SC SFP vs LC SFP Module: Which one should you choose?

Although most SFP modules have an LC connector by default, very few SFPs provide an SC connector. This post will focus on LC SFP vs SC SFP and hopes to provide comprehensive insights and comparisons for end users.

LC vs SC SFP: What is it?

As the names refer, an LC SFP is a Small Form-factor Pluggable module with an LC connector. The vast majority of SFP modules are provided with the LC fiber connector, which is, in fact, the standard for most cases. In the early stages of the SFP launch, the vendor and supplier only provided the most common type.

However, some customers still use traditional SC fiber cabling instead of LC fiber. For this specific application, they drive the customized SFP module with an SC fiber connector, which is why SC SFP module came into the market. The SC connector is the most fundamental difference between LC and SC SFP.

By including the SC connector in the BOSA, the SFP enables users to connect to legacy SC-based fiber cabling without needing additional LC-SC jumper patch cables, simplifying the fiber cabling process.

SC SFP vs LC SFP: what is the difference?

The built-in fiber connector is the most critical difference; however, based on the comparisons below, we can collect more differences.

Comparison	SFP LC	SFP SC
Popularity	High	Low
Avaliability	SFP LC Duplex SFP LC Simplex	Only SFP SC Simplex, Because narrow SFP space can not hold duplex SC connector
Cost	Lower	Higher
Transceiver Type	Regular, BiDi, CWDM, DWDM	BiDi
Fiber Type	MMF, SMF	SMF
Cabling Type	LC Fiber Cabling System	SC Fiber Cabling System
DOM Support	Yes	Yes
Size	Medium	A bit bigger
Compatibility	Yes	Yes
Weight	~25g	~30g
Pros	More Vendors Short lead time Low price	Availability
Cons	Not compatible with the legacy SC fiber cabling directly	Few vendors Longer lead time Higher price

As SFP users, you should note that the compact SFP cage provides narrow space for the modern fiber connector. Therefore, the SFP can not hold a duplex SC connector in the limited space. As a result, SFP manufacturers and vendors can only provide SC SFPs with BiDi transceivers but can not offer regular duplex fiber SFPs.

SC SFP vs LC SFP: which one should we choose?

The answer depends on your specific network need. However, in most cases, we strongly recommend using a standard LC SFP module. It provides the widest selection of product portfolios and is more cost-effective. Besides that, it is easy to find a supplier on the market.

However, you may consider the SFP SC if your fiber cabling still uses an SC connector and needs can not convert to an LC equivalent quickly. Please remember that only bidirectional transceivers are available on the market. Therefore, in some cases, the SC SFP sacrifices network scalability and flexibility.

OPTCORE LC SFP and SC SFP Solution

As a pioneer of the SFP module, OPTCORE provides a complete SFP solution compatible with LC and SC fiber cabling. Our LC SFP covers almost all the typical application scenarios and other less common applications.

We also provide the BiDi SFP SC module for gigabit ethernet applications. Here are the popular models for your reference.

FAQs

Q: Can we connect the SC and LC SFP modules?

A: To connect them, you need an LC-SC patch cable, and you should ensure that the length and data speed are compatible.

Q: What is your SFP SC connector polishment?

A: All of the SC SFP is polished in PC or UPC.

Q: Do you provide an SFP module with an SC connector for Cisco Switches?

A: Yes, we provide the BiDi SFP SC module with tested compatibility with the Cisco switches.

Conclusion

Understanding the critical differences between LC SFP and SC SFP modules is essential. LC SFPs are the preferred choice in most conventional networks because they are widely available, cost-effective, and compatible with modern systems. However, SC SFPs remain a viable option for those who use traditional SC fiber cabling.

Read more:

• Single Mode SFP vs Multimode SFP: What the Differences Are & When to Use Each
• What is SFP Module? An Ultimate Guide
• CWDM vs DWDM vs WDM: Differences & Similarities