Optical connector performance standardisation

Despite the years of work and the many documents that have been published, there are still serious difficulties in purchasing optical connectors which have an assured performance, compatibility and reliability. Most users still rely on extensive testing against their own specifications and most limit the sourcing of optical connectors to a small number of suppliers to reduce problems of incompatibility. This paper reviews the status of standardisation of optical connectors and passive devices and examines the steps that are being taken by Standards Committees to produce standards and procedures that will fulfill the needs of users operating in the global marketplace.