With the increase in data transfer speed requirements due to AI, Cloud Computing and HD video streaming technologies, the ability to transfer data as efficiently as possible remains the driving force in today’s communication age. The backbone of most modern digital information systems is increasingly powered by fiber optic networks, with a growing focus on the MPO fiber connector. The MPO connector was designed to easily interconnect multiple fiber strands and transfer an ever increasing amount of data.

MPO Cable Types

There are three basic types of MPO cables:

• MPO fiber trunk cables for switch-to-switch and high-speed data center backbones
• MPO-LC breakout cables to transition 40G or 100G MPO interface to 10G duplex LC SFP+
• Custom MPO Cables that are designed specifically to address application requirements in respect to environmental or weather conditions (IP68), protection (Armor) or security (polarity, locking)

What are MPO patch cables typically used for?

MPO patch cables are used in data centers and telcos for quickly creating high-speed interconnections, including the following:

• Capacity expansion within existing 10G networks
• Migration from 10G to 40G or 100G by using 12F MPO cables
• Connection between two 40G or 100G servers or switches using QSFP+, CFP, or CXP transceivers
• Connection between two optical distribution racks with MPO adapter panels

Choosing the correct cable depends on many key factors – such as type of network optics, fiber count, cable polarity, type of MPO connectors, and fiber media type (single-mode or multimode). If you’re not sure, or if you need help, please call us!

MPO Cable Applications:

• 8-Fiber MPO Patch Cords are generally used to connect QSFP+ transceivers, requiring 4 send and 4 receive lanes.
• 12-Fiber MPO Patch Cords are generally used for trunk and backbone applications.
• 24-Fiber MPO Patch Cords are generally used for high-density trunk and 100G applications.
• 48-144 Fiber MPO Patch Cords are available for high-density backbone applications.

FiberShield:

MPO cables featuring Fibershield are five times stronger than standard fiber cables!

FiberShield MPO Cables: 8-, 12-, and 24-fiber standard MPO patch cables feature exclusive 5x stronger FiberShield technology, with 3x more PVC and DuPont Kevlar than that of MPO optical cables offered by competitors. These MPO patch cables are 4.5mm or 3.0mm thick, protecting them against accidental damage which is normally associated with installations.