MTP vs. MPO Cables: A Comprehensive Guide to Differences and Applications

Introduction to the differences between MTP and MPO cables and their usage methods

 

The world of optical communication is extremely complex and intricate, and its connectivity is of vital importance. In this article, we will introduce MPO and MTP optical fibers, reveal their complexity, clarify the differences between the two, and offer personal insights on how to effectively use them in various applications for your reference.

 

I. Overview of MPO Optical Fiber

 

MPO stands for Multi-fiber Push On. MPO optical fibers generally refer to the MPO optical fiber patch cords that we commonly use. This type of optical fiber patch cord is a connection line composed of MPO connectors and optical cables. The connector of MPO optical fiber patch cords is a type of multi-core optical fiber connector, which has been adopted by the IEEE standard as one of the connector types for 40G/100G transmission. Just like LC/SC/FC and other optical fiber patch cords, the difference lies in the number of connectors and fiber cores. MPO connectors are more complex than LC/SC/FC. The MPO high-density optical fiber pre-connection system is currently mainly used in three fields: high-density environment applications in data centers, fiber-to-building applications, and internal connection applications of optical transceiver equipment such as optical splitters and optical modules

 

II. Overview of MTP Optical Fiber

 

MTP stands for Multi-fiber Terminal Plug. MTP optical fiber is an upgraded version of MPO optical fiber, featuring an innovatively designed high-performance MPO connector. For general MPO connectors, MTP optical fiber connectors have been enhanced in terms of performance and compatibility in all aspects. MTP complies with all the professional standards of MPO connectors, which means that it is completely fine to upgrade existing MPO connectors to MTP connectors to achieve better performance. The MTP connector is registered by US conec in the United States and is protected by patents. At present, MPO optical fibers are still the most common on the market, while MTP is very rare.

 

III. The number of cores of MTP and MPO optical fibers and cables

 

Unlike conventional LC/SC/FC optical fibers, MPO/MTP optical fibers have a significant difference in the number of cores. MPO/MTP connector assemblies can accommodate 6 to 144 optical fibers. Currently, 12-core and 24-core connectors are more commonly used on the market. According to the specification, 12-core MPO/MTP optical fibers are arranged in one horizontal row, while 24-core or more cores are arranged in multiple horizontal rows. It is generally applied to the connection and transmission of 40G or 100G optical modules.

The connectors of MPO/MTP optical fibers are divided into two types: male connectors and female connectors. The male connector has two pins, while the female connector does not have pins. The connection between MPO/MTP optical fiber connectors and optical modules is precisely positioned and connected through pins. The two connectors connected to each other must be one male and one female.

MPO/MTP can be classified into three types based on the corresponding arrangement of the fiber cores: TypeA, straight-through type; TypeB interlaced type Type-c paired interlaced type.

MPO/MTP optical fibers can support both single-mode and multi-mode fibers, but the specific mode depends on the application and the distance the signal needs to be transmitted.

 

Single-mode MPO/MTP optical fibers are specifically designed for long-distance transmission. They use a single strand of glass fiber to transmit a single beam of light. The data transmission distance of single-mode MPO/MTP optical fibers can reach up to 100 kilometers.

 

Multimode MPO/MTP optical fibers are specifically designed for short-distance data transmission. They use multiple paths (modes) to transmit light, which enables them to carry higher data rates than single-mode optical fibers. However, this also means that the signal will weaken as the distance increases. Multimode MTP/MPO fibers are typically used for short-distance data transmission, such as within a single building or data center.

 

IV. Frequently Asked Questions about MTP/MPO Optical Fibers

 

1.Is MTP compatible with MPO?

Yes, MTP (Multi-Fiber Termination push-in) and MPO (Multi-fiber push-in) connectors are usually compatible with each other.

Can MTP and MPO optical fibers and cables be used simultaneously in single-mode and multi-mode applications?

Yes, MTP (Multi-Fiber Termination push-in) and MPO (Multi-fiber push-in) optical fiber cables have a wide range of applications and can be used in both single-mode and multi-mode applications.

 

3. Should MTP or MPO optical fibers be used in high-density cabling systems?

 

For high-density cabling systems, MTP (Multi-Fiber Termination push-in) fibers are usually superior to MPO (Multi-fiber push-in) fibers. The main reason is that MTP is a specific type of MPO connector, which was designed with higher performance and density in mind.

 

4. What type of optical fiber is used in MPO/MTP array connectors?

 

MPO (Multi-fiber push-in) or MTP (multi-fiber termination push-in) array connectors are typically used in conjunction with MPO or MTP cables. These connectors are specifically designed for multi-fiber optic cables, with the aim of simultaneously connecting multiple optical fibers in a single compact connector.