MTP MPO (Multi-fiber Push On) fiber optic connector is a type of optical connector that has been the primary multiple fiber connector for high-speed telecom and data communications networks. It has been standardized within the IEC 61754-7 and TIA 604-5.
This MTP MPO connector and cabling system first supported telecommunications systems especially in the Central and Branch offices. Later it became the primary connectivity used in HPC or high-performance computing labs and enterprise datacenters.
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MTP MPO connectors increase your data capacity with a highly efficient use of space. However, users have faced challenges such as extra complexities and time required for testing and troubleshooting multi-fiber networks.
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While MTP MPO connectors have many benefits and advantages over typical single fiber connectors, there are also differences that introduce new challenges for technicians. This resource provides an overview of the essential information technicians must understand when testing MPO connectors.
The MTP MPO connector family has evolved to support a wider range of applications and system packaging requirements. The MTP 12 / MPO 12 connector is originally a single row 12-fiber connector, there are now 8 and 16 single row fiber types that can be stacked together to form 24, 36 and 48 fibers connectors using multiple precision ferrules. However, the wider row and stacked ferrules have had insertion loss and reflection issues due to the difficulty of holding alignment tolerances on the outer fibers versus the center fibers.
The MPO connector is available in Male (with pin) and Female (without pin).
| Type |
Single Mode |
Single Mode |
Multi Mode |
| |
(APC Polish) |
(UPC Polish) |
(PC Polish) |
| Fiber Count |
8, 12, 16, 24, 32, 48 etc. |
8, 12, 16, 24, 32, 48 etc. |
8, 12, 16, 24, 32, 48 etc. |
| Fiber Type |
G652D, G657A1 etc. |
G652D, G657A1 etc. |
OM1, OM2, OM3, OM4, OM5, etc. |
| Max. Insertion Loss |
Elite |
Standard |
Elite |
Standard |
Elite |
Standard |
| Low Loss |
|
Low Loss |
|
Low Loss |
|
| |
≤0.35 dB |
≤0.75 dB |
≤0.35 dB |
≤0.75 dB |
≤0.35 dB |
≤0.60 dB |
| Return Loss |
≥60 dB |
≥60 dB |
NA |
| Durability |
≥500 times |
≥500 times |
≥500 times |
| Operating Temperature |
-40°C ~ +80°C |
-40°C ~ +80°C |
-40°C ~ +80°C |
| Test Wavelength |
1310nm |
1310nm |
1310nm |
| Insert-pull test |
1000 times < 0.5 dB |
| Interchange |
< 0.5 dB |
| Anti-tensile force |
15kgf |
Single Mode & Trunk Cable Specifications
Single Mode fiber optic cable has a small diametral core that allows only one mode of light to propagate. Because of this, the number of light reflections created as the light passes through the core decreases, lowering attenuation and creating the ability for the signal to travel further. This application is typically used in long distance, higher bandwidth runs by Telcos, CATV companies, and Colleges and Universities.
The MTP MPO trunk cable uses fiber optic cable that integrates 12 fibers in one cable with a diameter of 3.0mm. The MTP MPO trunk cable is normally made with G657A1 fiber to ensure transmission quality.
The MTP MPO trunk cables are available with 8 fibers, 12 fibers, 16 fibers, 24 fibers, 32 fibers, and 48 fibers in one connector. Sometimes, in order to save more space and reduce labor costs, multi-connectors are used in a single cable with core counts exceeding 48 cores, such as a 24-core cable configured with 3 pieces of MTP 8 / MPO 8 connectors on each side.
Applications
■ Data Center Interconnect
■ AI Center
■ High speed transfer fiber optic telecommunication
■ Head-end termination to a fiber "backbone"
■ Termination of fiber rack systems
■ Metro
■ High-Density Cross Connect
■ Telecommunication Networks
■ Broadband / CATV / LAN / WAN
■ Test Labs
Frequently Asked Questions
What are MTP MPO connectors primarily used for?
MTP MPO connectors are high-density optical connectors designed for high-speed telecommunications, data communication networks, high-performance computing (HPC) labs, and enterprise datacenters. They optimize space efficiency and significantly increase data capacity.
What standards apply to MTP MPO connectors?
MTP MPO connectors are standardized internationally within the IEC 61754-7 and TIA 604-5 standards.
What is the difference between Single Mode and Multi Mode MTP MPO connectors?
Single Mode connectors support G652D and G657A1 fiber types with return losses of ≥60 dB (APC/UPC polish). Multi Mode connectors support OM1, OM2, OM3, OM4, and OM5 fibers (PC polish) where return loss specifications are not applicable (NA). Both support standard and elite low-loss variants.
What fiber core options are available for MTP MPO trunk cables?
Trunk cables are available in configurations of 8, 12, 16, 24, 32, and 48 fibers within a single connector. For high-density requirements and core counts exceeding 48 cores, multiple connectors can be terminated on a single cable (for example, a 24-core cable with three MTP 8 / MPO 8 connectors on each side).
Why are G657A1 fibers typically used for MTP MPO trunk cables?
G657A1 single mode fibers are typically used in MTP MPO trunk cables to ensure high transmission quality and lower signal attenuation, particularly across high-bandwidth and long-distance runs.
What challenges are associated with stacked multi-fiber MPO connectors?
While stacking fiber rows allows for 24, 36, and 48 fiber counts, it introduces challenges such as increased insertion loss and reflection. This is due to the difficulty of maintaining strict alignment tolerances on the outer fibers compared to the center fibers.
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