ARLINGTON, Va. - The Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA) TR-42.1 Subcommittee has been evaluating new small form-factor (SFF) fiber connectors and has approved them for use at the telecommunications work area outlet. Previously, only the 568SC duplex connector was recognized for use in the work area. The TIA supports advances in fiber technology and recognizes the potential benefits of SFF fiber connectors to both equipment manufacturers and end users. SFF connectors, with a footprint comparable to a copper eight-position modular interface, offer significantly greater density than duplex SC connectors do. Higher density allows LAN equipment manufacturers to fit more ports in less space, which may help to drive prices down. End user bene- fits include a familiar, user-friendly "RJ"-style latch, higher density, and the ability to mix copper and fiber in the same faceplate.
TIA recognition is expected to boost the already burgeoning market acceptance of SFF connectors. John Siemon, chairman of TR-42.1, confirmed that this change would be implemented in the next draft of TIA/EIA/568-B.1 (the next edition of 568-A).
