How to Evulate the Quality of MTP MPO Cable?

MTP MPO cables are used in various scenarios such as data centers and high-speed, high-density applications. Their quality determines the stability and reliability of network architecture. Therefore, the quality of MTP MPO cables has become particularly crucial, and discerning the quality of the cables has become a pressing issue. This article will guide you through understanding MTP MPO cables and how to differentiate their quality.

What is MTP MPO Cable?

MTP and MPO cables are a specialized type of fiber optic cable and connector system designed for high-density, high-performance fiber optic connections. They allow multiple fiber channels to be connected within a compact connector, achieving high bandwidth and density in fiber optic connections. Typically, it consists of three main components: connectors, fiber cores, and protective outer shells.

MTP MPO connectors typically come in three polarities: Type A, Type B, and Type C. These polarities determine the sequence of fiber channel connections to ensure accurate signal transmission. Type A and Type B are symmetrical, while Type C is their mirror image. The MPO cables can be customized to accommodate different numbers of fiber channels as needed, with common options including 12, 24, 48, 72, 96, and 144 cores, allowing a single MTP MPO connector to provide high connection density.

The Importance of MTP MPO Patch Cable Quality

When purchasing MTP MPO cables, our first consideration is whether the product quality is excellent. Why is the quality of MTP MPO cables crucial? In general, there are several reasons:

Performance Guarantee: The excellent quality MTP MPO cables guarantee the stability and reliability of network performance. It reduces the risk of signal loss, excessive insertion loss and crosstalk, contributing to high-performance network transmission and stability.

Transmission distance and speed: As we all know, the lower the insertion loss, the smaller the optical power loss, which can achieve longer distance transmission. This is critical for networks that need to cover large areas or require long-distance applications. Higher-quality cables can travel greater distances at higher speeds.

Reliability: High-quality fiber optic jumpers ensure stable network transmission. Poor-quality cables can cause signal interruptions, packet loss, or network failures, posing a threat to network continuity and stability.

Maintenance costs: High-quality patch cords can reduce maintenance workload and replacement frequency. Using high-quality cables can save operating and procurement costs in the long run.

How to Distinguish the Quality of MTP MPO Cables

After presenting the fundamental information about MTP MPO cables, the question of how to assess the quality of an MTP MPO cable becomes crucial. In the following sections, I will outline the various aspects to consider when evaluating an MPO cable to determine its quality.

Minimum Bend Radius

Because MTP MPO cables are typically used in applications that require high-density connections, space is often limited. For example, they are commonly found in telecom distribution boxes and data center server racks. In these environments, cable bending is unavoidable. However, when the bending angle is too sharp, low-quality MTP MPO jumpers often suffer from signal loss or even disconnection. On the other hand, high-quality jumpers from reputable brands like Corning ClearCurve greatly improve bending performance, minimizing signal loss or interruptions. Therefore, selecting jumpers with superior fiber cores is crucial.

MTP MPO Connectors

The quality of connectors is crucial for the performance of MTP MPO cables. Because it can package multiple optical fibers into a single plug, ensuring precise alignment between the optical fibers is essential for transmission performance. Industry-recognized MTP MPO connectors, such as those from US Conec or Senko, can achieve precise alignment between male and female ends, thus reducing insertion loss and return loss. Furthermore, high-quality connectors have robust structures capable of withstanding hundreds of insertion and removal cycles. Therefore, selecting a high-quality connector is indispensable.

Insertion Loss

Insertion loss is a critical performance parameter in fiber optic jumpers, representing the optical power lost as a signal passes through a connector. The level of insertion loss impacts aspects such as signal attenuation, transmission distance, network performance, and connection effects. Lower insertion loss results in less signal attenuation, longer transmission distances, improved network performance, and better connection effects. Therefore, higher-quality MTP MPO cables typically exhibit lower insertion loss. Generally, for single-mode MPO fibers, insertion loss typically does not exceed 0.75dB, while for multimode MPO fibers, insertion loss generally does not exceed 0.5dB. When selecting MTP MPO jumpers, it is advisable to choose manufacturers that provide test reports, and whether single-mode or multimode, the insertion loss should ideally not exceed 0.35dB.

Jacket Material

Fiber optic patch cables are available with different jacket materials, such as LSZH (Low Smoke Zero Halogen), OFNP (Optical Fiber Nonconductive Plenum), PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride), and PE (Polyethylene).

LSZH is suitable for standard indoor environments because it does not release halogen gas during a fire. Therefore, it is widely used in indoor spaces where people work and in air handling systems.

OFNP is a high-temperature-resistant material often used in air-handling equipment like ducts. It can prevent the spread of fires and reduce the release of toxic gases in case of a fire.

PVC, due to its lower cost and ease of processing, may release toxic gases when burned. Therefore, it is not recommended for use in air handling equipment or indoor spaces with personnel.

PE boasts strong resistance to chemical corrosion and moisture, making it ideal for outdoor or underground applications. PE jacketed fiber optic patch cables are well-suited for use in harsh weather conditions.

Conclusion

In summary, when buying MTP MPO cables, it's crucial to consider various factors to evaluate their quality. Because excellent quality represents performance assurance, reliability, maintenance cost-effectiveness, and signal transmission quality. If you aim to purchase high-quality MTP MPO cables, please ensure that they meet all of these criteria. If you have any further inquiries, please feel free to contact QSFPTEK's CCIE/HCIE engineers at [email protected].