MTP/MPO ALL FAQ

FS community has provided detailed answers to many MTP/MPO-related questions. This article brings these questions and answers as well as solutions together to help you better understand MTP/MPO-related knowledge.

What Are MTP/MPO Cables?

MTP/MPO cables, composed of MTP/MPO connectors and optical fibers, are designed for high-density cabling in data centers, with the advantages of increasing network capacity, saving space, and simplifying cable management. There are a variety of MTP/MPO cables in terms of cable function, polarity, fiber count, fiber mode, and jacket rating.

Learn more: MTP/MPO Cables: What Are They and How to Use Them?

The Development of MTP Cables

With better performance and lower network infrastructure costs, MTP cables replace cables terminated with SC and LC connectors in high-density data centers and enterprise networks. From the increase in the number of fibers to the release of the lower insertion loss version of MTP Elite, MTP cables are constantly evolving. In the future, MTP cables will continue to advance to overcome challenges in connector gender and polarity management.

For more information: The Development of MTP Cables

What Are the Differences between MTP® and MPO Cables?

The key differences between MTP® and MPO cables come in their connectors. As for their connectors' mechanical design, MTP® and MPO cables are different in terms of pin clamp, floating ferrule, and housing removability. Moreover, these two cables' optical performances, such as insertion loss and reliability, also differ.

For more details: MTP® vs MPO Cable: What Are the Differences?

MTP®/MPO Cabling in Spine-Leaf Architecture

MTP/MPO cabling solves the cable installation and management challenges of spine-leaf architecture and reduces time and labor costs. In particular, MTP/MPO optic fiber cables support fewer connections and feature lower insertion loss, which increases redundant Ethernet cross connections and contributes to the deployment of spine-leaf architecture.

For more detailed information: MTP®/MPO Cabling in Spine-Leaf Architecture

How to Distinguish the Quality of MTP/MPO Cables?

There are five main factors that help distinguish high-quality MTP/MPO cables: fiber core, MTP/MPO connectors, insertion loss, flame retardant grade, and fiber cable test. Comparing the specifications of MTP and MPO cables in these aspects can effectively determine their quality and performance.

Learn more: How to Distinguish the Quality of MTP/MPO Cable?

How to Test MTP/MPO Cables?

In order to test the specific performance of MTP/MPO cables, inspection and cleaning are the first steps, followed by testing for fiber continuity, power of fiber optic equipment and cables, fiber attenuation, and connector insertion loss using a visual fault locator, optical light source and optical power meter, and OTDR.

For more details: Complete Guide to MTP/MPO Fiber Optic Cable Tests

What Are MTP/MPO Conversion Cables and Their Applications?

MTP/MPO conversion cables have the same form as MTP/MPO breakout cables but are terminated with MTP/MPO connectors on both ends, especially fitting for high-density cabling. MTP/MPO conversion cables are used for network migration, such as 10G-40G, 40G-40G, 40G-100G, and 40G-120G direct connections.

For more information: MTP/MPO Conversion Cable Wiki and Applications

What Is an MTP® Connector？

MTP® connector is one type of MPO connectors but enhances its design and improves optical and mechanical performance compared to generic MPO connectors. MTP® means Multi-fiber Termination Push-on, which is a better-designed connector owned by USConec.

For more details: A Comprehensive Guide to MTP® Connector

How to Clean MTP/MPO Connectors?

There are two MTP/MPO connector cleaning methods, namely dry cleaning with cassette cleaner and one-push cleaner and wet cleaning using cleaning wipes or foam swabs. When cleaning MTP/MPO connectors, the most important note is to inspect, clean, and inspect again.

For detailed cleaning methods: A Full Introduction of MTP/MPO Connector Cleaning Solutions

What Are Modular MTP®/MPO Cassettes?

Modular MTP®/MPO cassettes are LGX format enclosed units that contain 8, 12, or 24-fiber factory terminated fan-outs inside. MTP/MPO to LC/SC/ST fiber cassette enables plug-and-play fiber connectivity, which simplifies installation and reduces the cost of deployment and maintenance.

Learn more: MPO/MTP® Fiber Cassette Module Solution

What is Polarity in MTP/MPO Cabling System?

Polarity defines the direction in which the optical signal travels in the fiber. Proper polarity means the transmitting end (TX) and the receiving end (RX) of the optical link are correctly matched, ensuring the right signal transmission direction.

For more information: Understanding Polarity in MTP/MPO System

Base-8 and Base-12 MTP/MPO Cabling System: How to Choose?

Base-8 MTP/MPO cabling and Base-12 MTP/MPO cabling make use of different fiber optical links. And they are different in terms of fiber utilization and availability for future larger networks.

For a more detailed comparison: Base-8 vs Base-12 MTP/MPO Cabling System, Which to Choose?

How to Apply Base-24 MTP/MPO Cabling for 40G/100G?

Base-24 MTP/MPO fiber optic cabling system is based on 24-fiber MTP fiber optic connectors, and the links are built in increments of 24 fibers. There are four typical Based-24 MTP/MPO cabling solutions, which can be applied for 40G/100G networks.

For more details: How to Apply Base-24 MTP/MPO Cabling for 40/100G