Typical optical component loss values

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The following loss values are typical for optical components used in the data communication industry. Use the manufacturer's loss values if available.

Note: Optical loss is not the only consideration in a link. Dispersion increases with distance and its effects increase with data rate.

Table 1. Typical Optical Component Loss
Component	Description	Size (μm)	Mean loss	Variance (dB²)
Connector^{Note 1}	Physical contact	62.5 to 62.5	0.40 dB	0.02
		50.0 to 50.0	0.40 dB	0.02
		9.0 to 9.0^{Note 2}	0.35 dB	0.06
		62.5 to 50.0^{Note 3}	2.10 dB	0.12
		50.0 to 62.5	0.00 dB	0.01
Connector^{Note 1}	Nonphysical contact (Multimode only)	62.5 to 62.5	0.70 dB	0.04
		50.0 to 50.0	0.70 dB	0.04
		62.5 to 50.0^{Note 3}	2.40 dB	0.12
		50.0 to 62.5	0.30 dB	0.01
Splice	Mechanical	62.5 to 62.5	0.15 dB	0.01
		50.0 to 50.0	0.15 dB	0.01
		9.0 to 9.0^{Note 2}	0.15 dB	0.01
Splice	Fusion	62.5 to 62.5	0.40 dB	0.01
		50.0 to 50.0	0.40 dB	0.01
		9.0 to 9.0^{Note 2}	0.40 dB	0.01
Cable	IBM® Multimode jumper	62.5	1.75 dB/km	NA
	IBM Multimode jumper	50.0	3.00 dB/km at 850 nm	NA
	IBM Single Mode jumper	9.0	0.8 dB/km	NA
	Trunk	62.5	1.00 dB/km	NA
	Trunk	50.0	0.90 dB/km	NA
	Trunk	9.0	0.50 dB/km	NA
Notes: ¹The connector loss value is typical when attaching identical connectors. The loss can vary significantly if attaching different connector types. ²Single Mode connectors and splices must meet a minimum return loss specification of 28 dB. ³Connecting 62.5 to 50.0 with no mode conditioning patch cable is not recommended. It can cause modal noise in addition to the loss.