FTTH Drop Cable Termination & Connection Guide | Low Loss Installation Tips

■ What Connectors Are Supported by FTTH Drop Cable? 

FTTH drop cables are intended for the last stage of connection from the distribution point to the subscriber's premises. These drop cables can be equipped with various conventional connectors:

Commonly Supported Connector Types

• Square Connector (SC Connectors): The most popular among FTTH applications. 

• Lucent Connector (LC Connectors): A smaller embodiment, ideal for densely populated areas. 

• Straight Tip (ST Connectors): Popular for legacy systems or some indoor devices. 

• Fast Connectors (Pre-polished): They are used in on-site terminations; usually, they are of SC-type.

How to Ensure Low-Loss Connections? 

Use high-quality connectors compliant with IEC/Telcordia standards. 

Make sure the fiber ends are clean and free of scratches. 

Seating connectors fully: no tilt or misalignment. 

Have the correct tools on hand and do proper alignment work when splicing and connecting.

■ Fusion Splicing vs Mechanical Splicing: Which Is Better?

Fusion Splicing

This is a heated process whereby the fiber melts, allowing for direct fusing of the two fibers. 

✅ Advantages: 

Ultra-low insertion loss (<0.05 dB) 

Durability and high efficiency over time 

❌ Disadvantages: 

The introduction of high prices for the fusion splicer and labor 

Mechanical connection is faster than it

 Required Tools: 

Devices such as: 

• Fusion splicer 

• Fiber cleaver 

• Heat-shrink sleeves 

• Heating oven 

• Fiber stripping tools and cleaning supplies 

Best for: Permanent installations, professional FTTH deployments, high-reliability projects

■ Mechanical Splicing / Fast Connector Termination 

The physical fusion of two fiber ends by means of pre-polished connectors.

✅ Advantages: 

An easy and fast procedure for field practice 

More cost-effective (No need for a splicer)

❌ Disadvantages: 

Insertion Loss Is Higher: 0.2-0.5 dB 

The quality of deployment is critically dependent on the technicians' skills

 Required Tools: 

• SC/ LC fast connector 
  

• Fiber cleaver 

• Stripping tools and cleaning kit 

Best for: Small-scale FTTH installations, home deployments, temporary or fast projects

■ How to Measure and Verify Insertion Loss? 

The proper loss causes managed connection of quality and performance of the network.

Methods:

OTDR (Optical Time Domain Reflectometer): This tool inspects loss and reflection at every fiber segment. 

Power Meter + Light Source: Optical power testing done also on input and output.

Acceptable Loss Standards:

Note: The total losses per FTTH drop link should be ≤ 3 dB, including the splices and splitters.

■ Fiber End-Face Cleaning and Maintenance Tips 

Not only dirty connectors will impact the network performance but also one of the frequent reasons for the connection loss.

✅ Best Practices:

Wipe down every connector before and after doing any connections.

 Use proper tools: 

• One-click fiber cleaner pens 

• Lint-free wipes + isopropyl alcohol 

Feed the fiber code core or connector end face with your bare hands under no circumstance. 

You can use a fiber inspection scope (200x or 400x) to determine cleanliness.

 Maintenance Advice: 

Track link performance on a regular basis. 

Replace the improper connectors. 

Always keep in mind the proper spacing in the location of the cable bends (recommended radius of ≥ 20 mm for most FTTH cables).

■ Conclusion

To summarize, deciding on the appropriate connectors, connection method, and maintenance procedure is imperative for constructing a well-performing FTTH drop cable network. If you're splicing for permanent links or using fast connectors for temporary installations, both share the same basic principles. Proper handling and measurements result in low-loss and reliable communication.

Need expert support or custom FTTH drop cables? 

Contact us now for technical assistance, product solutions, or OEM services.

James is a technical manager and associate at Zion Communication. 

Specializes in Optical Fiber communications,  FTTH Solutions, 

Fiber optic cables,  ADSS cable, and ODN networks.

james@zion-communication.com

+86 13777460328

• FTTH Drop Cable Technical Q&A

• FTTH Drop Cable Installation: 30 Common Questions & Expert Answers

• FTTH Drop Cable – Reliable Fiber-to-the-Home Solutions for Last-Mile Connectivity

• FTTH Drop Cable Termination & Connection Guide | Low Loss Installation Tips

• FTTH Drop Cable Testing and Acceptance Guide | OTDR Analysis, Loss Limits & Inspection Tips

• FTTH Drop Cable Maintenance & Troubleshooting Guide | Easy Tips to Prevent Signal Loss

• FTTH Drop Cable Installation Safety Guidelines | Avoid Mistakes Near Power Lines