A Complete Guide to Selecting the Right FS PLC Splitter for Your Network

Posted on Sep 27, 2024 by

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What is PLC Splitter

A PLC splitter (Planar Lightwave Circuit Splitter) is an essential passive component in fiber optic networks. Its job is to evenly distribute a single optical signal to multiple output ports, ensuring effective signal distribution and transmission.

In various fiber optic communication systems, such as Fiber to the Home (FTTH), metropolitan area networks, and data centers, PLC splitters maximize the utilization of fiber resources, supporting multi-user access and the flexible deployment of various services. Therefore, choosing the right PLC splitter is directly related to the overall performance and reliability of the network.

Product Overview: Types of FS PLC Splitters

FS offers six different types of PLC Splitter packaging to meet the needs of various application scenarios. These packaging types are: bare fiber PLC Splitter, blockless PLC Splitter, ABS PLC Splitter, LGX PLC Splitter, FHD PLC Splitter, and 1U Rack PLC Splitter. Each type is designed to cater to specific usage requirements and environments, giving you a wide range of flexible options to choose from.


Product Type	Bare Fiber PLC Splitter	Blockless PLC Splitter	ABS PLC Splitter	FHD PLC Splitter	LGX PLC SPlitter	1U Rack PLC Splitter
Connector Type (custom available)	No connector	SC/APC	SC/APC SC/UPC	SC/APC LC/APC	SC/APC LC/APC	SC/APC
Fbier Grade	G.657A1	G.657A1	G.657A1	/	/	/
Fiber Mode	Singlemode	Singlemode	Singlemode	Singlemode	Singlemode	Singlemode
Input/Output Fiber Diameter	250μm	900μm	900μm/2mm	/	/	/
Input/Output Fiber Length (custom available)	1.5m	1.5m	1.5m	/	/	/
Configuration Type (custom available)	Symmetrical：1×2/4/8/16/32	Symmetrical：1×2/3/4/6/8/9/12/16/24	Symmetrical：1×2/4/8/16/32	Symmetrical：1×2/4/8/16	Symmetrical：1×2/4/8/16	Symmetrical：1×16/32
Configuration Type (custom available)	/	Asymmetrical: Customizable CH1 output power		/	/	/

In-Depth Guide: Selecting the Right PLC Splitter for Your Network

As network wiring environments become increasingly complex, which type of PLC splitter—among the various packaging options and styles—is best suited for your network? Below, we provide a detailed introduction to help you decide.

Bare Fiber PLC Splitter

The bare fiber PLC splitter is the simplest and most commonly used type in FTTx projects. As the name suggests, the optical fibers are exposed and need protective sleeves to guard them during use. Additionally, this splitter doesn't have connectors on either end, so fiber splicing is necessary. This allows you to customize the splitter to meet your specific application needs. The bare fiber PLC splitter is also compact, saving wiring space. It can be installed in fiber optic terminal box, offering solid protection and management for FTTx network construction.

bare fiber PLC splitter

ID	11519	11521	11524	11526	11528
Configuration Type	1x2	1x4	1x8	1x16	1x32

Blockless PLC Splitter

The blockless PLC splitter, also known as the mini module PLC splitter, has a similar appearance to the bare fiber splitter. The difference is that the blockless PLC splitter offers enhanced fiber protection compared to the bare fiber splitter and typically comes with connectors at both ends. It can also be installed in FS fiber optic terminal box to provide more robust protection and management.

mini-module PLC splitter

ID	12493	145746	12492	145747	12491	145748	149181	179178	149182
Configuration Type	1x2	1x3	1x4	1x6	1x8	1x9	1x12	1x16	1x24

ABS Module PLC Splitter

ABS PLC Splitters commonly use ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) plastic boxes for packaging. This material has excellent impact resistance and thermal stability, effectively protecting the internal optical components and ensuring their stability and reliability under various environmental conditions. Additionally, ABS plastic boxes are lightweight, making them easy to install in cabinets for flexible wiring.

ABS PLC Splitter

ID	11615	11617	179177	11620	149183
Configuration Type	1x2	1x4	1x16	1x32	1x128

Cassette PLC Splitter

FS offers two types of cassette splitters: LGX Cassette PLC Splitters and FHD Cassette PLC Splitters. They can be used independently or in combination with 1U LGX enclosures and 1U FHD enclosures, and can be installed in a standard 1U rack unit for centralized management.

A key feature of these splitters is that the optical splitter components are encapsulated in a pluggable module. This design allows you to easily replace or add splitters according to application needs, and enables maintenance personnel to swiftly replace faulty splitters without affecting other equipment or requiring complex system disassembly.

cassette PLC splitter

FHD PLC Splitters	ID	189504(SC/APC) 189500(LC/APC)	189505(SC/APC) 189501(LC/APC)	189506(SC/APC) 189502(LC/APC)	189503(LC/APC)
FHD PLC Splitters	Configuration Type	1x2	1x4	1x8	1x16

LGX PLC Splitter	ID	179179(SC/APC) 151543(LC/APC)	121404(SC/APC) 151544(LC/APC)	121405(SC/APC) 151545(LC/APC)	151546(LC/APC)
LGX PLC Splitter	Configuration Type	1x2	1x4	1x8	1x16

1U Rack Mount PLC splitter

Rack-mounted PLC splitters are specifically designed for rack installation. FS 1U Rack Mount PLC Splitter can provide up to 64 ports on a 1U 19-inch rack, greatly enhancing space utilization efficiency. It is particularly suitable for environments that require high-density equipment, such as data centers and server rooms, making it an ideal solution for high-density cabling.

ID	121407	121406
Configuration Type	1x16	1x32

To help you gain a clear understanding of these types of PLC splitters, a comparative summary of their features and applications is provided below.

Type	Features	Application
Bare Fiber PLC Splitter	Bare fiber design, without connectors at the end, requires additional fiber protection. The cost is relatively low.	FTTH, PON, LAN, CATV, and testing equipment, particularly in environments with limited space.
Blockless PLC Splitter	The appearance is similar to a bare fiber splitter, but it provides stronger fiber protection.	In situations where better fiber protection is required, such as the connections above distribution boxes or network cabinets.
ABS Module PLC Splitter	Utilizes a plastic ABS enclosure to provide good protection for optical components and cables.	Outdoor fiber distribution box for PON, FTTH, FTTX, GOPN networks, suitable for various environments.
Cassette PLC Splitter	It features a sturdy metal case that can be used independently or installed in a standard rack.	Plug and play, flexible application.
1U Rack Mount PLC Splitter	It uses a 19-inch rack unit standard and can be installed in a standard 1U rack.	High-density cabling environments such as EPON, GPON, FTTX, and FTTH.

FS PLC Splitter Solution

Choosing the right PLC splitter can reduce network deployment and maintenance costs while improving signal transmission efficiency. FS offers PLC splitters for the various package types mentioned above and supports product customization. You can customize core parameters such as split ratio, packaging, and connector type according to your needs. If you are interested in learning more details, please visit FS.com.