# item.guide
Side-by-Side Comparison Fiber Connectors

LC vs. MPO / MTP

Comparing 2 standards across 12 specifications. 12 key differences identified.

Comparing:
LC
MPO / MTP

The LC connector (Lucent Connector, TIA-604-10 / FOCIS-10) is a small form-factor (SFF) optical connector utilizing a 1.25 mm ceramic ferrule and an RJ45-style push-pull latching clip, widely used in enterprise datacenters and optical transceivers (SFP/SFP+/SFP28).

View full LC spec sheet →

The MPO connector (Multi-fiber Push On, TIA-604-5 / FOCIS-5; US Conec MTP) is a high-density parallel optical connector utilizing a precision molded rectangular MT ferrule that houses 8, 12, 16, 24, 32, or 72 optical fibers in a single push-pull housing, standard for 40G, 100G, 400G, and 800G multi-lane transceivers.

View full MPO / MTP spec sheet →

Specification Comparison Table

12 Parameters
Parameter / Spec
Standard / FOCIS
TIA-604-10-B (FOCIS-10) / IEC 61754-20 TIA-604-5-D (FOCIS-5) / IEC 61754-7
Latching Mechanism
Push-pull with retention clip (RJ45-style) Push-pull sliding sleeve
Typical Insertion Loss
0.10–0.25 dB 0.15–0.35 dB
Polish Types Available
UPC (Ultra Physical Contact, Blue) and APC (Angled, Green) Flat (Multi-Mode UPC) and 8-degree Angled (Single-Mode APC)
Ferrule Diameter
1.25 mm
Ferrule Material
Zirconia ceramic
Fiber Modes Supported
Single-Mode (OS1/OS2) and Multi-Mode (OM1–OM5)
Duplex Clip Pitch
6.25 mm
Ferrule Type
Rectangular MT (Mechanically Transferable) polymer
Standard Fiber Counts
8, 12, 16, 24, 32, or 72 fibers
Alignment Mechanism
Stainless guide pins (Male) / guide holes (Female)
Polarity Methods (TIA-568.3)
Method A (Straight), Method B (Cross), Method C (Pair-flipped)