Category Archives: MPO/MTP solutions

How FS 400G MTP/MPO Cables Enable Efficient Connectivity

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400G

The demand for 400G transmission rates by major data centers and telecom carrier continues to grow and cabling solutions are constantly being updated. In order to achieve 400G data rates and save cabling costs, breakthroughs, higher connection density, and simplified network design approaches must be considered, so 400G MTP/MPO cables are becoming more and more common. FS offers MTP/MPO cabling solutions to meet the needs of high-performance 400G networks. This article will describe specific cabling application scenarios.

A Glance at FS 400G MTP/MPO Cables and Transceivers

MTP/MPO cables with multi-core connector 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.

SR8-vs-DR4-vs-DR8.jpg

Figure 1: SR8-vs-DR4-vs-DR8

FS 400G MTP/MPO Cabling Solutions for Typical 400G Network Applications

As the network upgrades and data centers migrate to 400G rates, how to transition from existing 50G/100G/200G devices to 400G, here are FS MTP/MPO cabling solutions.

400G-400G Direct Connection

500m span with 8-fiber/12-fiber MTP/MPO cable

400G short and medium distance direct connection usually consists of 8-core/12-core MTP patch cable with 400G-DR4 OSFP/QSFP-DD modules. The term “DR4″—”DR” stands for 500m reach using single-mode fiber and “4” implies there are 4 x 100 Gbps optical channels. Since one optical channel requires two fibers, an 8-fiber or a 12-core MTP/MPO cable can be used for the 400G-DR4 module to achieve direct connection. In the 8-fiber MTP cabling, the fiber utilization is 100%, while in the 12-core MTP cabling, four fibers remain unused. Take 400G QSFP-DD module as an example, the following picture is presenting the MTP cabling for 400G DR4 direct connection.

400G-400G Direct Connection Scenario 1.jpg

Figure 2: 400G-400G Direct Connection Scenario 1

ProductsDescription
400G DR4 QSFP-DDGeneric Compatible 400G DR4 QSFP-DD PAM4 1310nm 500m DOM Transceiver Module
MTP®-12 (Female) 12 Fibers OS2 Single ModeOS2 Single Mode Elite Trunk Cable, 12 Fibers, Type B, Plenum (OFNP)

100m span with 16-fiber MTP/MPO cable

The 400G-SR8 transceivers require the use of a 16-core MTP cable. The term “SR8” – “SR” stands for a distance of 100 meters using multimode fiber, and “8” implies there exist 8 optical channels with each operating at 50Gbps. In this direct connection, the 16-core MTP cable has 100% fiber utilization. The primary adopters of these 400G-SR8 fiber transceivers are expected to be certain hyperscale cloud service providers in North America and China.

400G-400G Direct Connection Scenario 2.jpg

Figure 3: 400G-400G Direct Connection Scenario 2

ProductsDescription
400GBASE-SR8 QSFP-DDGeneric Compatible 400GBASE-SR8 QSFP-DD PAM4 850nm 100m DOM Transceiver Module
MTP®-16 APC (Female) OM4 CableOM4 Multimode Elite Trunk Cable, 16 Fibers, Plenum (OFNP), Magenta, 850/1300nm

400G-2x200G Direct Connection

100m span with 16-fiber MTP conversion cable

In the backbone and some more complex metropolitan area networks, the dual-carrier technology (2x200G) will be adopted to compress the channel spacing compared to a single-carrier 400G technology. Extending the transmission distance and improving the spectral efficiency, 400G-2x200G direct connection can help to deploy 400G backbone networks with minimum bandwidth resources.

In this case, 16-core MTP conversion cables terminated with MTP/MPO connectors on both ends are needed. With this type of cable, one 400G OFSP/QSFP-DD module and two 200G QSFP56 modules can be directly connected.

400G-2x200G Direct Connection Scenario.jpg

Figure 4: 400G-2x200G Direct Connection Scenario 3

ProductsDescription
400GBASE-SR8 QSFP-DDGeneric Compatible 400GBASE-SR8 QSFP-DD PAM4 850nm 100m DOM Transceiver Module
200GBASE-SR4 QSFP56FS for Mellanox MMA1T00-VS Compatible 200GBASE-SR4 QSFP56 850nm 100m DOM Transceiver Module
MTP®-16 APC (Female) OM4 CableOM4 Multimode Elite Trunk Cable, 16 Fibers, Plenum (OFNP), Magenta, 850/1300nm

400G-4x100G Direct Connection

500m span with 8-fiber MTP/MPO trunk cable and 4-LC duplex patch cable

In the 400G to 4x100G migration scenario, an 8-core MTP-LC cassette that packaged in the fiber rackmount enclosure is adopted to realize the transmission from MTP to LC, and then an 8-core MTP/MPO trunk and 4-LC duplex patch cables are used to connect at both ports.

The 400G-4x100G architecture uses four optical modules with 100Gbps wavelengths. However, the current 100G technology is based on a 4x25G design and unable to scale to 400G. 100Gbps per channel can be achieved using PAM4 technology and then aggregated to achieve an overall 400Gbps speed with 4x100G. MTP/MPO cables allow splitting 400G bandwidth into multiple 100G or 40G data streams.

400G-4x100G Direct Connection Scenario.jpg

Figure 5: 400G-4x100G Direct Connection Scenario 4

ProductsDescription
400G DR4 QSFP-DDGeneric Compatible 400G DR4 QSFP-DD PAM4 1310nm 500m DOM Transceiver Module
100GBASE-DR QSFP28 Single LambdaGeneric Compatible 100GBASE-DR QSFP28 Single Lambda 1310nm 500m DOM Transceiver Module
MTP® Female to 4 LC UPC Duplex 8 FibersMTP Type B Plenum (OFNP) OS2 9/125 Single Mode Elite Breakout Cable 1310/1550nm
FHD MTP®-8 Cassette to 4x LC Duplex (Blue)8 Fibers OS2 Single Mode, Universal Polarity, MTP® to 4x LC Duplex (Blue), 0.35dB max
Customized 8-144 Fibers MTP®-12OS2 Single Mode Elite Breakout Cable
FHD 144 Fibers (LC) EnclosureFHD High Density 1U Rack Mount Enclosure Unloaded, Tool-less Removable Top Cover, Holds up to 4x FHD Cassettes or Panels

400G-8x50G Direct Connection

500m span with 16-fiber MTP conversion cable and LC duplex patch cable

The rapid growth of 400G has contributed in part to the less popular 50G market, and MTP/MPO cables provide the technology to scale 50GbE to accommodate 400G (8x50G) network. For this scenario example, the MTP cassette is in the middle to connect the 16-core MTP conversion cable and the LC duplex patch cords together to realize the 400G-8x50G direct connection. Eight 50G lanes can support the optical link of 40Gbps aggregation via PAN modulation.

400G-8x50G Direct Connection Scenario.jpg

Figure 6: 400G-8x50G Direct Connection Scenario 5

ProductsDescription
400G DR4 QSFP-DDGeneric Compatible 400G DR4 QSFP-DD PAM4 1310nm 500m DOM Transceiver Module
MTP®-16 APC (Female) OM4 CableOM4 Multimode Elite Trunk Cable, 16 Fibers, Plenum (OFNP), Magenta, 850/1300nm
FHD MTP®-24 Cassette to 12x LC Duplex (Aqua)24 Fibers OM4 Multimode, Type A, MTP® to 12x LC Duplex (Aqua), 0.35dB max
MTP®-16 APC (Female) to 8 LC UPC Duplex CableOM4 Multimode Elite Breakout Cable, 16 Fibers, Plenum (OFNP), Magenta,850/1300nm
FHD 144 Fibers (LC) EnclosureFHD High Density 1U Rack Mount Enclosure Unloaded, Tool-less Removable Top Cover, Holds up to 4x FHD Cassettes or Panels

Scaling to FS 400G MTP/MPO Cabling System for 400G Networks

400G is increasingly becoming ubiquitous in many high-performance and high-density networking environments. 400G MTP/MPO cables have been widely used as cabling solutions for 400G network transmission rates due to their unique cabling simplicity and cost reduction benefits. FS offers a wide range of related 400G MTP/MPO cabling products and solutions to smoothly achieve high-speed data transmission.

Original Source: How FS 400G MTP/MPO Cables Enable Efficient Connectivity

Why Is Plenum Cable Important to High Density Data Centers?

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In most terrible building or house fire disasters, combustible plastics (PVC) used in the wiring are always among the very things that contribute to the rapid spread of fire and toxic smoke. And the air conditioning systems even help the toxic smoke given off by the burning cables to spread throughout the building quickly. As for the high density data center with high speed computing equipment and large amount of plastic jacketed cables, it is crucial to take measures to reduce the damage in an unwanted fire. How to make the crucial data center a safer place? The high quality plenum cable (eg. MTP fiber) can be one of the best choices.

break-down of precision air conditioning system might lead to fire incident

The break-down of precision air conditioning system might lead to fire incident.

Plenum Cable for Data Center Environment

Plenum space is an area used for return of air circulation or air conditioning systems. In a data center, the spaces covered by the precision air conditioning unit are often necessary to deploy plenum products. They include not only plenum containment that separates cold aisle and hot aisle, but also plenum cables that meet the highest fire code requirements. Both electric cables and fiber optic cables are required to be plenum rated (CMP) when they are installed in inner walls and inner ceilings of data center buildings.

Cold aisle containment (left) and hot aisle containment (right) in a precision air conditioning unit.

Cold aisle containment (left) and hot aisle containment (right) in a precision air conditioning unit.

MTP Plenum Fiber: Get Safety and High Bandwidth at the Same Time

The integration of plenum jacket and MTP fiber is a perfect solution for high density data center applications. The safety feature of the plenum cable and the high fiber port count of MTP connector endow the data center with two essential components. By using MTP plenum cable, the possible danger that might be caused by cables located at cold aisle and hot aisle can be minimized when a fire incident occurs. In addition, the high bandwidth demands within a limited space in data center can be satisfied.

safe and high speed mtp plenum cable

Use MTP plenum cable to get safety and high bandwidth at the same time.

When buying MTP fibers, be sure to check if it is genuine plenum rated and the MTP connector should meet the physical connection standard for acceptable insertion loss. When burnt, plenum cable will give off little smoke, and the color of the smoke is light instead of dark. FS MTP plenum cables are made of Corning fiber and U.S. Conec MTP connector. They are all tested and guaranteed by 3D interferometry and the insertion loss is no more than 0.35 dB. No matter it is the plenum jacket, the inner fiber, the connector, or the end face geometry, they are all genuine parts and in high quality. They can be checked by any user without a problem.

FS high quality MTP plenum cable made of U.S. Conec connector and Corning fiber.

FS high quality MTP plenum cable made of U.S. Conec connector and Corning fiber.

Cabling Solution for Upgrading to 40G and 100G Fiber

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Migrating from 10G (that uses two fibers in either a SC Duplex or a LC Duplex connector) to 40G and 100G fiber will require a lot more fibers and a different type of connector. The way that optical fiber cabling is deployed for 10G can facilitate an easier migration path to 40G and 100G fiber in the future. An effective migration strategy needs to provide a smooth transition to the higher Ethernet speeds with minimum disruption and without wholesale replacement of existing cabling and connectivity components.

10G use LC duplex cabling

Optical fiber cabling is commonly deployed for backbone cabling in data centers for switch to switch connections and also for horizontal cabling for switch to server and storage area network connections. The use of pre-terminated optical fiber cabling can facilitate the migration path to 40G and 100G fiber in the future. Figure below illustrates a pre-terminated cable assembly (MPO cassette) containing 24 OS2 single-mode fibers with two 12-fiber MPO connectors at both ends. This fiber cable assembly plugs into the back of a breakout cassette that splits the 24 fibers into 12 LC Duplex connectors at the front of the cassette.

MPO cassette has duplex lc connector and MTP connector

Four of these cassettes are mounted in a one rack unit (1U) patch panel to provide up to forty-eight 10G equipment connections using LC Duplex patch cords. The FS.COM FHD 1U fiber enclosure with four LC Duplex cassettes is illustrated in Figure below.

1U fiber enclosure with four LC Duplex cassettes

If upgrading from 10G to 40G, one or more of the LC duplex cassette(s) can be replaced with 12 port MPO adapters. The MPO adapters are designed to fit in the same opening as the cassettes. The Figure below illustrates the case where all four cassettes are replaced with four high density 12 port MPO adapters. This solution illustrates an upgrade path from 10G to 40G that does not require any additional space and reuses the same patch panels. The 12 LC duplex cassette(s) are replaced with 12 port MPO adapter(s) as needed. Additional 24-fiber cable assemblies (or any fiber counts in multiples of 12 fibers) are provided as needed for backbone or horizontal cabling.

1U fiber enclosure with four MPO adapter

Cable management: MTP Modules and Harnesses in Data Center

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Traditional optical cable management such as duplex patch cords and duplex connector assemblies work well in application-specific, low-port-count environments. But as port counts scale upwards and system equipment turnover accelerates, these cable managements become unmanageable and unreliable. Deploying a modular, high-density, MTP-based structured wired cabling system in the data center will significantly increase response to data center moves, adds and changes (MACs). Knowledge of MTP modules and MTP harnesses will be provided in this blog.

Introduction to MTP Modules and Harnesses 
An obvious benefit to deploying a MTP-based optical network is its flexibility to transmit both serial and parallel signals. MTP to duplex connector transition devices such as modules and harnesses are plugged into the MTP trunk assemblies for serial communication. MTP Modules are typically used in lower-portcount break-out applications such as in server cabinets. MTP harnesses provide a significant increase in cabling density and find value in high port count break-out situations such as SAN Directors (see figure below). The built-in modularity of the solution provides flexibility to easily configure and reconfigure the cabling infrastructure to meet current and future networking requirements. MTP harnesses and modules can be exchanged or completely removed from the backbone network to quickly adapt to data center MACs.

mtp-modules-harnesses

MTP Modules in Data Centers
MTP modules typically are placed in a housing located in the cabinet rack unit space. Here the MTP trunk cable is plugged into the back of the module. Duplex patch cords are plugged into the front of the module and routed to system equipment ports. Integrating the MTP modules cabling solution into the data center cabinet can enhance the deployment and operation of the data center cabling infrastructure. As shown in the figure below, integrating the MTP modules into the cabinet vertical manager space maximizes the rack unit space available for data center electronics. MTP modules are moved to the cabinet sides where they snap into brackets placed between the cabinet frame and side panel. Properly engineered solutions will allow MTP modules to be aligned with low-port-count system equipment placed within the cabinet rack unit space to best facilitate patch cord routing.

mtp-modules

MTP Harnesses in Data Centers
MTP harnesses are plugged into the backbone MTP trunk assemblies through an MTP adapter panel. The MTP adapter panel is placed in a housing that is also typically located in the cabinet rack unit space. MTP to LC 12-fiber break-out harnesses plug into the front of the adapter panels and are routed over to the director line cards where the LC duplex ends are plugged into the line card ports (see figure below). These MTP harnesses are pre-engineered to a precise length with strict tolerances to minimize slack, while a small outside diameter allows for easy routing without preferential bend concerns. With a pre-engineered cabling management, not only is installation simplified, but the time required for SAN design and documentation is greatly reduced with port mapping architecture inherent to the design.

mtp-harnesses

Conclusion
The move from the traditional low-density duplex patch cord or assembly cabling management solution to a high-density MTP module and harnesses cabling management solution integrated into the cabinet vertical manager enables the physical layer to be implemented in a manner that provides a flexible and reliable cable management in the data center. FS.COM MTP cassette provide a quick and efficient way to deploy up to 24 LC or 12 SC fiber ports in a single module. Modules are available in multimode (62.5/125 and 50/125) and single-mode cable. MTP harnesses in FS.COM are available in 8-fiber MTP to LC breakout cable, 12-fiber MTP to LC breakout cable and MTP to 24-fiber LC for your options. For more information, please feel free to contact us at sales@fs.com.

Unveil Polarity of MTP/MPO Multi-Fiber Cable Solutions

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With widespread deployment of 40G and 100G networks, high-density MTP/MPO cable solutions are also become more and more popular. Unlike traditional 2‐fiber configurations LC or SC patch cords, with one send and one receive, 40G & 100G Ethernet implementations over multimode fibers use multiple parallel 10G connections that are aggregated. 40G uses four 10G fibers to send and four 10G fibers to receive, while 100G uses ten 10G fibers in each direction. MTP/MPO cable can hold 12 or 24 fibers in a connector, which greatly facilitates the upgrade to 40G and 100G networks. However, since there are so many fibers, the polarity management of the MTP/MPO cable may be a problem.

Structure of MTP/MPO Connectors
Before explaining the polarity, it is important to learn about the structure of MTP/MPO connector first. Each MTP connector has a key on one side of the connector body. When the key sits on top, this is referred to as the key up position. In this orientation, each of the fiber holes in the connector is numbered in sequence from left to right. We will refer to these connector holes as positions, or P1, P2, etc. Each connector is additionally marked with a white dot on the connector body to designate the position 1 side of the connector when it is plugged in.

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Structure of MTP/MPO Adapters
Since the MTP connectors can either key up and key down, there are two types of MPO adapters.

  • Type A: Key-up to key-down

Here the key is up on one side and down on the other. The two connectors are connected turned 180° in relation to each other.

  • Type B: Key-up to key-up

Both keys are up. The two connectors are connected while in the same position in relation to each other.

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Two Polarity of Traditional Duplex Patch Cable
Classic duplex cables are available in a cross-over version (A-to-A) or a straight-through version (A-to-B) and are terminated with LC or SC connectors. Telecommunications Cabling Standard defines the A-B polarity scenario for discrete duplex patch cords, with the premise that transmit (Tx) should always go to receive (Rx) — or “A” should always connect to “B”. Therefore, A-B polarity duplex is very common in applications.

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Three Polarity of MTP/MPO Multi-Fiber Cable
Unlike traditional duplex patch cables, there are three polarity for MTP/MPO cables: polarity A, polarity B and polarity C.

  • Polarity A

Polarity A MTP cables use a key up, key down design. Therefore, as shown in the figure below, the position 1 of one connector is corresponding to the position 1 of another connector. There is no polarity flip. Therefore, when we use polarity A MTP cable for connection, we must use A-B duplex patch cables on one end and A-A duplex patch cables on the other end. Since in this link, Rx1 must connect to Tx1. If we don’t use A-A duplex patch cable, according to the design principle of polarity A MTP cable, fiber 1 may transmit to fiber 1, that is to say Rx1 may transmit to Rx1, which may cause errors.

111

  • Polarity B

Polarity B MTP cables use a key up, key up design. Therefore, as shown in the figure below, the position 1 of one connector is corresponding to the position 12 of another connector. Therefore, when we use polarity B MTP cable for connection, we should use a A-B duplex patch cables on both ends. Since the key up to key up design help to flip the polarity, which makes fiber 1 transmit to fiber 12, that is the Rx1 transmits to Tx1.

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  • Polarity C

Like the polarity A MTP cables, polarity C MTP cables also use a key up, key down design. However, within in the cable, there is a fiber cross design, which makes the position 1 of one connector is corresponding to the position 2 of another connector. As shown in the figure below, when we use polarity C MTP cable for connection, we should use a A-B duplex patch cables on both ends. Since the cross fiber design help to flip the polarity, which makes fiber 1 transmit to fiber 2, that is the Rx1 transmits to Tx1.

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Conclusion
Different polarity MTP cables may have different connection methods. No matter which type cable you choose, remember its design principle and choose the right cabling infrastructure for your network. FS.COM provides a full range of MTP cables and MTP cassettes,  polarity A, B and C are all available.

Three Types MTP Harness Cables Used in Today’s Data Center

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As we know, harness cables are generally used to connect high-density switches with LC serial transceivers installed. The transition harness connects to the pre-installed MTP backbone trunk cable and then furcates to LC connectors entering the switch. This kind of MTP-LC harness cables are usually supplied in short lengths because they are normally only used for “in-rack” connections. Transition harnesses are available for Base-8, 12 and 24 backbones and the LC tails are numbered for clear port identification and traceability.

MTP Harness Cable

Application Scene

MTP-LC harness cables application

Another harness cable type is conversion harness cables, which allow users to convert their existing MTP backbone cables to an MTP type which matches their active equipment. Conversion harnesses are a low-loss alternative to conversion modules because they eliminate one mated MTP pair across the link. Many of today’s legacy infrastructures are built using a Base-12 MTP backbone design, however experience shows us that this connector is rarely used on higher data rate switches or servers. Currently Base-8 is the preferred connector for 40G (SR4) transceivers and Base-24 is the preferred connector for 100G transceivers (SR10).

MTP Harness Cable

The final type of harness cable is MTP trunk harness cables. MTP trunk harness cables are high density multi-stranded cables which form the backbone of the data center. This kind of trunk harness cables are available in different fiber-counts up to 144 fibers, which reduce the installation time by consolidating multiple sub-units into a single cable. This approach significantly reduces the overall diameter of the cable and provides much better space utilization of cable routing channels. Just as two types harness cables mentioned, the MTP trunk harness cables are also available with 8, 12 and 24 fiber sub-units so that users can deploy Base-8, Base-12 or Base-24 infrastructures to suit their MTP connectivity requirements.

MTP harness cable

Conversion and Trunk harness Cable Application

Conversion-and-Trunk-harness-cable-Application

How to Ensure MTP/MPO Polarity of the Patch Cable Is Always Right?

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As we know, in order to ensure the right MTP/MPO polarity, transmit signal (Tx) at one end of the cable must match the corresponding receiver (Rx) at the other end of the cable. In some complex cabling deployment, it seems not much simple. Now this article may give you some golden rules to help you ensure the right MTP/MPO polarity of Patch Cables.

You’d Better Use the Same Type Patch Cable
When fiber optic patch cables have different polarity (for example, MTP or MPO polarity), we must to be very careful when replacing patch cables in our network. If you don’t understand polarity and use the wrong polarity patch cables, it may influence the transmission the damage your device. To decrease this risk, we recommend that you’d better use the same patch cables in your network.

Type A/B LC Duplex and Type B Female-to-Female MPO Patch Cables Are Common
Two types of duplex fiber patch cord are defined in the TIA standard: A-to-A (cross-over) type and A-to-B (straight-through) type. Note: A-to-A patch cords are not commonly deployed and should be used only when necessary as part of a polarity method (See ANSI/TIA-568-C.0).

Type A/B LC Duplex cable

The three methods for proper polarity defined by TIA 568 standard are named as Method A, Method B and Method C. To match these standards, three type of MPO trunk cables with different structures named Type A, Type B and Type C are being used for the three different connectivity methods respectively. As shown in the figure below, type A MPO cables just like the A-to-A duplex cables, Tx can’t match the Rx. Type C MPO cables use a pair flip design, which aren’t suitable for 40GBASE-SR4 and 100GBASE-SR4 standard. Therefore, we should use Type B MPO cables for connection.

MPO_to_MPO_Polarity
For MTP/MPO cables, gender is a big problem. MTP/MPO interfaces on optical transceivers are always male (pinned). To avoid damage to the optical module, MTP/MPO polarity must always be female-to-female (unpinned). Besides, there is a rule must be obeyed if we want to connect an MPO patch cable to another cable. That is a male patch cable must be connected to a female patch cable. Never connect a male to a male one or a female to a female one.

MPO patch cable male female polarity

Three Connection Methods Help Keep the Right MTP/MPO Polarity
1. Type A connection
One end of Type A MPO/MTP patch cord is A-B normal patch cord, the other end A-A. Between MPO/MTP patch cord and normal patch cord is Type A MPO/MTP cassette and Type A MPO/MTP adapter (The two keys of type A adapter is opposite levels)

Type A connection

2. Type B connection
Both ends of Type B MPO/MTP patch cord are A-B normal patch cord. Between MPO/MTP patch cord and normal patch cord is Type B MPO/MTP cassette and Type B MPO/MTP adapter (The two keys of type B adapter is same level)

Type B connection

3. Type C connection
Both ends of Type C MPO/MTP patch cord are A-B normal patch cord. Between MPO/MTP patch cord and normal patch cord is Type A MPO/MTP cassette and Type A MPO/MTP adapter (The two keys of type A adapter is opposite levels)

Type C connection

All kinds of duplex patch cables and MPO patch cables are available and in stock for same-day shipping in FS.COM. For more information, you can contact us at sales@fs.com.

Related Article:

Unveil Polarity of MTP/MPO Multi-Fiber Cable Solutions

Polarity and MPO Technology in 40/100GbE Transmission

10G SFP+ and 40G QSFP+ Transceivers Cabling Solutions

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This article will discuss different connection methods between parallel Quad Small Form-factor Pluggable (QSFP+) transceivers and Small Form-factor Pluggable (SFP+) transceivers. As we know, a 40G QSFP+ transceiver can be either an 8-fiber parallel link or a 2-fiber duplex link. In this document when QSFP is used we will be discussing an 8-fiber parallel link. A SFP+ transceiver is usually an 2-fiber duplex link. According to standard, since QSFP+ is 40G interface, SFP+ is 10G interface, therefore four SFP+ transceiver must be needed to connect to one QSFP+ transceivers to achieve 40G transmission.

40G QSFP+ to 10 SFP+ Direct Connectivity Solutions
When directly connecting a QSFP port to the four corresponding SFP ports, an eight fiber MTP-LC breakout cable is required. The harness will have four LC Duplex connectors and the fibers will be paired in a specific way, assuring the proper polarity is maintained. This type of direct connectivity is only suggested for short distances within a given row or in the same rack/cabinet.

10G SFP+ and 40G QSFP+ direct connection

  • Polarity Drawing for Above Scenario 

Polarity Drawing for Direct Connectivity Solutions

40G QSFP+ to 10 SFP+ Interconnect Solutions
The 40G QSFP+ to 10 SFP+ interconnect solution shown in figure below shows one link with a breakout of the QSFP with the use of an MTP-LC module to four SFP links. A Type-B non-pinned MTP to non-pinned MTP cable is used between MTP-LC modulethe MTP-LC module and QSFP transceiver. The connection to the SFP transceivers is accomplished with Uniboot LC duplexed jumpers. This is a solution that is only recommended for short distances, where the patching takes place within a given row of racks/cabinets. This solution does present some disadvantages which are that ports 5 & 6 of the module are not being used thus reducing the patch panel density. It may also create some confusion when patching occurs since these two ports are dark.

SFP+ QSFP+ Interconnect Solutions

  • Polarity Drawing for Above Scenario Polarity Drawing for 10G SFP+ and 40G QSFP+ Interconnect Solutions

Unlike the patching approach in figure above, the solution shown in figure below has no dark fibers oLC-LC adapter panelr ports. The Type-B jumper is replaced with an eight-fiber harness. The modules are replaced with the LC-LC adapter panel. Using this approach allows full patch panel density that was lost in the previous example. Only two LC-LC adapter panels will be required for every three 8-fiber harnesses. All ports on the LC-LC adapter panels will be used and the connections to the 10GbE ports will be completed with an Uniboot LC duplexed jumper. This solution should also be deployed when there is a short distance between active components (within the same row). Note the LC panel does not support the LC Uniboot connector, only LC Duplex connectors with the triggers removed to avoid clearance issues with the panel cover.

10G 40G Interconnect Solutions

  • Polarity Drawing for Above Scenario 

Polarity Drawing for 10G SFP+ and 40G QSFP+ Solution

Fiberstore (FS.COM) provide all the products mentioned above, including 10G SFP+ transceivers, 40G QSFP+ transceivers, MTP patch cables, MTP-LC harness cable, MTP-LC module and LC-LC adapter panel. All in stock and can be shipped the same day.

Related article: It’s Time to Use MTP Cassettes in Your Network!

Why Demand for Ultra High Density Fiber Optic Enclosures?

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Increased demand for data to support streaming media and the increased use of mobile broadband communications has resulted in dramatic advances in network switching infrastructure over the past 10 years. Furthermore, this demand is expected to continue at a record pace. Since the transition from copper to fiber as the standard for high-performance data communications and the number of fibers used to support emerging standards, such as 100GBit/s Ethernet, for the individual connection has increased, to choose higher density fiber optic enclosures is certainly innate.

Currently, network switching products are available with port line cards that use more than 1,000 OM3 fiber and OM4 fibers per chassis switch for 10G duplex fiber applications. Future 40/100Gb switches are projected to use more than 4,000 fibers per chassis where parallel optics is used. These high fiber count requirements demand high-density cable and hardware solutions that will reduce the overall footprint and simplify cable management and connections to the electronics.

Fiberstore’s new FMT1-4FAP-LCDX series product allows customers to migrate from a standard 2U fiber enclosure that will house 3 adapter panels for a maximum of 72 LC connectors to our new 96 ports fiber optic enclosures that will hold 4 adapter panels in a 1U space allowing a maximum of 96 LC connectors! This gives users 33% (or 24 more) more LC connections in a 1U enclosure versus a 2U enclosure.

96 Ports Fiber Optic Enclosure

Besides, you can get more density by utilizing our MPO/MTP to LC cassette module. Our HDSM-12MTP/MPO rack mountable MTP cassette is loaded with 72 LC duplex connectors, giving it 144 ports total within 1U of rack space. And this 1U enclosures can be mounted vertically so you can match every blade in the switch to each enclosure. This high-density MTP cassette is constructed of light weight, yet durable, rolled steel. The shallow depth of the Ultra Panel makes it suitable for copper racking systems or telecommunication rack infrastructure.

144 Ports Fiber Optic Enclosure

With the rise in demand for higher bandwidth and faster download speeds, FS.COM high-density fiber optic enclosures were designed to keep pace with these requirements. In addition, both of these unique fiber optic enclosure lines offer installers easy terminations, and performance-driven connectivity. Couple that with FS.COM’s proven fiber optic cable, in particular, our HD push-pull tab patch cables, customers can expect an exceptional solution to fit their high-density needs.

Why Do You Need MTP Pre-Terminated Fiber Solutions?

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Today’s modern data center proposition continues to promote the hot topics around consolidation, reduced operating expense, flexibility, scalability and of course being as ‘Green’ as possible along the way. That sounds simple, but when you start to achieve all of the above, maybe difficult than you imagine. Recently, more and more mission critical enterprise networks are considering the need for multiple fibers in a high density, modular and pre-terminated solution. Why are they become so popular? And do you also consider this solution for your network?

Some Changes Occurred in Panel to Panel Links
We have seen panel to panel links, both copper and fiber being installed for many years. These tend to be mainly in data centres, linking up racks, and therefore providing easy moves and changes within local patching fields. But, the trouble is these fibers are terminated and then fixed permanently in to place. In the past, a fiber installation would have involved a good amount of forward thinking, ensuring that the planned lengths were precise as there would be little movement to rectify any mistakes. This would result in a costly installation. Therefore, it’s clear that high speed enterprise networks are already demanding and installing multiple fibers MTP solution, meaning selecting that right easy and expandable fiber infrastructure choice from the offset is of vital importance.

Pre-Terminated MTP Connection Becomes the Hottest Topic
When it comes down to fiber it has to be the pre-terminated MTP connections, providing new advancing technologies that provide multiple fibers in a very small and modular footprint. MTP type connectors, also referred to as MPO, supplying you with a single trunk cable of either 12 or 24 cores. All in all, not much thicker than a standard fiber patch lead, so greatly reduced in size from previous pre-terminated fiber cable installations. However, already being requested are larger cores of 36, 48, 72, 96 or even 144 – but do keep in mind that these will be thicker in construction and could be made of multiple cores on a number of separate cables.

12 24 MTP MPO connector

Where Could Pre-Terminated MTP Solution Be Used?
The MTP to MTP fiber cassettes suit various environments, applications and budgets. Primarily, data centres, DR-Co locations, FCoE SAN’s, links between floors/risers and larger communication rooms. Basically, for anyone that needs to quickly create a 10 Gigabit performance fiber network backbone. All of these demand, and would ultimately benefit, from the uncompromised performance, density and scalability that MTP solutions can provide. Additional to the MTP to MTP cassette links, we are also seeing an increased demand for ‘last metre’ fan out cables. For example, 12x LC connections to a single MTP adapter, being used for direct 40 Gigabit equipment links. With the ever increasing need for more bandwidth and virtualisation of application 40Gbp’s speeds are already being installed in data centers.

MTP Pre-Terminated Fiber Solution

How Does It All Stack Up?
Supplied as part of the MTP solution is a 1U rack mountable fiber enclosure, so the installation is extremely easy. Each 1U enclosure will hold 3 cassettes and at the back of each cassette you can then access the MTP trunk cable male socket(s). The more cassettes you purchase the more 1U trays are supplied. You will then find at the front of multimode or single-mode cassettes are the legacy LC fiber connections, in either a 6 or 12 duplex (12 or 24 Core), to link back to the active network hardware or existing patch panels. Minimal time is required for the installation, with no need for onsite fiber termination and better still no out of hours working, allowing you to experience the highest performance from your network.

MTP cassette

If you would like any further information around our easy and expandable MTP fiber solution then please do get in touch with us at sales@fs.com or visit our website at www.fs.com. Thanks for reading and I hope this article has been a useful introduction to MTP pre-terminated fiber solution.