The fiber optic connector provides a method for technicians and end users to easily connect and disconnect an optical fiber link, without the use of any special tools. The fiber ends in the connector are finely polished, with two connectors held together within an adapter or barrel to align the two fiber ends.
The quality of an individual connector cannot be measured in the field, as it is impossible to determine how well a single connector passes light without inserting it into an adapter, and inserting another connector that receives the light energy. The fiber industry often refers to two connectors with their adapter as a connector set or pair. Connectors are tested by measuring the optical loss of a pair of connectors and their mating adapter.