High Insertion Loss: If there is an inherent physical mismatch, there will be additional optical signal power loss due to scattering or absorption at the interface, which impairs the signal that's carried by the transmission. Mixing an APC and UPC connector on the same fiber path causes two issues: High Return Loss: When the signal returns, because of the mismatch, reflected light goes back into the transmitter, interrupting the flow of the signal and introducing noise to it. Return loss is the value placed on this back. SC to LC adapter assemblies can help connect an SC connector to an LC optical connector. LC to SC duplex OS2 fiber The above article has comprehensively introduced the LC, SC, FC, ST, MTP, and. Advantages: Easy to insert and remove, low cost. Disadvantages: Exposed ferrule makes it more fragile and prone to dust. Shape & Locking: Square body, push-pull latch mechanism. Advantages: Simple plug-in design, good mechanical. Is plugging an SC/UPC patch cable into an SC/APC horizontal fibre run likely to produce a 6+ DB loss? I need a 3DB improvement in light levels by replacing the SC/UPC to SC/UPC patch cable with an SC/UPC to SC/APC patch cable and I have no way to estimate if this is going to solve the problem. Each connector differs in ferrule size, coupling mechanism, insertion loss behavior, handling convenience, and suitability for specific environments such as FTTH, data centers, industrial.