There are several types of fiber optic splitters, each with its unique characteristics and applications. This guide covers what optical fiber splitters are, the main types of optical fiber splitters you should know about, how to pick the right one, and how to install and maintain it properly. What Is an Optical Splitter Fiber and Why Do You Need One? At its core, an optical splitter fiber is a device. A fiber optic splitter is a passive optical component that divides a single incoming optical signal into two or more outgoing signals, or combines multiple incoming signals into one. Conversely, it can also combine multiple signals into one.