Among high-density fiber connection solutions, MTP/MPO series cables are widely used in modern networks.
As data centers regularly migrate to faster networks. Large enterprises and data centers are migrating to 200G/400G and even higher speeds.
In the rapid development of fiber optic communications, choosing the right connection solution is particularly important, which is not only related to the performance of the entire system but also directly affects the overall efficiency of the network.
Today, there are many connection options to choose from, among which MTP/MPO connectors are widely praised for their excellent high-density characteristics and diverse applications. This article will take a deep look at the three main types of MTP/MPO connectors - Base-8, Base-12, Base-16, and Base-24, emphasizing their unique features and advantages, and also analyzing their most suitable application scenarios. These connectors provide solutions in different environments, enabling them to meet various business needs, so it is crucial for practitioners to understand their characteristics.
Differences between MPO-8 / MPO-12 / MPO-16
Here are the main differences between MTP-8 / MPO-8, MTP-12 / MPO-12, and MTP-12 / MPO-12:
- Number of Fibers
MTP-8 / MPO-8: With 8 fibers, it is suitable for some applications that require a smaller number of fibers, that is, entry-level or medium-bandwidth application scenarios, such as small data centers or low-density networks.
MTP-12 / MPO-12: Provides 12 fibers, suitable for applications that require higher bandwidth and connection density, and is the most popular choice in data centers, suitable for a variety of applications from 10G to 100G.
MTP-16 / MPO-16: Supports 16 fibers, especially under high bandwidth requirements (such as 400G-SR8 and 800G-DR8), which can maximize data transmission efficiency, thereby eliminating "dark fiber" and improving overall performance, especially in high-bandwidth scenarios such as 400G-SR8 and 800G-DR8.
MTP-24/MPO-24: Provides 24 fibers, the highest density connector option, supports higher data rates and bandwidth
Especially suitable for high-throughput and space-critical data centers, for larger-scale cabling needs, it can reduce the number of required connections, thereby saving panel space and improving cabling efficiency.
- Connector Design - Offset Key and Alignment Pins:
The design of the MTP-12 / MPO-12 connector uses a unique offset key and alignment pin spacing, making it significantly different from MTP-8 / MPO-8 and MTP-12 / MPO-12 in terms of compatibility.
Angled Physical Contact (APC): The APC design equipped with the MTP-16 / MPO-1 6 connector helps reduce back reflection and optical return loss, ensuring excellent performance in multimode (MMF) and single-mode (SMF) applications. The design ensures that the MTP-12 / MPO-12 is only compatible with other Base-16 components, effectively avoiding improper connection with Base-8 or Base-12 components.
Application Flexibility and Scalability - High-Density Connections: MTP-12 / MPO-12 cables can seamlessly replicate multiple switch ports (such as 16, 32 or 48-port switches) in high-density environments, which makes them more advantageous in data centers and high-speed networks.
- Fiber Utilization
Fiber Utilization of MTP 8
MTP-8 / MPO-8 is suitable for fibers and transceivers that need to be directly connected to maximize the utilization of each fiber, especially in typical 40G and 100G connections.
Future-proof Cabling System In small networks, Base-8 and Base-12 are interchangeable, but in large networks (>10G), Base-8 is more popular because many 40G and 100G transceivers are in 8-fiber format. MTP/MPO-8 connections also allow seamless collaboration with MTP/MPO-12, MTP/MPO-24, which provides more flexibility and scalability.
MTP-8 / MPO-8 connections can be easily used in Base-2 cabling systems because the number 8 is divisible by the number 2. Therefore, when using MTP to LC duplex breakout harnesses to connect switch line cards, 8-core MTP cables can be easily converted to 4 duplex LC cables.
Fiber Utilization of MTP-12 / MPO-12
With the increase in network speeds (such as 40G and above), MTP-12 / MPO-12 provides better fiber utilization and lower signal attenuation than MTP-12 / MPO-12 in high-density network cabling. Therefore, MTP-12 / MPO-12 has an advantage due to its higher core count and density.
Although MTP-12 / MPO-12 has been widely deployed, it has a high idle rate for unused fibers in high-bandwidth applications. When working with equipment that requires 8 fibers, customers can use MTP-8 / MPO-8 to directly connect the fibers to avoid waste. If a 12-fiber connector is used with a transceiver that requires 8 fibers, four fibers will be unused. Base-12 can be converted to Base-8 by using a conversion cable, but insertion loss may increase. There will be a problem of unused fibers.
Interoperability considerations: Due to the unique design of MTP-12 / MPO-12, its components cannot directly interoperate with MTP-12 / MPO-12 cables without appropriate conversion cables or components. Therefore, detailed planning should be carried out when upgrading the network.
Conclusion In summary, the differences between MTP-8 / MPO-8, MTP-12 / MPO-12, and MTP-12 / MPO-12 cables are mainly in the number of fibers, connector design, and application flexibility.
MTP-12 / MPO-12 cables provide a highly competitive solution in modern high-speed networks with their high performance and scalability.
Fiber Utilization of MTP-16/MPO-16
Compared to MTP 12 / MPO 12 cables, MTP-16/MPO-16 cables not only provide superior fiber utilization, but also significantly reduce the possibility of signal attenuation.
MTP-16/MPO-16 supports up to 16 fibers per connector, greatly improving the density of connections. This design is particularly important in data centers and high-speed networks because it allows more fiber connections in a limited space. The application flexibility of MTP-16/MPO-16 cables is greatly enhanced, mainly due to its ability to seamlessly replicate switch ports of different configurations in high-density environments, such as common 16, 32, or 48-port switches. This feature makes MTP-16/MPO-16 cables a more scalable choice as network speeds continue to increase to 40G and above.
Despite these advantages, it is important to note that MTP 16/MPO 16 cable assemblies, due to their design, are not directly interoperable with MTP 12/MPO-12 cables without an appropriate conversion cable or assembly.
Therefore, careful planning and consideration are critical for those planning a network upgrade to ensure system compatibility and overall performance optimization. This can avoid potential challenges and ensure the smooth operation of the network at higher data rates.
Applications
- MTP-8 / MPO-8 fiber applications are suitable for 40G and 100G applications. MTP/MPO-8 connectors have fewer fibers, so there are fewer connections per cable. This MTP fiber type is suitable for places where lower port density is required, such as medium-sized enterprise networks and parts of data centers
- MTP-12 / MPO-12 connectors achieve a good balance between density and flexibility and are used in various high-speed networks. They are widely used in 40G, 100G, 400G, traditional 10G and 25G networks, including inter-rack and intra-rack connections in data centers, as well as campus networks and telecommunications.
- The higher-density MTP-16/MPO-16, MTP/MPO-24 connectors are best suited for scenarios that require extensive cabling infrastructure and high throughput, such as in high-bandwidth scenarios such as 400G-SR8 and 800G-DR8, as well as in cloud computing, hyperscale data centers, and high-performance computing environments.
- MTP/MPO-24 connectors perform best in high-density and high-efficiency environments, especially in data centers with limited space. By properly selecting and applying these MTP/MPO fiber connectors, optimal network performance and space utilization can be achieved to meet the growing needs of modern data centers and high-performance networks.
