MPO(Multi-fiber Push-On) and MTP®(Mechanical Transfer Push-On, a registered trademark of US Conek) are two common high-density fiber optic connectors used to quickly connect multiple fibers (usually 12-fiber, 24-fiber or even more), significantly improving the cabling density and installation efficiency of data centers, communication equipment rooms and other scenarios.
MPO/MTP connectors are housed in a rectangular plastic housing that contains a precision ceramic ferrule with multiple small holes (e.g., 12 holes, 24 holes) on the ferrule, one fiber per hole. The connectors are quick to connect with a push-pull mechanism that does not require rotation (similar to the SC connector's operation).
| Connector Type | Number of Poles | Size | Insertion Loss | Typical Applications |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MPO/MTP | 12/24/48 | small | ≤0.2dB / core | Data centers, 5G base stations |
| LC | 1/2 | small | ≤0.3dB / core | Device interfaces, optical modules |
| SC | 1/2 | medium | ≤0.3dB / core | Telecom equipment room, optical modem |
| ST | 1 | large | ≤0.5dB / core | Early networks, labs |
Application scenarios of MPO/MTP
1. Data Center:
Backbone cabling: 24-fiber MPO/MTP patch cords are used for high-density connectivity between the core switch and the access layer switch.
400G Ethernet: A single 24-fiber MTP® patch cord can support four x 100G (6 pins each, including transmit/receive) or one x 400G (24 cores each) transmission.
2. 5G Base Stations:
In base station fronthaul/midhaul networks, MPO/MTP connectors are used to rapidly deploy large amounts of fiber, such as connecting a DU (Distributed Unit) with an AAU (Active Antenna Unit) via a 12-fiber MPO/MTP patch cord.
3. Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH):
In the cell room or corridor beamsplitter, MPO/MTP connectors are used to achieve centralized splitting and rapid deployment of multiple users.
Softel MPO Types
MPO Pre-terminated Trunk Bundled Cable
▪ MPO connector/patchcord, used in trunk line and horizontal line wiring, uniquely designed pulling handle to protect the connector
▪ The trunk optical cable is connected through the MPO adapter panel in the regional wiring area and extends to the equipment connection area
▪ MPO / MTP backbone optical cable assemblies include MPO to MPO conventional and MPO to ordinary connector hybrid, and can be provided with spool packaging, wiring grommets, plug-in MPO module boxes and plug-in panels to meet the requirements Customers demand high efficiency and high performance for high-density cabling connections.
MPO Patchcord
The MPO/MTP multi-core optical cable jumper assembly series products are composed of multi-core optical cables and corresponding high-density MPO/MTP such as 8/12/24/48 cores. This product is available in male or female MPO/MTP models, and can be used in various specifications of 8~48-core single-mode and multi-mode optical cables, G652D/G657A1/G657A2 single-mode optical cables, and bend-resistant and high-performance OM3/OM4 /OM5 multi-mode optical cable, etc.
MPO Fan-out Optical Patchcord
The MPO/MTP branch fan-out optical cable assembly uses high-density multi-core optical cables and MPO/MTP connectors to achieve branching from MPO/MTP to ordinary connectors such as LC, SC, FC, ST, MTRJ, etc. through an intermediate branch structure. Various specifications of 4~48 core single-mode and multi-mode optical cables are available, such as ordinary G652D/G657A1/G657A2 single-mode optical cables, multi-mode 62.5/125/OM2/OM3/OM4 and other bend-resistant high-performance optical cables.
MPO Data Center-High Density Wiring Box
▪Modular design, 19-inch rack installation, convenient for later expansion.
▪High-density design, can install MPO adapter panel, LC adapter panel, MPO module box
▪Can be adapted to the 40G/100G/400G wiring requirements of two solutions: pre-terminated MPO module box or fusion-type module
▪1U supports up to 96 cores, and 3U can support 288 cores. The transparent front panel makes it easy to view the connections inside the box at any time while providing dustproof protection.
▪Meet standards: GR-1435-core, IEC 61754-7, YD/T-778
