We all know that there are multiple types of fiber optic cables & connectors are available in the market. Each of these is evolved in different stages and having its own advantages. One of the best fiber optic cabling solutions was the invention of MPO cables and MPO Connectors. We will discuss what is MPO cables and connectors with the difference between MPO and MTP connectors.

An increase in data transfer and current trends show that the number of network connections in data centers is rising quickly. The patching field will become crowded and difficult to maintain if traditional fiber cables are used. The tight-buffered multi-fiber cable needs to have each fiber individually terminated by a skilled technician. Transition to ultra-high density in cabling, how can data centers solve this problem? Among all those fiber optic cables and connectors, one of the game-changer in indoor cabling was the invention of Multi-fiber push-on(MPO) and MTP(Multi-fiber Termination Push-on) cables and connectors.

This topic is slightly bigger and I will divide the article into 7 main topics as below,

1. MPO/MTP Cable Types
2. MPO/MTP Connectors
3. Structure of Fiber Rows in MPO Connectors
4. Polarity in MPO cables
5. How to Deploy MTP/MPO Cables and Connections
6. MPO Color Coding
7. Why MPO/MTP Solutions Are Needed in the Data Center?

MPO/MTP Cable Types

In contrast, MTP cable and MPO cable provide multi-fiber connectivity in one connector to support higher bandwidth and higher density applications, thus becoming popular. Generally, MTP/MPO cables are classified into three types: trunk cable, harness cable and conversion cable. See what they are and their applications,

1. MTP/MPO Trunk Cable

MTP/MPO trunk cable is a cable with two MPO or MTP connectors at both ends, with nothing different from ordinary patch cables seen from outside. However, the truth is that the cable usually accommodates 12, 24, 48 and even 72 fibers, and the ends are terminated with 12-fiber or 24-fiber MTP/MPO connectors according to customer’s choice. They are available in multiple lengths and in single-mode, multimode OM1, OM2, OM3 or OM4 with LSZH or PVC Jackets. With BIF, FS MTP and MPO cables are designed for improved bend performance in reduced-radius applications such as residential or office environments which have less bend sensitivity.

2. MPO/MTP Harness Cables

The term MPO/MTP harness cable is also known as breakout cables, split out cables or fanout cables. We know that MPO connectors are carrying multiple fibers within too long or short distances. What is the way to split out these connections and connect with IT devices those requiring connections? One of the best ways is to have MPO to LC split out cables(breakout). The MPO to LC, SC or ST breakout cable allows the redistribution of various optical fibers to individual devices without additional networking equipment. With additional protective jacketing or fire-resistant materials, this line of fiber optic cables simplifies short-range data transmission even in harsh working environments. Available models of breakout cables are many more depends on the type of fiber(single-mode/multimode, connector types, number of fibers).

Available in standard jacketing with 8 or up to 144 individual fibers, the MPO-LC breakout cable eliminates the need for more complex Fiber Patch Panels in a relatively short range. Offered in lengths from 1m up to 150m, these breakout cables are the most economical solution for smaller networking environments which may not require complex and expensive equipment. MPO-LC breakout cable assemblies are most often used to reduce the amount of additional networking hardware within short distances. Their ability to redistribute multiple fibers from a single source to various devices allows for one cable assembly to eliminate the necessity for expensive networking equipment, therefore, reducing cost, setup time and complexity of fiber networks.

3. MTP/MPO Conversion Cable

MTP/MPO conversion cable has the same fanout design like the MTP/MPO harness cable, but it is terminated with MTP/MPO connectors on both ends. However, the MTP connectors on each end are different in fiber counts and types, which can provide more possibilities for the existing 24-fiber cabling system. It eliminates the wasted fiber, and therefore can largely increase the capacity of the existing 12-fiber and 24-fiber MTP network.

MPO/MTP Connectors

MPO connectors are commonly used to terminate multi-fiber ribbon connections (MPO cables) in indoor environments. MPO connectors are made for both single-mode and multimode cables. It conforms to IEC-61754-7; EIA/TIA-604-5 (FOCIS 5) standards. Therefore, it is a fully compliant MPO connector and can interconnect directly with other MPO-based infrastructures. MPO cable which carries multiple fibers comes pre-terminated.
Male and female connectors—Unlike single-fiber connectors, which are all male, MPO connectors can be male (with pins) or female (with corresponding guiding holes). Mating only male connectors with female connectors is primordial to avoid damages (male-on-male) and ensure continuity. The role of the alignment pins is to ensure that fibers are facing each other perfectly. The pins ensure that the fronts of the connectors are exactly aligned on contact and that the end faces of the fibers are not offset. There are guide grooves (keys) on the top side of the factory terminated MTP/MPO connector, which ensures that the adapter holds the connector with the correct ends aligned with each other.

Each MTP connector has a key on one side of the connector body. When the key sits on the bottom, this is called key down. When the key sits on top, this is referred to as the key up position.

MPO or MTP Connectors – What is the Difference?

People use the terms MPO and MTP interchangeably. MTP stands for “ Multi-fiber Termination Push-on” connector and this is a brand name for an MPO connector manufactured by US Conec. It is described as “a high-performance MPO connector with multiple engineered product enhancements to improve optical and mechanical performance when compared to generic MPO connectors.” It means that MTP connectors are fully compatible and compliant with all MPO connectors standards, regulations, and requirements; however, they also have a number of other features that most generic MPO connectors do not possess.

Below are some of the major differences between MPO and MTO. However you should also remember that to the naked eye, there is very little difference between the two connectors.

• The MTP connector has removable housing.
• The MTP has a floating ferrule to improve mechanical performance
• The MTP connector uses tightly held tolerance stainless steel elliptical guide pin tips.
• The MTP connector has a metal pin clamp with features for centering the push spring.
• The MTP connector spring design maximizes ribbon clearance for twelve fiber and multi-fiber ribbon applications to prevent fiber damage.
• The MTP connector is offered with four strain relief boot variations to meet a wide array of applications.

Above are the original 6 aspects that made MTP different from MPO. But as the techniques developed, MPO connector suppliers are also upgrading products to have the best performances, some are offering advanced MPO connectors with similar features of MTP and have all same features that made MTP different at the beginning. For instance, in the FSG product list, we also have types with removable housing and floating ferrule, etc.

To simplify this again we can say that MPO is a fiber connector type while MTP is a registered trademark of an MPO connector manufactured by US Conec. All MTPs are MPOs but not all MPOs are MTPs.

Read through our Article 2 and Article 3 to know more about MPO cables and MPO connectors.

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

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