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MPO (Multi-fiber Push On) is a type of optical connector that has been the primary multiple fiber connector for high-speed telecom and data communications networks. This 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.
MPO connectors increase your data capacity with a highly efficient use of space. But users have faced challenges such as extra complexities and time required for testing and troubleshooting multi-fiber networks.
While MPO connectors have many benefits and advantages over typical single fiber connectors, there are also differences that introduce new challenges for technicians. This resource page provides an overview of the essential information technicians must understand when testing MPO connectors.
The MPO connector family has evolved to support a wider range of applications and system packaging requirements. The MPO connector is available in Male and Female types, offering interfaces in 8 fibers, 12 fibers, and 24 fibers.
MTP/MPO harness cable, also called MTP/MPO breakout cable or MTP/MPO fan-out cable, is a fiber optic cable terminated with MTP/MPO connectors on one end and MTP/ MPO/ LC/ FC/ SC/ ST/ MTRJ connectors (generally MTP to LC) on the other end. The main cable is usually 3.0mm LSZH Round cable, breakout 2.0mm cable. Female and Male MPO/MTP Connectors are available, where the Male type connector has pins.
All MPO/MTP fiber patch cables are compliant with IEC-61754-7 and TIA-604-5(FOCIS-5) Standards, available in both Standard type and Elite type. For the jacket, options include 3.0mm round cables, flat jacketed ribbon cables, or bare ribbon MTP cables. Available configurations include Single mode and Multimode MTP fiber optical patch cables, custom design MTP fiber optic cable assemblies, Single mode, Multimode OM1, OM2, OM3, OM4, OM5, supporting 8 cores, 12 cores, 16 cores, and 24 cores.
MTP/MPO harness cables are designed for high density applications requiring high performance and speedy installation. Harness cables provide a transition from multi-fibers cables to individual fibers or duplex connectors. Because they can meet a variety of fiber cabling requirements, they are terminated with standard LC/FC/SC/ST/MTRJ connectors on the breakout end to fit different system architectures.
Multimode fiber optic cable has a large diametral core that allows multiple modes of light to propagate. Because of this, the number of light reflections created as the light passes through the core increases, creating the ability for more data to pass through at a given time. Because of the high dispersion and attenuation rate with this type of fiber, the quality of the signal is reduced over long distances. This application is typically used for short distance, data and audio/video applications in LANs.
Multimode fibers are described by their core and cladding diameters. Usually, the diameter of the multi-mode fiber is either 50/125 µm or 62.5/125 µm. At present, there are five kinds of multi-mode fibers: OM1, OM2, OM3, OM4 and OM5.
OM3 has a suggested jacket color of aqua. Like OM2, its core size is 50µm. OM3 supports 10 Gigabit Ethernet at lengths up to 300 meters. Besides OM3 is able to support 40 Gigabit and 100 Gigabit Ethernet up to 100 meters. 10 Gigabit Ethernet is its most common use.
| Parameter | Specification (Multi Mode PC Polish) | |
|---|---|---|
| Fiber Count | 8 | |
| Fiber Type | OM3-150 & OM3-300 | |
| Max. Insertion Loss | Elite (Low Loss) | Standard |
| ≤ 0.35 dB | ≤ 0.60 dB | |
| Return Loss | NA | |
| Durability | ≥ 500 times | |
| Operating Temperature | -40°C ~ +80°C | |
| Test Wavelength | 850 / 1300nm | |
| Insert-pull Test | 1000 times < 0.5 dB | |
| Interchange | < 0.5 dB | |
| Anti-tensile Force | 15kgf | |
1. What is the difference between standard and Elite type MPO connectors?
Elite type MPO connectors feature lower insertion loss (≤ 0.35 dB) compared to standard MPO connectors, which typically have a maximum insertion loss of ≤ 0.60 dB. This makes Elite connectors ideal for high-performance networks where power budgets are tight.
2. How many fibers do MPO connectors typically support?
MPO connectors are designed to support multi-fiber configurations. The most common standard interfaces support 8, 12, 16, or 24 fibers in a single compact connector, optimizing spacing in high-density environments.
3. What is the primary purpose of an MTP/MPO harness breakout cable?
MTP/MPO harness cables (breakout cables) transition multi-fiber cables to individual fibers or duplex connectors (such as LC, SC, or FC). They allow for direct patching between high-density MPO backbone hardware and individual device ports.
4. What distances and speeds does OM3 multimode fiber support?
OM3 multimode fiber has a 50µm core diameter and supports 10 Gigabit Ethernet at lengths up to 300 meters. Additionally, it can support high-speed 40 Gigabit and 100 Gigabit Ethernet networks up to 100 meters.
5. Why are pre-terminated MTP/MPO cables preferred in data centers?
Pre-terminated cables are factory-tested and certified for optical performance, ensuring low insertion loss and back reflection. They arrive ready for immediate deployment, reducing installation time and eliminating the complexities of field termination.
6. What environmental and operational testing do these cables undergo?
These cables undergo rigorous durability testing, including insert-pull tests up to 1000 times (maintaining loss < 0.5 dB), and are rated for wide operating temperatures ranging from -40°C to +80°C.
