# 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)