Choosing the Right MTP/MPO Cable: A Guide to Core Numbers

Choosing the right MTP/MPO cable ensures efficient and reliable data transmission in today’s fast-paced digital world. With the increasing demand for high-speed connectivity, it is essential to understand the importance of core numbers in MTP/MPO cables. In this guide, we will explore the significance of core numbers and provide valuable insights to help you decide when selecting the right MTP/MPO cable for your specific needs. Whether setting up a data center or upgrading your existing network infrastructure, this article will serve as a comprehensive resource to assist you in choosing the right MTP/MPO cable.

What is an MTP/MPO cable

An MTP/MPO cable is a high-density fiber optic cable that is commonly used in data centers and telecommunications networks. It is designed to provide a quick and efficient way to connect multiple fibers in a single connector.

MPO and MTP cables have many attributes in common, which is why both are so popular. The key defining characteristic is that these cables have pre-terminated fibers with standardized connectors. While other fiber optic cables have to be painstakingly arrayed and installed at each node in a data center, these cables are practically plug-and-play. To have that convenience while still providing the highest levels of performance makes them a top choice for many data center applications.

How Many Types of MTP/MPO cables

MTP/MPO cables consist of connectors and optical fibers ready to connect. When it comes to types, MTP/MPO fiber cables fall on MTP/MPO trunk cables and MTP/MPO harness/breakout cables.

MTP/MPO trunk cables

MTP/MPO trunk cables, typically used for creating backbone and horizontal interconnections, have an MTP/MPO connector on both ends and are available from 8 fibers up to 48 in one cable.

MTP/MPO Harness/Breakout Cables

Harness/Breakout cables are used to break out the MTP/MPO connector into individual connectors, allowing for easy connection to equipment. MTP/MPO conversion cables are used to convert between different connector types, such as MTP to LC or MTP to SC.

The MTP/MPO cables also come in different configurations, such as 8-core, 12-core, 16-core, 32-core, and more, depending on the specific needs of the application. This flexibility in configurations enables users to tailor their choices according to the scale and performance requirements of their networks or data centers. As technology advances, the configurations of MTP/MPO cables continually evolve to meet the increasing demands of data transmission.

How to Choose MTP/MPO cables

Selecting the appropriate core number for MTP/MPO cables resonates throughout the efficiency and performance of networks. In this section, we’ll delve into the decision-making factors surrounding core numbers in cables.

Network Requirements and Data Transmission Goals

Different network applications and data transmission needs may require varying numbers of cores. High-density data centers might necessitate more cores to support large-capacity data transmission, while smaller networks may require fewer cores.

Compatibility with Existing Infrastructure

When choosing the core number for MTP/MPO cables, compatibility with existing infrastructure is crucial. Ensuring that the new cables match existing fiber optic equipment and connectors helps avoid unnecessary compatibility issues.

Consideration for Future Scalability

As businesses grow and technology advances, future network demands may increase. Choosing MTP/MPO cables with a larger number of cores allows for future expansion and upgrades.

Budget and Resource Constraints

Budget and resources also play a role in core number selection. Cables with a larger number of cores tend to be more expensive, while cables with fewer cores may be more cost-effective. Therefore, finding a balance between actual requirements and the available budget is essential.

MTP/MPO Cabling Guide to Core Numbers

40G MTP/MPO Cabling

A 12-fiber MTP/MPO connector interface can accommodate 40G, which is usually used in a 40G data center. The typical implementations of MTP/MPO plug-and-play systems split a 12-fiber trunk into six channels that run up to 10 Gigabit Ethernet (depending on the length of the cable). 40G system uses a 12-fiber trunk to create a Tx/Rx link, dedicating 4 fibers for 10G each of upstream transmit, and 4 fibers for 10G each of downstream receive.

40G-10G Connection

In this scenario, a 40G QSFP+ port on the FS S5850 48S6Q switch is split up into 4 10G channels. An 8-fiber MTP-LC harness cable connects the 40G side with its MTP connector and the four LC connectors link with the 10G side.

40G-40G Connection

As shown below, a 12-fiber MTP trunk cable is used to connect two 40G optical transceivers to realize the 40G to 40G connection between the two switches. The connection method can also be applied to a 100G-100G connection.

40G Trunk Cabling

24 Fibers MTP® to MTP® Interconnect Conversion Harness Cable is designed to provide a more flexible multi-fiber cabling system based on MTP® products. Unlike MTP® harness cable, MTP® conversion cables are terminated with MTP® connectors on both ends and can provide more possibilities for the existing 24-fiber cabling system. The 40/100G MTP® conversion cables eliminate the wasted fibers in the current 40G transmission and upcoming 100G transmission. Compared to purchasing and installing separate conversion cassettes, using MTP® conversion cables is a more cost-effective and lower-loss option.

100G MTP/MPO Cabling

QSFP28 100G transceivers using 4 fiber pairs have an MTP/MPO 12f port (with 4 unused fibers). Transmission for short distances (up to 100m) could be done most cost-effectively over multimode fiber using SR4 transmission. Longer distances over single mode use PSM4 transmission over 8 fibers. Transmission over 4 fiber pairs enables both multimode and single-mode transceivers to be connected 1:4 using MPO-LC 8 fiber breakout cables. One QSFP28 100G can connect to four SFP28 25G transceivers.

100G SR4 Parallel BASE-8 over Multimode Fibre

QSFP28 100G SR4 are often connected directly together due to their proximity within switching areas.

Equally QSFP28 SR4 are often connected directly to SFP28 25G ports within the same rack. For example, from a switch 100G port to four different servers with 25G ports.

The 12-core MTP/MPO cables can also be used for 100G parallel to parallel connection. Through the use of MTP patch panels, network reliability is enhanced, ensuring the normal operation of other channels even if a particular channel experiences a failure. Additionally, by increasing the number of parallel channels, it can meet the continuously growing data demands. This flexibility is crucial for adapting to future network expansions.

100G PMS4 Parallel BASE-8 over Singmode Fibre

QSFP28 100G PMS4 are often connected directly together due to their proximity within switching areas.

Equally QSFP28 ports are often connected directly to SFP28 25G ports within the same rack. For example, from a switch 100G port to four different servers with 25G ports.

200G MTP/MPO Cabling

Although most equipment manufacturers (Cisco, Juniper, Arista, etc) are bypassing 200G and jumping from 100G to 400G, there are still some 200G QSFP-DD transceivers on the market, like FS QSFP56-SR4-200G and QSFP-FR4-200G.

200G-to-200G links

MTP (MPO) 12 fiber enables the connection of 2xQSFP56-SR4-200G to each other.

400G MTP/MPO Cabling

MTP/MPO cables with multi-core connectors are used for optical transceiver connection. There are 4 different types of application scenarios for 400G MTP/MPO cables. Common MTP/MPO patch cables include 8-fiber, 12-core, and 16-core. 8-core or 12-core MTP/MPO single-mode fiber patch cable is usually used to complete the direct connection of two 400G-DR4 optical transceivers. 16-core MTP/MPO fiber patch cable can be used to connect 400G-SR8 optical transceivers to 200G QSFP56 SR4 optical transceivers, and can also be used to connect 400G-8x50G to 400G-4x100G transceivers. The 8-core MTP to 4-core LC duplex fiber patch cable is used to connect the 400G-DR4 optical transceiver with a 100G-DR optical transceiver.

For more specific 400G connectivity solutions, please refer to FS 400G MTP/MPO Cabling.

800G MTP/MPO Cabling Guide

In the higher-speed 800G networking landscape, the high density, high bandwidth, and flexibility of MTP/MPO cables have played a crucial role. Leveraging various branching or direct connection schemes, MTP/MPO cables are seamlessly connected to 800G optical modules, 400G optical modules, and 100G optical modules, enhancing the richness and flexibility of network construction.

800G Connectivity with Direct Connect Cabling

16 Fibers MTP® trunk cable is designed for 800G QSFP-DD/OSFP DR8 and 800G OSFP XDR8 optics direct connection and supporting 800G transmission for Hyperscale Data Center.

When using the current 800G optical module, such as the OSFP 800G SR8, direct connection requires 12 fibre MTP® trunk cables.

800G to 8X100G Interconnect

16 fibers MTP®-LC breakout cables are optimized for 800G OSFP XDR8 to 100G QSFP28 FR, 800G QSFP-DD/OSFP DR8 to 100G QSFP28 DR optics direct connection, and high-density data center applications.

800G to 2X400G Interconnect

16 fiber MTP® conversion cable is designed to provide a more flexible multi-fiber cabling system based on MTP® products. Compared to purchasing and installing separate conversion cassettes, using MTP® conversion cables is a more cost-effective and lower-loss option. In the network upgrade from 400G to 800G, the ability to directly connect an 800G optical module and two 400G optical modules provides a more efficient use of cabling space, resulting in cost savings for cabling.

When using InfiniBand technology for networking purposes, 12 fibre MTP® trunk cable is designed for linking InfiniBand and Ethernet multimode twin-port OSFP and single-port OSFP and QSFP112 transceivers together.

Conclusion

In a word, the choice of core number for MTP/MPO cables depends on the specific requirements of the network application. Matching the core number with the requirements of each scenario ensures optimal performance and efficient resource utilization. A well-informed choice ensures that your MTP/MPO cable not only meets but exceeds the demands of your evolving connectivity requirements.

How FS Can Help

As a global leader in enterprise-level ICT solutions, FS not only offers a variety of MTP/MPO cables but also customizes exclusive MTP/MPO cabling solutions based on your requirements, helping your data center network achieve a smooth upgrade. In the era of rapid growth in network data, the time has come to make a choice – FS escorts your data center upgrade. Register as an FS website member and enjoy free technical support.

Some Other Fiber Optic Patch Cord

Armored fiber patch cords

Armored fiber patch cords (armored multi fiber cable) retain all the features of standard optical patch cord, but they are much stronger. The armored fiber patch cords will not get damage even it is stepped by an adult, and they are anti-rodents, when use such armored fiber patch cord, people do not need to worry that the rodent animals like the rats may bite the cables and make them broken. Although armored fiber cables are strong, they are actually as flexible as standard fiber optic patch cord; they can be bended randomly without being broken.

Armored fiber patch cord can be made similar outer diameter with the standard fiber patch cords, this make them space saving. What is more, they can be with different jacket colors and jacket types such as OFNR etc. and the armored fiber patch cords are actually light weight, the armored fiber patch cords can be with SC, ST, FC, LC, MU, SC/APC, ST/APC, FC/APC, LC/APC etc types of terminations.

The armored fiber optic patch cord has features as common type fiber optic patch cables but more robust designed to deploy in FTTH projects inside the buildings. The armored fiber optic patch cord use stainless steel armor inside the jacket to make the fiber patch cord resistant of high tension and pressure. It can resist the weight of an adult person and it is not easy to break when is bent or dragged. The armored fiber optic patch cord is flexible with high damage resistant by improper twist and also resistance of pressure and rodent bites.

MPO Fiber Patch Cord

MPO patch cord (Ribbon fan out Fiber patchcord, Ribbon mliti cable fan out) use MTP and MPO multi fiber type connectors, each one of the connector are used with ribbon type fiber optic cables which contain multi fiber in one single jacket, so that MPO Fiber Patch Cord greatly save space and are very convenient to use. Based on single ferrule MT technology, the MPO Fiber Patch Cord assemblies provide up to 72 fiber connections in a single point, reducing the physical space and labor requirement, while providing the same bandwidth capacity of a multi-fiber cable with individual fiber connector terminations per cable( know more about MTP MPO cable).

Bundle fan out patch cord 

Bundle fan out patch cord (Multi cable fan out) are enormously valuable in speeding up the installation process, by eliminating the need for unnecessary splicing or terminations in the field.

Bundle fan out patch cord assemblies can be with various structures and connectors options. Bundle fan out patch cord assemblies are available in various fiber counts, with distribution cable or outside plant cable. Outside plant cable assemblies utilize end-blocking kits for water protection and fan out tubing for fiber ruggedizing, Distribution is 900un tight buffered and typically not ruggedized, depending on the application. While Bundle fan out patch cord assemblies are most often pigtail, optical fiber jumpers are also available and provide numerous installation advantages.

Bundle fan out patch cord assemblies are a custom design product; cable length, jacket types and connectors are with many options. To easily identify the multiple fiber cables, 0.9mm cable itself are made with different colors, if 2mm or 3mm cable it will be put number label to identify. Pulling eyes are also available with the cable; pulling eye is small devices, which can be fastened to the cable and easily, pull it through duct or small space place. Long fiber optic cable assemblies are usually packed by plastic or wooden reels to protect it from damage.

FiberStore’s MPO MTP Fiber Cables

MPO/MTP Fiber Cable is offered for various applications for all networking and device needs like 100 Gig modules. It uses a high-density multi-fiber connector system built around precision molded MT ferrule. Fiberstore’s MPO fiber cables are available in UPC and APC finishes, support both multimode and single mode applications, and optional lengths available. Our MPO MTP fiber cable is with push connector IEC 61754-7 and TIA/EIA 604-5A compliant and offer low cost per termination for high density applications. The MPO/MTP fiber cables are tested with guaranteed quality, and they can be installed easily, which saves time and money.

There are three types package MTP MPO Cables: MPO MTP Standard Trunk Cables,MPO MTP Hybrid Trunk Cables,MPO MTP Harnesses Cables and MPO MTP Cassettes.

MPO MTP Standard Trunk Cables

The MPO/MTP Trunk cable is designs for Data Center Applications. It is divided into round cable and flat cable with the outer diameter of 3.0 mm or 4.5 mm. The connector where this cable is terminated on is the so called MPO/MTP connector. All of MPO/MTP fiber optic patch cables are 100% optically tested for maximum performance. We have all lengths and connectors available.

FiberStore offer singlemode and multimode (OM1, OM2, 10G OM3, 10G OM4) MPO/MTP Cable. Singlemode MPO/MTP cable is primarily used for applications involving extensive distances, 10G MPO/MTP cable provide 10 gigabit data transfer speeds in high bandwidth applications and they are 5 times faster than standard 50um fiber cable. Work with both VCSEL laser and LED sources. The meanwhile, we also provide 40G/100G MPO/MTP trunk cable.

MPO MTP Hybrid Trunk Cables

Fiberstore MPO / MTP Hybrid Trunk Cable are available in SM (9/125), MM (50 or 62.5/125), 10Gig fiber types. You could select the corning fiber according to your own needs with the selection of 12/24 fiber cores. The cable is MPO/MTP on one end, with single-fiber connectors on another end, single-fiber connector interface available in SC, ST, LC, MTRJ in forms of Simplex or Duplex channeling. The fiber splitters are available in both plastic and metal fiber splitter, which give you various selections.

MPO MTP Harnesses Cables

Fiberstore MPO/MTP harnesses cables are usually divided into three types of MPO/MTP-MPO/MTP connector, MPO/MTP-Common connector, MPO/MTP-Secure Keyed LC connector and 40G/100G MPO/MTP 
Harnesses cable, according to different colors divided into SM, MM and 10G MM, you could select the corning fiber according to your own needs with the selection of 8/12/24 fibers. 

The MPO/MTP Harnesses cables differs from Trunk cables, it works from trunk backbone assemblies to fiber rack system, and the trunk cable is high density back bone cabling. The MPO/MTP harnesses cable appliation for data centers requiring quick infrastructure deployment with extended reach that want to maintain bandwidth throughout the infrastructure, it design cater for up-scaling needs and future technologies growth, it’s the best solution,which covers all fiber optic cabling needs in all areas of Data Center.

MPO MTP Cassettes

MPO fiber optic cassette, with SC,LC,ST, FC connectors, is a highly flexible fiber management unit that can be used stand alone or integrated into the MPO fiber optic patch panels. FiberStore supply high quality MPO cassette which is designed to reduce installation time and cost for an optical network infrastructure in the premises environment. We are direct manufacturer of the MPO fiber optic cassette, that also supply rack chassis like 1U 19” rack for putting more MPO LGX cassettes.

FiberStore also provides other fiber patch cords types, such as single more fiber patch cable, OM1 62.5/125, OM2 50/125, 10G OM3/OM4 patch cables, armored patch cables, fiber optic pigtails, multi core patch cables and other special patch cables. If you would like to purchase our optical patch cord, please contact us sales@fiberstore.com.

What is Fiber Optic Patch Cable

Fiber optic patch cable is also known as optical fiber jumper or optical patch cord. It is composed of a fiber optic cable terminated with different connectors on the ends. There are two major application areas of fiber optic patch cords which are computer work station to outlet and fiber optic patch panels or optical cross connect distribution center. Single more fiber patch cables are primarily used for applications involving long distance, while multimode patch cables are the choice for most common local fiber systems because the devices for multimode are far chaper.

Fiber Patch Cords Types

Fiber optic patch cables can be divided into different types based on fiber cable mode, cable structure, connector types, connector polishing types and cable sizes.

Fiber Cable Mode:

Single mode fiber patch cables: Single mode fiber optic patch cables use 9/125 micron bulk single mode fiber cable and single mode fiber optic connectors at both ends. Single mode fiber optic cable jacket color is usually yellow.

. Multimode fiber patch cables: Multimode fiber optic patch cable use 62.5/125 micron or 50/125 micron bulk multimode fiber cable and terminated with multimode fiber optic connectors at both ends. Multimode fiber patch cable jacket color is usually orange.

. 10Gig multimode fiber optic patch cables: 10Gig multimode fibers are specially designed 50/125 micron fiber optimized for 850nm VCSEL laser based 10Gig Ethernet. They are backward compatible with existing network equipment and provide close to three times the bandwidth of traditional 62.5/125 multimode fibers. 10 Gigabit is rated for distances up to 300 meters using 850nm Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Lasers (VCSEL). 10Gig fiber optic cable jacket is usually aqua.

Fiber Cable Structure:

. Simplex fiber optic patch cables: Simplex fiber patch cable has one fiber and one connector on each end.

. Duplex fiber optic patch cables: Duplex fiber patch cable has two fibers and two connectors on each end. Each fiber is marked “A” or “B” or different colored connector boots are used to mark polarity.

. Ribbon fan-out cable assembly: For ribbon fan-out cable assembly, one end is ribbon fiber with multi fibers and one ribbon fiber connector such as MTP connector (12 fibers), the other end is multi simplex fiber cables with connectors such as ST, SC, LC, etc.

Connector Types:

. Same connector type fiber patch cable: This fiber optic patch cable has the same type of connector on both ends, such as ST, SC, LC, FC, etc.

. Hybrid fiber optic patch cables: This fiber optic patch cable has different connectors on each end. One end can be SC and the other end can be LC, ST, FC, etc.

Connector Polishing Types: Fiber optic connectors are designed and polished to different shaps to minimize back reflection. This is particularly important in single mode applications. Typical back reflection grades are -30dB, -40dB, -50dB and -60dB.

. PC (Physical Contact): Typical back reflection <-40dB, for single mode and multimode applications.

. UPC (Ultra Physical Contac t): Typical back reflection <-50dB, for single mode applications.

. APC (Angled Physical Contact): Typical back reflection <-60dB, for single mode applications.

Fiber Cable Sizes: You can choose your fiber cable jacket size for your particular application.

. 250um bare fiber
. 900um tight buffer fiber
. 1.6mm fiber optic cable
. 2.0mm fiber optic cable
. 3.0mm fiber optic cable

FiberStore provides various types of fiber patch cords including common single-mode 9/125, OM1 62.5/125, OM2 50/125, 10G OM3/OM4 patch cables, armored patch cables, fiber optic pigtails, multi core patch cables, MTP MPO cables and other special patch cables. SC, ST, FC, LC, MU, MTRJ, E2000, APC/UPC terminations(fiber optic connectors) are all available.