MTP (MPO) Fibre Networking Frequently Asked Questions

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C omplete Connect is a UK based SME focused on providing own-brand factory terminated UK manufacturer of MTP® (MPO) fibre systems, transceivers, AOC and DAC cables

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What is an MPO connector?

MPO is a generic name for a multi-fibre connector. The term MPO stands for “multi-fibre push on”. The majority of MPO connectors have 12 fibres which are aligned along the centre of a rectangular ferrule. They mate together in the same way as traditional LC, SC and ST connectors except that MPO connectors require a male connector to be connected to a female connector.

Male and female versions

A male connector has guide pins and a female one has holes for the pins. MPO connectors also have a key (similar to single fibre connectors) and this only allows connection one way when connected through an MPO adaptor.

MTP Elite Multimode and Singlemode and Pro Singlemode

Multimode and singlemode

Multimode MPO connectors have a UPC end-face ferrule whereas singlemode MPO connectors have an 8-degree angled APC end-face ferrule. The only exception to this is the MPO16f connector which has an angled multimode end-face.

Fibre positions

When viewing the end-face the fibre positions are numbered from left to right. A 12 fibre connector is shown here. A 24 fibre connector has two rows of 12 fibres and these are also numbered left to right – top row 1 to 12, bottom row 13 to 24.

Compatibility between different MPO connectors

As long as an MPO connector meets with the international standard for MPO then MPO connectors from different manufacturers should mate and offer performance in line with the standard.

MTP 12 Fibre Female Connector

What is the MTP Connector?

At the time of writing, one brand of MPO connector has become dominant – the MTP® connector. This is used across many major multinational structured cabling brands.

Used by all the leading high density fibre manufacturers the MTP® Connector is at the heart of the Complete Connect solution. The 12 fibre connector has been designed to provide enhanced “overlife” performance and is key to maintaining a robust network. We believe the market leading MPO connector in terms of performance and durability is the MTP® connector produced by USConec – which is why our range is standardised on this product and is also probably why the connector is used by many other brands including Corning, Systimax by Commscope, TYCO Amp Net Connect / ADC Krone, Panduit, Siemon and many others.

The MTP range of MPO connectors has 8, 12, 16, 24, 48 and 72 fibre connectors. All these connectors are the footprint of an SC connector yet hold up to 72 fibres, thereby enabling high density connectivity.

For more information on the MTP Connector

MTP MPO 16 Fibre Patch Cable

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How do you create different networks with MPO?

Creating duplex networks

For 10G or 25G duplex networks that require LC port presentation the typically way is to combine MPO-LC cassettes with MPO trunk cables. The cassettes are typically housed in 19″ 1U, 2U or 4U housing panels. Trunk cable have MPO12f connectors and multiples of 12 fibre cores (12, 24 all the way up to 144). For example a 12 fibre cable with have one MPO connector on each end connect 6 x LC ports. A 24 fibre cable will have 2 x MPO connectors and connect 12 x LC ports.

With recent developments in transceiver technology, duplex networking can now offer up to 100G in multimode and 400G in singlemode.

Creating Base-8 networks

Base-8 works in multiples of 8 fibre cores. The MPO connector can have only 8 fibres but often an MPO12f connector is used and only 8 fibres are terminated into it.

MPO Networking by Complete Connect

The MX Series is a range of cassettes that enable 10G to 400G networking. Combine these with M310 MPO cable to create duplex networks or M400 MPO cables to create BASE-8 networks.

10G/25G/100G duplex networks

MX + M310 = LC Diagram

40G/100G BASE-8 networks

MX + M400 = Base-8
MTP MPO 10G 25G OM4 24 Fibre Trunk Cable

M310

10G/25/100G duplex fibre

MX Series Loaded Panels

MX

Cassettes + Panels

M400 8 Fibre Breakout Cable

M400G

40G/100G/400G Base-8

What is the most common use of MPO (MTP) Cables?

1. MPO Patch Cables for 40G and 100G

The demand for MPO cables has been driven by the development of 40G and 100G transceivers (QSFP+ and QSFP28 transceivers respectively) with MPO ports (as opposed to 10G SFP+ transceivers or even 1G SFP transceivers which have LC duplex ports).

QSFP+ and QSFP28 transceivers used for transmission over short distances, connecting ports in switches in data centres for example, will typically transmit over multimode and require MPO OM3 or OM4 cables. The simplest connection is a direct connect between two transceivers and this is achieved using one MPO – MPO multimode patch cable.

2. MPO to LC Breakout Cables for 100G to 25G (x4)

Similarly, as 40G and 100G multimode transceivers have been adopted into existing networks, there is a need to connect these to existing 10G  host equipment (routers, switchers, servers, storage). MPO to LC breakout cables enable one 40G (or 100G) port to be connected to up to four 10G ports (or 25G ports).

QSFP28 100G SR4 Transceiver

Industry leading
glass

All our MTP cables use
Corning ClearCurve® bend
insensitive glass cores

What MPO Cable do I need for QSFP+ 100G or 40G Ethernet Transceivers?

Over Multimode Fibre

QSFP+ SR4 transceivers transmit over multimode fibre. These transceivers require an 8 fibre MPO – MPO OM3 or OM4 fibre cable . If the connection is directly between two transceivers then the MPO cable will need to have female connectors on both ends and the cable polarity will be B.

Over Singlemode Fibre

There are two types of QSFP+ transceivers for transmission over singlemode. Most use only two fibres and require a standard LC duplex multimode (OM3 or OM4) patch cord. A QSFP+ PSM4 transceiver will require an MPO singlemode 8 fibre cable. Again with female connectors and Polarity B.

QSFP+ 40G SR4 Transceiver

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12 Fibre Cable or 8 Fibre Cable? 12 Fibre Connectors or 8 Fibre Connectors?

These are two questions that we are most commonly asked.

40G transceivers that require fibre cables with MPO connectors only need 8 fibres to operate so it would make sense to assume that MPO cables for 40G transceivers have 8 fibre MPO connectors and use 8 fibre cable.

However, MPO connectors are also used in 10G networking where the 12 fibre MPO connector is used along with 12 fibre cable. To make it easier for manufacturers, most only use the 12 fibre connector as this will work in all applications and then choose where to use this with either 8 fibre or 12 fibre cable.

So a 12 fibre MPO cable with the correct polarity will work in exactly the same way when used in a 40G transceiver as an 8 fibre cable. The only difference is that 4 of the fibres will not be used (they will be dark).

What MPO connector is used for 400G?

Type 1 over multimode fibre

400G over multimode is possible with BASE-8 and requires MPO12f connectors. The transceiver port is an MPO12f with only 8 fibre positions used and produces 4 x 100G channels.

Type 2 over multimode fibre

400G over multimode uses BASE-16 and requires MPO16f connectors. The transceiver port is an MPO16f with 8 x Tx and 8 x Rx. This transmits as 8 x 50G channels and enables one 400G port to connect to up to 8 x 50G devices.

MX + M800 = BASE-16
MX Series Loaded Panels

MX

Cassettes + Panels

M800 MTP (MPO) Offset Key OM4 SR8 100G 16 Fibre Patch Cord

M800

400G BASE-16

What type of cable is used with MPO Connectors?

1. Cable Construction

MPO cables are most commonly used within data centre applications. These applications typically use high volumes of cables and have limited space. This has led to the adoption of most manufacturers of using a small, light and flexible cable called micro cable or microcore cable. The construction has 250um buffered fibres, an aramid yarn strength member and a single or dual outer sheath.

Readily available in core counts from 8 to 144 fibre cores the cable is typically built using 8 fibre or 12 fibre sub-units which are housed in an outer sheath. Note – 8 to 24 cores generally do not require the outer sheath as all fibres are within one unit. This cable construction gives about 65% reduction in space when compared to traditional tight buffered or loose tube cables and similar reduction in weight. The cable also has a smaller bend radius and these 3 factors make this cable the best option for high density fibre applications, mainly because more cabling can be installed per cabinet / cable tray.

ROCA TPU 12 fibre Cable cross section

2. Glass Cores

Whereas the cable construction is quite similar across varying manufacturers, the glass cores used vary. There are around 5 large manufacturers of fibre glass cores and although all produce to the international standards of OM3, OM4, OS2 (singlemode), G657.A1 and G657.A2 (bend insensitive singlemode) the performance of the glass differs.

Most MPO cabling will be used within high data rate applications. For simple short direct connections, the brand of glass being used will make negligible much difference to performance. However, networks become more complex and introduce longer channels the brand of glass and the construction of the cable becomes a performance limiting factor.

Industry leading
glass

All our MTP cables use
Corning ClearCurve® bend
insensitive glass cores

What are the main benefits of MPO Fibre networks?

The benefits can be split into 3 different types: installation, financial / ROI, improved networking capability. Some of the main ones are highlighted below.

  • Financial

    Well designed MPO product sets offer very straightforward design and installation. A significant cost saving can be made by avoiding consultant and 3rd party installation companies. The modularity of MPO fibre systems enable the user to only add fibre when required and so avoid installing excess.

  • Installation

    Installation of MPO networks is faster. Installation of MPO networks is less disruptive and cleaner. Change can be carried out at a convenient times.

  • Improved networking capability

    Upgrading to higher data rates is possible as newer transmission is using MPO connectivity more often. MPO Components freed up through changes can be re-used and easily moved.

  • Higher port density is possible

    Different types of ports can be housed in the same 1U space. Mixing singlemode with multimode or MPO ports with LC ports or even CAT6 or CAT6a ports.

Designing an MTP Network

The main difference to take into account when designing a network using a modular MTP solution over a traditional fibre solution is that the number of mated connector pairs in any fibre channel will increase. This increase in mated pairs increases the losses in the channel and these need to be understood in order to maintain the required performance.

MTP Fibre Channels

What distances can OM3 and OM4 run over using MTP solutions?

How can rack space be minimised?

What are the options to create longer fibre channels? See our section on typical fibre channel, follow this link:

How do I use MTP to reduce rack space requirement for cabling?

One of the main reasons for choosing an MTP solution is to increase the in-rack connectivity. This can be done in several ways: –

  • Use MTP-LC harnesses which connect directly to equipment from 1U MTP Panels (up to 576 fibres in 1U)
  • Use Zero U (side mounted) MTP Adaptor Plates
  • Use MTP direct equipment connections. Switch manufacturers, such as CISCO and Brocade, are now producing equipment with MTP connectivity.
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How is the solution modular?

The starting point can be a 12 fibre link between 2 cassettes and 1 x 12 fibre trunk cable. This will give LC – LC (or SC- SC) connectivity for 12 fibre connections.

Cassettes are housed in either 1U sliding panels (each with the ability to hold 3 cassettes) or 3U fixed panels holding (1 to 14 cassettes).

However, most installations use 24 fibre cassettes are used as standard. Each of these takes one 24 fibre trunk cable with 2 MTP connectors on each end. If each 24 fibre link (two 24 fibre cassettes and one 24 fibre trunk) is called a unit then units can be added 1 at a time as the requirement grows.

Thereby giving a modular approach in 24 LC-LC connection steps. To minimise costs within a network, each unit can be chosen from either the M300 or M310 product series to ensure that the higher performance / lower loss M310 products are only used where necessary.

MTP adaptor plates can be added in exactly the same way. The 1U and the 3U housing for LGX cassettes can also be used to house the adaptor plates thereby enabling the minimum of rack space to be used.

What Installation skills are required?

The same principles apply whether you are installing a 24 fibre link either between 2 buildings, connecting an office floor to a comms room or creating hundreds of channels in a data centre.

There are 4 main principles to adhere to: –

  • Ensure that the link being created (distance and number of connector matings) meets the required standard.
  • Ensure that the polarity is managed across the link and in line with the network design.
  • Ensure physical forces on the cables and connectors are managed by using strain relief on the cables to limit the tension in the cabling and maintain bend radii in both the cabling and patching according to the allowed specifications.
  • Follow the fibre connection procedures that you should use when connecting any type of fibre connectors together.
Easy Installation

Do I need expensive tools to install HDFO?

Simple answer NO.

1. LC cleaning tool (no different than any traditional cleaning tool for LC connectors)
2. MTP cleaning tool (approved by USConec)
3. Appropriate light source and power meter with MTP adptors.
4. Appropriate reference patch leads.
5. Visual scope.
6. Light Source and Power Meter.

Is an OTDR required? In our view this is not essential as a test completed with a Light Source and Power Meter will establish the performance of the links.

Are any field terminations required?
The simple answer is NO.
All products are pre-terminated to enable an equipment to equipment link to be established without any on-site fibre terminations.
Flexibility is maintained by using MTP® adaptors to enable 2 trunk cables (or a trunk and a ruggedised fan-out) to be simply plugged together. LC or SC Cassettes are simply plugged into trunk cables using MTP® adaptors mounted in the rear of each cassette.

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When is it sensible to use an MTP solution?

I don’t work much in data centres, are the products worth using in other situations?
The simple answer is YES. The products are becoming increasing used in standard office and commercial buildings (risers) as well as campus environments. The main reason for this uptake is that when a cost/benefit analysis is completed against using traditionally field terminated product sets, the pre-terminated MTP solutions start to come out on top.

Main benefits from pre-terminated include

  • the improved quality and consistency of the final links

The quality of field terminated fibre is always variable where as the pre-terminated MPO trunk cables, cassettes and fan-outs are constructed under controlled factory conditions and so give consistency high performance

  • the reduced time on site to complete the installation

Installation costs rise as time on site increases. It takes longer to set up a site termination and produce a high quality connection than to complete the same connection in a factory. It is easy to see that completing 48 fibre terminations (using any of the many types of field termination) in a site environment will take longer than in a properly equipped factory.

Access to site is becoming more restricted
Reducing on-site installation time is usually of benefit to the end-user. With pre-terminated fibre the time on site is dramatically reduced.

  • the reduction in skill required by installers

Fibre termination skills vary between individuals (in both factory and field situations). The site can have an impact on the ease of termination and hence the quality. People need to be properly trained and equipped to terminate fibre on site. This generally means that there is a shortage of available labour (with the right equipment in the right place) at the right time.

  • the reduction in cost of fibre termination and test equipment

Fibre termination tools / fusion splicers / connectors / test equipment / termination consumables – these all cost money and are constantly needing to be replenished. these tools are not being used all the time and are often in the wrong place at the wrong time requiring multiple kits to be purchased.

  • increased speed of installation

With our UK manufacturing and stock holding a large quanitity of fibre links can be delivered within days. Therefore, a fibre installation that could have previously taken weeks to complete can be done so in a greatly reduced timespan


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