widely used connector in modern networking. Its small form factor makes it the standard for SFP, SFP+ and most 10G/25G transceivers, and it’s what you’ll find on the majority of patch panels, switches and media converters in Australian data centres and offices today.

SC connectors

SC (Subscriber Connector) is a larger, square push-pull connector that was the dominant standard before LC took over. It’s still common in older patch panels, some enterprise WAN equipment, and certain test equipment. While less common on new SFP-based transceivers, SC is still used on some legacy media converters and older single-mode WAN links across Australian networks.

MPO/MTP connectors

MPO (Multi-fibre Push On), often branded MTP, bundles 8, 12 or 24 fibres into a single connector. It’s the standard for parallel-optics transceivers like 40G QSFP+, 100G QSFP28 SR4, and 400G QSFP-DD SR8, where multiple fibre pairs are needed to carry a single high-speed link. MPO is also widely used for structured cabling in AI/ML data centre fabrics and high-density trunking between racks, often broken out to LC or SC via cassettes at the patch panel.

Matching connectors to your optics

For most SFP, SFP+, and 10G/25G links, LC is the connector you’ll need. For 40G/100G parallel optics and 400G/800G AI fabrics, MPO/MTP is standard, often paired with our guide to 400G and 800G optics for AI workloads for cabling and reach planning. If you’re also weighing up transceiver types, see our SFP vs SFP+ vs QSFP28 vs QSFP-DD buyer’s guide, and for coloured wavelength-multiplexed links, check our DWDM SFP selection guide. Always confirm connector type before ordering optics, as mismatched connectors are one of the most common causes of installation delays.

Tikka Consulting supplies SFP, SFP+, QSFP28, QSFP-DD and MPO/MTP compatible optics for Australian networks, backed by local stock and technical support. See our full range of optical transceivers and SFPs, or check vendor compatibility to confirm the right connector and optics for your build.