Different Types of MTP®/MPO Cables and Their Applications

With the increasing demand for higher bandwidths and more robust network connections in data centers, traditional dual-fiber patch cables such as LC cables no longer meet the growing needs of modern networks. To address this, MTP®/MPO cables, which can accommodate more fibers in a single multi-fiber connector, have emerged as a solution. These cables are particularly effective for 40G, 100G, 400G, and even 800G high-density cabling systems. In this article, we’ll dive into the different types of MTP®/MPO cables, their functionality, and how they’re used in various applications.

What Are MTP®/MPO Cables?

MPO (Multi-Fiber Push-On) is the original multi-core optical fiber connector, while MTP® is a trademarked, advanced version by US Conec Ltd., offering better mechanical and optical performance. Despite these improvements, both MTP® and MPO connectors look similar and are fully compatible with each other. MTP®/MPO cables are vital components in high-density connectivity solutions, used to connect multiple fibers efficiently in high-speed networks.

These cables consist of MTP®/MPO connectors and optical fibers and come in two types: male (with pins) and female (without pins). By greatly increasing cable density, MTP®/MPO connectors save both valuable rack space and circuit card space, making them perfect for 40G and 100G cabling systems and future-proof for upcoming network speed upgrades.

MTP®/MPO cables are classified into four main types based on their functions: jumper cables, trunk cables, harness cables, and conversion cables. These types help optimize fiber management and meet specific cabling requirements in data centers.

1. MTP®/MPO Jumper Cables

MTP®/MPO jumper cables are terminated with an MTP®/MPO connector (male or female) on both ends and come in fiber counts ranging from 8 to 144 fibers. These cables typically feature a single-sheath design and are perfect for connecting different network devices within a single cabinet, such as a fiber patch panel to a switch or connecting one switch to another.

These jumper cables are often used for short-distance applications within racks or cabinets, offering a compact and reliable solution for connecting high-density devices.

2. MTP®/MPO Trunk Cables

MTP®/MPO trunk cables usually feature high fiber counts and a double-sheath design for better tensile and compressive resistance. These cables are ideal for long-range interconnections between cabinets or different sections of a building. The double-sheathed construction ensures that the fibers remain stable and can withstand higher pressure during construction or cable routing.

Trunk cables are essential for providing large-scale interconnections in high-density data center environments, where high performance and durability are paramount. For instance, MTP®/MPO-12 trunk cables are commonly used for establishing 40G links in these setups.

MTP®/MPO Trunk Cables

3. MTP®/MPO Harness Cables

MTP®/MPO harness cables, also known as breakout or fanout cables, have an MTP®/MPO connector on one end and several smaller connectors (such as LC, FC, SC, or ST) on the other end. These cables are typically used for short-range connections such as 10G–40G or 25G–100G links. Examples include 8-fiber MTP®/MPO to 4 LC harness cables or 12-fiber MTP®/MPO to 6 LC harness cables.

Harness cables are commonly used in high-density backbone cabling applications, offering a straightforward and efficient way to break out large fiber counts into smaller, manageable connections.

4. MTP®/MPO Conversion Cables

MTP®/MPO conversion cables function similarly to harness cables but differ in the way they configure fibers. They provide a method for converting different fiber counts to suit particular network requirements, such as 24-fiber to 2×12-fiber, or 12-fiber to 2×4-fiber connections. These cables eliminate fiber wastage by offering more flexible and optimized fiber routing.

Commonly used for 10G–40G, 40G–40G, and 40G–100G connections, conversion cables are a valuable solution when adjusting to different network architectures and reducing fiber overhead.

Key Considerations in Choosing MTP®/MPO Cables

MTP®/MPO cables come in a variety of configurations, and it’s essential to consider five key factors when choosing the right cable for a particular application: function, polarity, fiber count, fiber mode, and jacket rating.

1. Function

The function of the cable refers to its specific purpose, whether it’s for jumper, trunk, harness, or conversion cables. Each type serves a distinct purpose, whether it’s connecting devices within a cabinet, linking different areas of a building, or providing more flexible interconnections.

2. Polarity

MTP®/MPO cables need to maintain proper polarity to ensure the correct alignment of optical signals between transmitters and receivers. Various polarity schemes (Type A, Type B, Type C, and newer universal methods U1 and U2) help maintain this integrity, ensuring that the signal flow is consistent throughout the network.

3. Fiber Count

The fiber count refers to the number of fibers in the cable and determines the data capacity and network speed. For instance, 8-fiber cables are commonly used for lower-cost applications, while 12-fiber and 24-fiber cables are used in 40G and 100G networks, respectively. The newer 16-fiber cables are designed for emerging high-speed 400G networks.

4. Fiber Mode

MTP®/MPO cables come in both multimode and single-mode configurations. Multimode fibers (OM3, OM4, OM5) are best suited for short-range connections, while single-mode (OS2) fibers are used for long-distance connections, such as in Metropolitan Area Networks (MANs) or Passive Optical Networks (PONs).

5. Jacket Rating

MTP®/MPO cables are also classified by jacket rating, depending on their intended environment and fire safety requirements. These include LSZH (Low Smoke Zero Halogen), OFNP (Plenum-rated), and OFNR (Riser-rated). The jacket material helps ensure safe installation, especially in fire-sensitive environments.

Conclusion

MTP®/MPO cables, with their ability to handle multiple fibers in a single interface, have become essential components in modern high-density cabling networks, particularly in data centers. Their versatility in accommodating different fiber counts, modes, and types of connectivity makes them indispensable for meeting the ever-increasing demand for higher data transmission speeds and larger network capacities.

By understanding the different MTP®/MPO cable types and their specific applications, businesses can streamline their network setup, optimize space usage, and ensure efficient fiber management. Whether you’re building a new high-performance network or upgrading existing infrastructure, MTP®/MPO cables provide a reliable and scalable solution for future-proofing your network.