VSFF Connector

What Is the VSFF Connector?

The VSFF (Very Small Form Factor) connector is a high-density optical fiber connector designed to be more compact than traditional connectors, offering superior port density. This miniaturization is ideal for environments that require efficient space utilization and high bandwidth capacity, such as data centers, enterprise networks, and high-performance computing systems.

The rise of VSFF connectors aligns with the development of the 400Gb Ethernet standard defined by IEEE. This standard introduced two advanced optical transceivers—QSFP-DD (Quad Small Form-factor Pluggable Double Density) and OSFP (Octal Small Form-factor Pluggable)—which are engineered to support 400Gb of bandwidth. These transceivers capitalize on the small size and high-density design of VSFF connectors, making them vital for modern networking infrastructures where bandwidth and space efficiency are critical.

Types of VSFF Connectors

CS Connector: The CS connector is a compact, space-efficient VSFF connector that doubles patch panel density compared to the LC duplex connector. Its design allows for better cable management and airflow, making it ideal for high-density applications. The unique push-pull tab enhances the ease of installation and removal.

SN Connector: The SN connector is a duplex optical connector designed for single-mode and multi-mode fibers up to 2.0mm. It uses the same 1.25mm ferrule as the LC connector but in a smaller form factor, increasing fiber density by three times. This connector is well-suited for both active and passive network hardware, particularly in space-constrained environments.

MDC Connector: The MDC connector also uses 1.25mm ferrule technology, compatible with standard LC adapters and tripling fiber density. It supports efficient port breakouts and can fit up to four cables within a QSFP footprint. Featuring tool-free polarity adjustment and a flexible strain relief boot, the MDC connector is easy to install in tight spaces.

MMC Connector: The MMC connector delivers high-density, low insertion loss connectivity with its compact MT-style ferrule and VSFF design. Utilizing DirectConec™ push-pull technology, it offers the highest fiber density available while simplifying gender and polarity management. Perfect for space-limited applications like structured cabling and data center interconnects, the MMC connector provides 3x the port density of MTP®/MPO formats.

Features of VSFF Connector

Ultra-Compact Design:

VSFF connectors are incredibly small, offering up to three times the density of traditional Duplex LC connectors. This allows for significantly more fiber connections in the same amount of space, making them ideal for high-density network environments.

Vertical Orientation for Space Efficiency:

The VSFF connector features a vertical alignment design, which allows it to stack more efficiently than traditional connectors. Using 1.25mm ferrules, similar to the LC connector, ensures both compatibility with existing systems and maximum space utilization.

High-Performance Capabilities:

Despite their small size, VSFF connectors deliver the same high-performance standards as the Duplex LC connectors. They provide reliable, high-speed transmission without compromising signal integrity, making them an ideal choice for high-capacity networking needs.