
How Many Fiber Optic Splitter Types Are There?
Updated at Jan 4th 20221 min read
The fiber optic splitter is a kind of optical passive device that decomposes an optical fiber signal into multiple optical signal outputs. It can split an incident light beam into two or more light beams, containing multiple input and output ends. How many types of fiber optic splitters do you know? What are the advantages of these types of PLC splitters? After reading this article, you will have a better understanding of fiber optic splitter types.
Two Types Of Fiber Optic Splitters
Two types of fiber optic splitters are commonly used in PON networks: One is the FBT coupler splitter and the other is the PLC splitter. As PLC splitter has the advantages of flexible working wavelength, good stability, low-temperature loss, and a smaller failure rate, people prefer to use PLC splitters rather than FBT splitters. Nowadays, there are many packaging types of PLC splitters on the market to suit all applications.

The following are five typical PLC splitters types:
Bare Fiber Optical Splitter
Blockless Fiber Splitter
ABS Splitter
LGX Splitter
Rack-Mount Splitter
Bare Fiber Optical Splitter
The bare fiber splitter has no connector at the bare fiber ends, so it requires a complete set of protection in the carrying case and on the device. Due to its compact size, it can be easily placed in formal splice boxes and splice boxes. The bare fiber splitter minimizes space occupation and reduces installation costs at the same time. It is commonly used for FTTH, PON, LAN, CATV, test equipment, and other applications.
Blockless Fiber Splitter
Although the blockless PLC splitter has a similar appearance to the bare fiber splitter. However, it can provide stronger fiber protection because it has a more compact stainless steel tube package. The blockless PLC splitter does not require fiber optic fusion during installation and is mainly used for different connections above distribution boxes or network cabinets.
ABS Module Fiber Splitter
The ABS splitter has a plastic ABS case, which has good protection for internal optical components and cables. ABS splitter is simple and compact, which can be adapted to different installation environments and requirements. It is widely used with outdoor fiber distribution boxes for PON, FTTH, FTTX, GOPN networks.
LGX Cassette Fiber Splitter
The LGX PLC splitter is equipped with a rugged metal box. It can be used alone or easily installed in a standard fiber optic patch panel or fiber optic chassis without archival splicing or skilled personnel during deployment. The standard LGX metal box enclosure provides a plug-and-play approach to integration in the network, which eliminates risk during installation.
Rack-Mount Splitter
1U and 2U are two available rackmount sizes for splitters on the market, while 1U rack-mount splitters are more commonly used. The 1U 19" rack-mount splitter type adopts a 19-inch rack unit standard, PLC splitter is installed in the rack unit, which has excellent optical performance and convenient network installation. The rack-mount splitter is widely used in EPON, GPON, FTTX, FTTH, etc., and provides an ideal solution for a high-density cabling environment.

For space considerations, we recommend the rack-mount PLC splitter because it can be directly installed in standard cabinets and fit for high-density networks. However, if there is not enough rack space, you can choose other fiber optic splitter types according to your actual deployment needs and network environment.
FS PLC Fiber Optical Splitter Types Comparison Chart
Bare Splitter | Blockless Splitter | ABS Splitter | LGX Box Splitter | 1U Rack Mount Splitter | |
Structure | Compact structure, small size | Mini-Cassette | Modular design | Modular design | 1U 19" Rack Mount |
Connector Type | - | SC/APC | SC/APC | SC/APC | SC/APC |
Fbier Grade | G.657A1 | G.657A1 | G.657A1 | G.657A1 | G.657A1 |
Fiber Mode | Singlemode | Singlemode | Singlemode | Singlemode | Singlemode |
Input/Output Fiber Diameter | 250μm | 900μm | 2.0mm/900μm | - | - |
Input/Output Fiber Length | 1.5m | 1.5m | 1.5m | - | - |
Configuration Type | 1×2,1×4, 1×8, 1×16, 1×32 | 1×2,1×4, 1×8 | 1×2,1×4, 1×8, 1×32 | 1×4, 1×8 | 1×16, 1×32 |