Optical Connector Technologies for Optical Access Networks

Various types of optical connector with a precise alignment mechanism and long-term reliability have been researched, developed and improved during about 30 years since practical optical communication systems were first introduced in Japan in 1981. The main issues related to optical fiber connector development changed from performance improvement to miniaturization, cost reduction and ease of field assembly when optical communication systems expanded from optical trunk networks to optical access networks. Various different key technologies for optical connectors have been developed to meet these requirements, and a large number of optical connectors are currently being used for the flexible and efficient construction, maintenance and operation of optical access networks. This paper describes the structure, features, and basic technologies of the optical connectors employed in optical access networks in Japan and their standardization and future prospects. key words: optical connector, optical access network, optical fiber communication, optical connector standardization, connector field assembly