Ferrule

A ferrule is a precision ceramic or metal tube within a fiber optic connector that holds and aligns the fiber.  Some fiber optic connectors, such as the MTP™ connector, have a single, monolithic ferrule, which consists of a single solid component that holds several fibers in a row.  Ceramic ferrules offer the best thermal and mechanical performance, and are preferred for most single-fiber connectors.

See also: fiber optic connector, fiber, MTP™ connector