Learn MPO Fiber Optic Cable Classification From One Article

Sep 30, 2024Leave a message

MPO cable (Multi-Fiber Push-On Cable) is a high-density fiber optic cable that uses an MPO (multi-fiber connector) connector. MPO cable can integrate multiple optical fibers in one connector, usually with different density configurations such as 12, 24, 36, 48, 72, etc., and is suitable for environments with high bandwidth and space requirements such as data centers, enterprise networks, and telecommunications infrastructure.

 

 

Main features of MPO cable

 

 

MPO cable high density: MPO cable is designed to save space, especially where a large number of optical fibers need to be connected. Multiple optical fibers are connected through a single connector, effectively increasing the connection density.

Rapid deployment: MPO cables are usually plug-and-play solutions, which are convenient and quick to install, reducing the complexity of wiring and configuration.

 

Multimode and single-mode options: MPO cables can be applied to different types of optical fiber technologies, including single-mode fiber and multimode fiber, to meet different transmission distances and bandwidth requirements.

 

High bandwidth: By transmitting data through multiple optical fibers simultaneously, MPO cables can support higher data transmission speeds and are suitable for 10G, 40G, 100G and higher network configurations.

 

Modular design: MPO optical cables are compatible with other fiber accessories and equipment (such as fiber distribution frames and patch panels) to support flexible network topologies.

 

Reliability and durability: Considering the needs of data centers and telecommunications environments, MPO optical cables are generally designed with high-quality materials and structures to ensure long-term performance stability and reliability.

 

Convenient fiber management: MPO optical cables can reduce the complexity of wiring management and are easy to maintain and reconfigure.

 

Customizable: Provide a variety of shapes and polarity options to meet different network needs.

 

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MPO optical cable classification

 

 

 

MPO optical cables can be classified according to a variety of different standards. Here are some of the main classification methods:
 

 

1. Classification by fiber type

 

Single-mode fiber (SMF):

Suitable for long-distance transmission, commonly used in telecommunications networks and remote connections.

Working at 1310nm or 1550nm wavelengths, it can support larger transmission distances.

 

Multimode fiber (MMF):

Suitable for short-distance transmission, commonly used in data centers and enterprise networks.

Wavelengths include 850nm and 1300nm, supporting higher data transmission rates, but shorter transmission distances.

 

 

2. Classification by the number of cores

Based on the number of cores, MTP/MPO optical cables can be divided into 8/12/16/24/48/72/144/288 cores. OPTICO accepts customization to suit applications with different rates.

 

MTP 8/MPO 8 fiber patch cord: contains 8 optical fibers, cost-effective, suitable for general applications that require low insertion loss.

 

MTP 12/MPO 12 fiber patch cord: contains 12 optical fibers, common in smaller-scale network applications. A common choice for 10G-40G and 40G-100G connections.

 

MTP 16/MPO 16 fiber patch cord: contains 16 optical fibers, 16-core optical cables are specially designed for short-distance 400G cabling in hyperscale data centers.

 

MTP 24/MPO 24 fiber patch cord, containing 24 optical fibers, is suitable for medium-scale deployments and is commonly used for network connections in data centers. Used to establish 100GBASE-SR10 links with high resource utilization.

 

MTP 36 /MPO 36 fiber patch cord, MTP 48 /MPO 48 fiber patch cord, MTP 72 /MPO 72 fiber patch cord, MTP 98 /MPO 98 core fiber patch cord, MTP 144 /MPO 144 core fiber patch cord, MTP 288 /MPO 288 core fiber patch cord and other high-density optical cables: suitable for environments with high-density requirements, a large number of optical fibers can be connected through a single connector.

 

 

3 MPO optical cables are classified by polarity

Type A (Type A): The fiber cores of this type of MPO connector are arranged in the same position at both ends.

Type B (Type B): The fiber core arrangement position is opposite, mainly used for cross-connection between different devices.

Type C (Type C): The MPO fiber core of Type C is a pair of adjacent fiber core positions crossed

 

Summary

The classification of MPO optical cables can help network engineers choose suitable products according to different application requirements, thereby optimizing network performance and efficiency. Whether in a high-density data center or in an enterprise network, choosing the right type of MPO cable is crucial.

 

 

4. Classification of MPO cables by function

MTP/MPO patch cord: Both ends of the MTP/MPO patch cord are equipped with MTP®/MPO connectors, usually with 8 to 144 optical fibers, suitable for connecting different devices in the cabinet.

 

MTP/MPO trunk cable: MTP/MPO trunk cable MTP/MPO trunk cable has MPO connectors on both ends, usually with strong tensile and compressive resistance, suitable for connecting cabinets and different areas of buildings.

 

MTP/MPO harness cable: MTP/MPO harness cable is also called branch cable or fan-out cable, generally with an MTP/MPO connector on one end and an LC/FC/SC/ST connector on the other end, suitable for short-distance 10G-40G and 25G-100G direct connection.

 

MTP/MPO conversion cable: MTP/MPO conversion cable adopts fan-out design, which is the same as MPO branch cable or fan-out cable. It supports the connection of multiple fiber quantities and types, suitable for 10G-120G conversion needs, and improves fiber utilization.

 

The more commonly used MTP/MPO conversion cables are 24-core to 2×12-core, 24-core to 3×8-core, 16-core to 2×8-core, 12-core to 2×4-core and 2×12-core to 3×8-core MTP®/MPO conversion jumpers. They are particularly suitable for 10G-40G, 40G-40G, 40G-100G and 40G-120G connections, which can eliminate fiber waste and greatly improve the flexibility of MTP®/MPO cabling systems.

 

 

5 MPO optical cable classification by sheath grade

The sheath grades of MTP/MPO optical cables include LSZH, OFNP and OFNR to meet the needs of different fire safety standards.

 

LSZH: Low smoke and halogen-free, suitable for enclosed places, high safety.

OFNP: The highest fire rating, suitable for installation in the airflow space of the building.

OFNR: Suitable for indoor environments such as shafts between floors, but not for ventilation areas.

 

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 MPO optical cable application areas

 

 

Data center: Due to its high density and high bandwidth capabilities, MPO optical cables are very suitable for connecting core switching equipment and servers in data centers.

Telecommunications network: In long-distance optical fiber transmission, MPO optical cables can also be used to connect backbone networks and various access devices.

Enterprise network: Multimode MPO optical cables are widely used in enterprise local area networks (LANs) to support short-distance, high-speed data transmission.

 

In short, MPO optical cables are widely used in modern optical fiber network solutions with their high efficiency and flexibility to meet the growing bandwidth needs.