Now let us look into the topic that how can we deploy MTP/MPO connectors and cables. This article will give you an exact idea about various MPO connectors basics and best practices.

Generally, the MPO cables and connectors can be utilized in 3 ways which are MPO/MTP adaptors, MTP/MPO-LC Cassette, MTP-LC Breakout Patch Panel, Transceivers With MTP/MPO Interface, MPO/MTP breakout cables are an exception for this methods.

1. MPO/MTP adaptors

Each individual MPO element (trunk, adapter, patchcord) is classified by type (A, B, or C) and contributes to maintaining the required polarity so that the right transmitter communicates with the right receiver. But when referring to the end-to-end system, standards refer to the “connectivity method,” which can also be A, B, or C. This should not be confused with the type of each individual element. An A, B, or C connectivity method corresponds to the type of the MPO trunk cable only.

For example, Method A connection for end-to-end parallel signals will use 1 Type A trunk, 2 Type A mating adapters, 1 Type A patch cord on one end, and 1 Type B patch cord on the other end. Shown here is a “key-up-to-key-down” mating setup for MPO connectors. This method is used to maintain fiber polarity.

2. MTP/MPO-LC/SC Cassette: Plug-and-Play for Fast Installation

MTP/MPO fiber cassette modules are fitted with 12 or 24 fibers and have LC, SC or E2000 adapters on the front side and MTP/MPO connector at the rear. Thus enables users to take the fibers brought by a trunk cable and distribute them to a duplex LC cable. It is an enclosed unit that houses 8, 12, or 24 fiber factory terminated fan-outs inside. MTP/MPO cassette allows for the rapid deployment of high-density data center infrastructure and supports improved troubleshooting and reconfiguration during MACs.

3. MTP-LC Breakout Patch Panel: Pave the Way for 40/100G Migration

Data traffic keeps accelerating and legacy 10/25G systems are hardly enough for it, making migration to higher-speed 40/100G imperative. The 96-fiber MTP-LC breakout patch panel can assist in making the transition: use MTP cables to connect your 40/100Gb switches to the rear ports of the panel, then add duplex LC cables to connect your 10 Gb devices to the breakout panel’s front ports. This MTP-LC breakout patch panel is designed with a removable cable management plate at the back, it effectively simplifies trunk cable organization, facilitates installation, and reduces cable clutter.

4. Transceivers With MTP/MPO Interface

Nowadays, various 40G transceivers are available on the market, but mainly there are two interfaces adopted by 40G QSFP+ transceivers—MTP/MPO and LC. Generally, the 40G QSFP+ transceivers with LC interface are used for long distance transmission over single-mode fiber (SMF), and QSFP+ transceivers with MTP/MPO interface are utilized for short distance transmission over multimode fiber (MMF). However, for some 40G transceivers with MTP/MPO interface, such as 40GBASE-PLRL4, and 40GBASE-PLR4, they can support long distance transmission over SMF.

Connection rules

I can suggest some of the thumb rules when consider connecting the MPO/MTP cables and those areas below,

• When creating an MPO connection, always use one male connector and one female connector plus one MPO  adapter.
• Never connect a male to a male or a female to a female.

With a female-to-female connection, the fiber cores of the two connectors will not be at the exact same height because the guide pins are missing. That will lead to losses in performance.

A male-to-male connection has even more disastrous results. There the guide pins hit against guide pins so no contact is established. This can also damage the connectors.

• Never dismantle an MPO connector – The pins are difficult to detach from an MPO connector and the fibers might break in the process.

MPO Connector Color Coding

MPO connectors can be color-coded to help you easily distinguish between the different types and specifications. MPO connectors are made for both single-mode and multimode multifiber cables. Single-mode multifiber cable jackets are YELLOW and they generally come with angled physical contact (APC) connectors. Because yellow represents either OS1 or OS2 specifications, it’s important to read the cable specifications carefully.

Multimode multifiber connectors have flat ferrules (also referred to as PC or UPC), and the recommended cable jacket colors are AQUA for OM3 and OM4 and LIME for OM5. However, having one color (aqua) for two different specifications can be confusing. That’s why some manufacturers introduced ERIKA VIOLET colored connectors for OM4, to distinguish them from aqua OM3.

Why MPO/MTP Solutions Are Needed in Data Center?

With the advent and popularity of cloud computing and big data, the demands for high-speed transmission and data capacity are becoming much greater than ever before. And 40/100G Ethernet is now a trend and hotspot for data center cabling system. Since MPO/MTP connectors are the up-and-coming standard optical interface for 40/100G Ethernet network, it is predicted that MPO/MTP solutions will eventually flood the data center. After all, the high fiber count in one connector creates endless possibilities.

As the new favorite of the data center, the MPO/MTP solutions feature the following advantages,

1. Rapid Deployment

Since the MPO/MTP products are factory terminated, they can be installed easily and simply. They use a simple push-pull latching mechanism for easy and intuitive insertion and removal. Thus, the installing process only includes pull and plug, eliminating all unpredictable field termination troubles. It is estimated that the MPO/MTP solutions’ installation time can be reduced by up to 75% compared to traditional fiber cabling systems.

2. High Density

Being the same size as an SC connector, the MPO/MTP connector can accommodate 12/24 fibers, providing 12/24 times the density. Therefore, MPO/MTP connectors allow high-density connections between network equipment in telecommunication rooms and offer savings in circuit card and rack space.

3. Cost Saving

As mentioned above, the installation process of MPO/MTP products is simple and easy. Therefore, the installation time involving a costly highly qualified workforce can be reduced to a minimum.

4. Scalability

As we all know, most MPO/MTP products are modular solutions. This is a good choice to ease future expansion and for quick and easy system reconfiguration.

Summary

Speed is paramount to a data center, therefore data center is always on the road to higher density data rates. MTP/MPO fiber optic cable assembly appears to be the best option to improve the speed, agility, and performance of the system. Considering the time saving, space efficiency and flexibility, it is worthwhile to make MTP/MPO cabling a part of your data center. However, it’s also important to know how to gain full advantage of these powerful cables. Understanding how they are configured, choosing the right testing tools, and making sure your cables have passed the three essential MPO tests—polarity, continuity, and inspection—are critical to turning up and maintaining efficient links.

Knowledge Credits: www.fs.com, www.cablinginstall.com

Have a comment or points to be reviewed? Let us grow together. Feel free to comment.