Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!cs.utexas.edu!hellgate.utah.edu!cs.utah.edu!haas
From: haas@cs.utah.edu (Walt Haas)
Newsgroups: comp.dcom.lans
Subject: Re: ST or SMA fiber connectors
Message-ID: <1990Jun5.082908.26719@hellgate.utah.edu>
Date: 5 Jun 90 14:29:08 GMT
References: <30971@ut-emx.UUCP>
Organization: University of Utah CS Dept
Lines: 14

In article <30971@ut-emx.UUCP> blais@ut-emx.UUCP (Donald E. Blais) writes:
>Vendors of fiber optic cabling and fiber optic transceivers often
>provide the option of using SMA or ST connectors.  In selecting a
>standard for a site where no standard is yet established, why should
>one choose ST over SMA or vice versa.

We have both on campus but like the ST better because it goes on more easily
thus keeping costs low, and connects in a more reproducible manner.  The ST
is like a miniature BNC with a key that causes it to align a certain way
every time you connect.  The SMA on the other hand allows the connector to
rotate while it is tightened.  The skill with which the connector is installed
will have a major effect on the performance of the connector.

-- Walt Haas    haas@cs.utah.edu