How to Choose a Correct MPO MTP Patch Cord to Match an Optical Transceiver?
Choosing the correct MPO?MTP?(Multi-Fiber Push On) patch cord to match an optical transceiver involves several key considerations. Here's a step-by-step guide to ensure you select the appropriate MPO/MTP?patch cord:
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1. Understand Compatibility?of Optical Transceiver
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Check the specifications of the optical transceiver module (e.g., QSFP, CFP, etc.) used in your switch or device. Ensure that the MPO patch cord is compatible with the module type.?Specifically compatibility of transceiver is referred to the following aspects:
a, Fiber type:?single mode patch cord is for SM optical transceiver and multi-mode fiber is for MM transceiver.
b, Connector Type:?Should be MPO/MTP but not other interface like LC, SC.?Verify if the optical transceiver requires MPO-12 or MPO-24 connectors, which correspond to 12-fiber and 24-fiber configurations, respectively.
c, Data rate:
·Single-mode vs. Multi-mode: Ensure that the fiber type (single-mode or multi-mode) of the MPO patch cord matches the optical transceiver. Different fiber types support different data rates and distances.
·Single-mode fiber (SMF): Typically used for long-distance communication and higher data rates (e.g., 10G, 40G, 100G, 400G).
·Multi-mode fiber (MMF): Commonly used for shorter distances and can support high data rates in data center environments (e.g., OM3, OM4, and OM5 fibers for 10G, 40G, 100G).
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2. Fiber Type and Mode
Firstly there are two optional fibers:
a, Single-mode Fiber (SMF)
·Fiber Type: OS1, OS2
·Core Diameter: 9 micrometers
·Applications: Long-distance communication, high-speed data transmission over long distances, telecom networks, and data centers.
·Standards: OS1 (up to 10 km at 1310 nm and 1550 nm), OS2 (up to 200 km at 1310 nm and 1550 nm).
·Advantages: Low attenuation, high bandwidth, suitable for long-distance and high-capacity networks.
b. Multi-mode Fiber (MMF)
·Fiber Types: OM1, OM2, OM3, OM4, OM5
·Core Diameters:
oOM1: 62.5 micrometers
oOM2, OM3, OM4, OM5: 50 micrometers
·Applications: Short to medium-distance communication, local area networks (LANs), data centers, and intra-building backbones.
·Standards and Characteristics:
oOM1: Up to 275 meters for 1 Gbps, 33 meters for 10 Gbps.
oOM2: Up to 550 meters for 1 Gbps, 82 meters for 10 Gbps.
oOM3: Up to 300 meters for 10 Gbps, supports 40 Gbps and 100 Gbps up to 100 meters.
oOM4: Up to 550 meters for 10 Gbps, supports 40 Gbps and 100 Gbps up to 150 meters.
oOM5: Enhanced bandwidth for SWDM (Short Wavelength Division Multiplexing), supports 40 Gbps and 100 Gbps up to 150 meters, future-proofing for higher speeds.
·Ensure that the MPO patch cord matches the fiber type of the optical transceiver. Mixing single-mode and multi-mode can result in poor performance or damage.
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c. Specialty Fibers
But sometimes it is not enough if buyer just select SM or MM fiber.
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For example, there are two options for single mode fiber: OS1 and OS2. Generally OS1 is equal to G652B fiber and OS2 stands for G652D fiber.
And there are different brands and suppliers for this two fibers. If you have specific on brand, parameter, performance of the fiber, it is better for you to appoint brand/supplier/spec for the fiber.
Similar situation is also existed for multi-mode fiber. For example, there are two options for OM3 fiber: OM3 150 and OM3 300, OM3 is referred to Ultra wideband optical fiber and there are different transmission distance for options.
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And there are other specialty fibers for different applications:
·Bend-Insensitive Fiber: Designed to reduce signal loss in tight bends and challenging installations, available in both single-mode and multi-mode variants.
·Polarization-Maintaining Fiber: Used in applications requiring the preservation of the polarization state of light, such as certain types of sensors and high-speed communications.
All these fibers are possible used in a MPO/MTP patch cord to meet different requirements.
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3. Polarity
3.1. Type A (Straight-Through)
·Configuration: This type has a straight-through configuration where fiber position 1 (Tx) at one end aligns with fiber position 1 (Rx) at the other end, and so on.
·Application: Commonly used for simple point-to-point connections. Requires a Type A MPO to MPO patch cable on one end and a flipped cable on the other for proper signal alignment.
3.2. Type B (Cross-Over)
·Configuration: This type has a cross-over configuration where fiber position 1 (Tx) at one end aligns with fiber position 12 (Rx) at the other end, and fiber position 2 aligns with fiber position 11, and so on.
·Application: Commonly used in data centers for backbone cabling and connecting MPO transceivers directly. This allows a plug-and-play approach without needing additional cross-over cables.
3.3. Type C (Pair-wise Flip)
·Configuration: This type has a pair-wise flip configuration where each pair of fibers is flipped. For example, fiber positions 1 and 2 at one end align with positions 2 and 1 at the other end, positions 3 and 4 align with positions 4 and 3, and so on.
·Application: Typically used for certain legacy systems and specific network configurations requiring this flip.
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4. Gender (Pin Configuration)
·Male vs. Female Connectors:
·Male: MPO connectors with pins.
·Female: MPO connectors without pins.
·Ensure that the MPO patch cord gender matches the optical transceiver's requirements. Typically, MPO transceivers use male connectors, so you may need female MPO patch cords.
5. Length and Cable Type
·Cable Length: Determine the required length based on the physical distance between devices in your setup. It’s better to measure accurately to avoid excess slack or tension.
·Cable Type:
·Indoor/Outdoor: Choose indoor or outdoor-rated cables based on where the cables will be installed.
·Plenum-Rated: For installations in plenum spaces, ensure the cable is plenum-rated to meet fire safety standards.
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6. Cable structure
When selecting the fiber cable structure or type suitable for making MPO/MTP patch cords, several key factors need to be considered. The cable must provide robust mechanical protection, flexibility, and maintain the integrity of the multiple fibers housed within it. Here are some common fiber cable structures used for MPO/MTP patch cords:
·Ribbon Fiber Cable (bare fiber),
·Loose Tube Cable (0.9mm),
·Tight-Buffered Cable(0.9mm),
·Breakout Cable ( with ?0.9mm, 2.0mm, 3.0mm fan-out cable or else),
·Distribution Cable,
·indoor armoured cable,
·outdoor waterproof fiber cable, and so on.
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7. Standards and Performance
·Compliant Standards: Ensure the MPO patch cord complies with relevant standards such as IEEE 802.3, TIA-568, and ISO/IEC 11801.
·Performance: Verify the performance specifications, including insertion loss and return loss, to ensure they meet the requirements of your network environment.
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8. Jacket Material
?Generally options includes PVC, LSZH, Hytrel, TPU, PE etc.
Buyer need to appoint jacket material based on cabling requirement, application environment and flame resistance requirement and so on.
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9. Color for identifying and matching
Color is mainly referred to color of the jacket, and color of the connector is also can not be ignored.
Generally, Fiberall provides yellow jacket for single mode OS1/OS2 fiber, orange for OM1 and OM2, aqua for OM3, purple/Magenta for OM4 and Lemon Green for OM5.
But color is not a unified parameters and you need to select according to your cabling requirements. The rule is: easy to identify.
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10, Parameter requirements
Your requirement on insertion loss, return loss, end-face, mechanical performance, environmental performance and so on.
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10. Example of Selection Process
10. 1.
Identify the Optical Transceiver Specifications:
10. 2.
·Module: QSFP-40G-SR4 (a common 40G transceiver)
·Connector: MPO-12
·Fiber Type: Multi-mode (OM3/OM4)
·Polarity: Type B
·Gender: Female MPO connectors required
10.3.
Match the MPO Patch Cord:
10.4.
·MPO Type: MPO-12 patch cord
·Fiber Type: OM4 multi-mode
·Polarity: Type B (cross-over)
·Connector Gender: Female MPO connectors
·Cable Length: Measure and select appropriate length, e.g., 3 meters
·Cable Type: Indoor 2.0mm round cable, with LSZH yellow jacket
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Conclusion
By following these steps and carefully considering the specifications of your optical transceiver and network requirements, you can select the correct MPO patch cord that ensures optimal performance and reliability in your network setup. If in doubt, consult the transceiver's datasheet or Fiberall’s guidelines for precise recommendations.