ANSI/TIA/EIA 568A

Annex F (informative) Migration Paths for Optical Fiber Connections

This annex is informative only and is not part of the standard.

F.1 General

This annex discusses migration paths which may be available for networks with an installed base of
BFOC/2.5 connectors and adapters.

This paragraph contains the minimum requirements for such networks and applies to all of the listed
migration paths. Networks with an installed base should implement the pair-wise cabling, polarity
identification, and media identification as specified in 12.7 to assist in the management of the network.
Networks should not continue the use of connectors which do not meet the minimum optical and
mechanical transmission requirements as established by 12.4. Additionally, networks should not
propagate the use of simplex connections (adapters and connectors) on the user side of the
telecommunications outlet/connector.

The migration paths given herein may be used to retrofit existing networks or for additions to existing
networks or both.

F.2 Migration Paths

F.2.1 Remain with Existing Connector

Networks with an installed base of BFOC/2.5 optical fiber connectors and adapters may remain with the
same for both existing and future additions to the optical fiber network.

F.2.2 Duplex BFOC/2.5

Networks may use the BFOC/2.5 connector and adapter in a duplex form as specified in
ANSI/EIA/TIA-604-2. These networks should use optical patch panels and telecommunications
outlet/connectors which mount the adapters at the proper 12.7 mm (0.5 in) center-to-center spacing and
in the proper orientation. The duplex option allows the network to reuse existing simplex threaded
adapters and simplex connectors on the cabling side, while enabling the use of duplex connectors on the
user side (figure F-1).
 Figure F-1 Duplex BFOC/2.5 Convention

F.2.3 Hybrid Adapters

Networks may migrate to 568SC connections by the use of a duplex hybrid adapter solution. A hybrid
adapter mates two different connector types together by providing different interfaces on each side. The
hybrid adapter may allow the network to reuse and remain with the existing connector type on the cabling
side of an optical fiber patch panel, however, it would provide a 568SC connection on the user side of the
patch panel or telecommunications outlet/connector (figure F-2).
 Figure F-2 568SC Hybrid Adapter

F.2.4 Switch to 568SC

Networks may switch to the 568SC connector and adapter for new additions to the installed base or to
retrofit the existing network.