There are several key factors to consider carefully when selecting and identifying high-quality MTP®/MPO optical cables to ensure that these cables can provide long-lasting performance and stability in high-density and high-speed applications. For any system that relies on a fiber-optic network, choosing the right optical cable is not only critical to the overall performance of the network but also directly affects the stability and efficiency of data transmission.
Therefore, in this regard, some important features and considerations for identifying the quality of MTP®/MPO optical cables are listed below:
1. Brand awareness of the fiber core
Choosing a well-known brand of optical fiber core is one of the key steps to optimize the performance of the optical cable. High-quality optical fiber cores can effectively reduce signal loss when encountering small angle bends, thereby playing a positive role in the transmission stability of optical fiber cables. This is especially important because in high-density environments, optical cables are often squeezed or bent, and high-quality optical fiber cores can largely ensure the integrity and stability of the signal and prevent signal attenuation caused by environmental factors.
Domestic optical fiber cables:
Domestic optical fiber cable manufacturers are also constantly developing and innovating. Some of the well-known domestic fiber optic cable companies include:
Yangtze Optical Fiber (Yofc): As one of the leading companies in the domestic fiber optic cable industry, Yangtze Optical Fiber has rich experience in fiber preforms, optical fibers and cables.
Well-known foreign brands Corning Fiber:
Corning is a world-renowned optical communication technology company that has been driving the development of the communication industry since it invented the first low-loss optical fiber in 1970. Corning's fiber optic products have excellent performance, including low loss, high bandwidth, stability and reliability. Corning's innovation has been changing the development of the communication field, and its fiber optic products are widely used in networks around the world.
2. The quality of the connector
In the process of selecting optical cables, the use of industry-recognized MTP®/MPO connectors cannot be ignored. This is not only related to how the connector performs during the plugging and unplugging operation, but also directly affects the overall network performance. High-quality connectors need to provide precise alignment, which can effectively reduce insertion loss and return loss.
In addition, high-quality connectors should be extremely durable and able to withstand hundreds of plugging and unplugging without any performance loss or degradation of connection quality. This ensures that the optical cable can still maintain good working conditions during long-term use, reducing the frequency and cost of equipment maintenance.
MTP/MPO fiber connectors can encapsulate MTP/MPO 12core, MTP/MPO 24core, MTP/MPO 32core, MTP/MPO 48core or MTP/MPO 72core optical fibers into one fiber to increase fiber density, so it is popular in data centers with limited space. Industry-recognized MTP/MPO connectors (such as US Conec or Senko connectors) can ensure the polarity of MTP/MPO cables and reduce insertion loss and return loss.
The industry-standard MTP/MPO connector is sturdy and durable and can be recycled hundreds of times. The interface between the connector and the fiber patch cord is round, so the fiber patch cord can be routed from any direction of the MTP/MPO connector port, simplifying the wiring structure
3. Insertion loss (IL)
Insertion loss is an important indicator that affects the performance of the fiber optic network, and it has a direct impact on the quality of the network signal. When selecting an optical cable, the insertion loss of a high-quality single-mode MTP® fiber ferrule should be less than 0.35dB, and the insertion loss of an MTP® fiber ferrule specifically for multimode should generally not exceed 0.6 dB. These parameters are directly related to the effective transmission of the signal. To ensure that the selected product can provide efficient signal transmission, it is recommended to require the supplier to provide an insertion loss test report when purchasing to effectively verify the quality and performance of the product, thereby improving the overall network operation efficiency.
4. Flame retardant grade of the casing
The sheath material of the optical cable is also very important and should have good flame-retardant properties to meet the needs of the cable in different installation environments. Different types of materials, such as LSZH, PVC, PE, etc., have different flame retardant grades. Selecting the right jacket material according to the actual use environment can not only improve safety, but also help reduce the risk of fire accidents to a certain extent. Therefore, it is particularly important to clarify the specific application scenarios of the required optical cable and make wise choices accordingly in actual procurement.
The NEC ratings of MTP®/MPO optical cables and their flame retardant ratings, application scenarios and potential substitutes are as follows:
OFNP (Non-conductive Fiber Ventilation System): It has the highest flame retardant rating (Grade 1) and is suitable for horizontal wiring areas and ventilation environments, such as conveying ducts and air handling systems. It cannot be replaced by cables with lower ratings.
OFNR (Non-conductive Fiber Riser): It has a medium flame retardant rating (Grade 2) and is very suitable for vertical wiring areas, especially for the connection between entrance equipment or computer rooms and communication cabinets on different floors. It can be replaced by OFNP cables.
OFNG/OFN (General Non-conductive Fiber): It has the lowest flame retardant rating (Grade 3) and is suitable for public areas. It can be replaced by OFNP or OFNR cables.
5. Optical cables must undergo strict testing standards
High-quality MTP® optical cables should undergo a series of rigorous tests before leaving the factory, including end-face inspection and high-precision 3D interferometer testing.
End-face inspection is carried out in accordance with the international standard IEC 61300-3-35 to ensure that the connector end face remains clean and free of scratches and defects. This inspection can effectively reduce the possibility of signal loss or delay due to connector defects, while the 3D interferometer test ensures that the geometry of the connector meets strict technical requirements. These tests help minimize the probability of connection failure and improve the overall reliability of the network to ensure smooth data transmission.
In summary, when choosing MTP®/MPO optical cables, paying attention to brand reputation, connector quality, insertion loss, flame retardant rating, and strictly enforced testing standards can not only ensure the high quality and reliability of the selected products, but also significantly improve the overall performance of the network and provide a solid foundation for future expansion. To ensure that the optical cable you choose can meet the above high standards, it is recommended to cooperate with reputable suppliers and actively request relevant test reports and certification materials to facilitate a comprehensive evaluation and analysis of product quality to ensure that the expected results are achieved and a stable and efficient fiber optic network is created.
