Data centers are crucial for the proper operation of a modern commercial enterprise chain. Thus, large organizations should consider updating data center facilities to ensure uninterrupted network running – this aspect is primary for efficient functionality of the entire IT infrastructure. Fiber count cables are gaining more and more popularity now to reduce the time for installing multiple connectors within a system. And MPO connectors are essential for these pre-connectorized cables. This article will take a closer look at MPO connectors and MPO cable types.
MPO cable types
Different factors can classify MPO cables. For example, these cables can be distinguished by fiber mode – multimode OM3\OM4 and single-mode OS2 cables. The former option is mainly used for data transfer over short distances with a maximum length of 100-150 m. On the other hand, single-mode OS2 MPO cables stand for higher bandwidth and are widely implemented in long-distance data transmission.
Another MPO cable classification is by jacket rating – they come LSZH (Low Smoke Zero Halogen), CMP (Communications Multipurpose Cable Plenum), and OFNP (Optical Fiber Nonconductive Plenum). The first type is perfect for better protection of people due to the absence of toxic materials; the second one suits plenum spaces, while the last kind fits openings for building airflows.
What is an MPO fibre connector?
MPO is commonly referred to as a multifiber push-on connector – it is designed for the multifiber ribbon cable that contains either 6, 8, 12, or 24 fibers. This connector is a brand-new technician solution that stands out among other connectors. A traditional multifiber cable requires every fiber to be terminated manually, while a single MPO connector can easily replace around 24 average connectors.
The main pros of an MPO connector are the lightweight, easy installation, cost-effectiveness, and compact size. In addition, MPO fiber connectors are pretty easy to utilize, even for people without the necessary expertise, thanks to the push-pull latching sleeve technology. This mechanism allows the click sound to accompany the connection itself.
Main MPO connector types
1. 12-fiber MPO connector
One of the popular MPO connector kinds is a 12-fiber MPO connector. It can ensure fiber transmission of 6x10G and fiber receiving of 6x10G simultaneously. An MPO connector containing 12 fibers tends to offer more efficient rack space usage, as it provides 12 times higher density. A data center facility equipped with a network of MPO connectors can utilize any connection at the cable ends, such as SC, LC, and others. MPO cabling in the data center core is standard today with MPO-LC mechanisms in some IT equipment, including servers and switches.
2. 24-fiber MPO connector
The 24-fiber MPO fiber connector features two rows of 12 fibers but has the same size as a 12-fiber connector. The main benefit of these MPO connectors is reducing the number of cables for the back ends. Apart from that, 24-fiber MPO connectors ideally suit 100G data rates in a single connector. By the way, 10x fiber transmission and 10x fiver receiving are required for 100G rates.