What should the next generation of optical connectors look like? According to the EU VECTOR project, at least there is no ferrule. The full name of the VECTOR project is a general-purpose, easy-to-install connector technology to accelerate the deployment of optical access networks in Europe with the goal of developing low-cost, on-site fiber optic connectors for fiber-optic access networks. Nowadays, according to the project developers, their intended targets have been achieved with the support of hi-tech technologies such as heat-shrink material technology, nanomaterials, high-tech adhesives, micro-fabrication and micromachine alignment systems.

Companies involved in the VECTOR project include CommScope, the Netherlands DEMCON Advanced Machinery Company, Portugal Celoplas Corporation, Belgium Boulevard Vrije University of Russell Photon Project and Ghent University, Telecom Italia, Deutsche Telekom. CommScope is the project coordinator.

It is said that this optical connector without ferrule technology has been able to achieve beyond the IEC 61300-3-34 standard B-level insertion loss performance, and do not need to clean the coupling parts, the connector itself with automatic cleaning function. The technology also features a fully automated installation tool that allows ordinary workers to install directly.

"The existing connector technology requires a lot of pre-preparation and requires a high level of workers, which makes the connector installed slow and unreliable, and also increases the cost," said Stephane Berghmans of CommScope's introduction to this project. To the point where it can not be managed, the goal of the VECTOR project is to make it easier to use an optical connector like an electrical connector.

Telecom Italia and Deutsche Telekom have tested this connector in their own labs. Italy Telecom said the test results can catch up with the level of convergence. Deutsche Telekom says a large number of laboratory tests have demonstrated the excellent performance of this connector, and all products that require Class B connector applications can be deployed.

VECTOR project started on October 1, 2012, announced on September 30, 2015, with a total investment of close to 4.5 million euros.

The above is a brief introduction to the next generation of optical connectors, to learn more about the contents of optical connectors, please pay attention to kingsignal official website.