Understanding Base-8 and Base-16 MTP/MPO Cables in AI Data Centers

What Are MTP/MPO Connectors?

MTP (Multi-fiber Termination Push-on) is a registered trademark of US Conec, Inc. It is essentially a high-performance MPO connector with an optimized design. MTP connectors are better than regular MPO connectors in a couple of ways. They've got better optical performance and a better mechanical structure, which makes for better transmission efficiency and stability. When you compare the two, you'll see some big differences in all areas.

Both MTP and MPO fiber optic connectors comply with international standards IEC-61754-5 and U.S. TIA-604-5 (FOCIS5) specifications, meaning they share a degree of structural compatibility. Although MTP/MPO connectors have dimensions similar to common SC connectors, they can accommodate a significantly higher number of fibers within the same volume compared to traditional single-core connectors, greatly increasing cabling density. This structural design enables them to effectively reduce space occupancy and simplify cable management in environments with high space utilization requirements, such as data centers. The figure below illustrates the specific construction of an MTP connector.

The Difference Between Base-8 vs Base-16 MTP/MPO Connectors

Base-8 MTP/MPO Connectors

The MTP-8/MPO-8 connector contains eight fiber cores and is suitable for scenarios with low fiber requirements. It is mainly used in entry-level or medium-bandwidth network deployments, such as small data centers or low-density fiber networks. The MTP-8/MPO-8 jumper is particularly suitable for applications that require direct fiber connection, making full use of each fiber, and is commonly found in 40G and 100G links.

In cabling planning, the Base-8 architecture is widely used in large-scale networks above 10G due to its structural compatibility with most 40G and 100G modules. While Base-8 and Base-12 structures can be interchangeably used in small-scale networks, the Base-8 architecture offers better adaptability in terms of future network development trends. MTP/MPO-8 interfaces can also be flexibly integrated with MTP/MPO-12 and MTP/MPO-24 interfaces, enhancing system scalability and compatibility.

Additionally, the MTP-8/MPO-8 connection solution can easily adapt to Base-2 cabling systems. Since eight is divisible by 2, when using MTP-to-LC duplex patch cords to connect switch boards, an 8-core MTP trunk cable can naturally be split into four pairs of LC duplex channels, simplifying cabling and improving efficiency.

Base-8 MTP/MPO Jumper Application

Base-16 MTP/MPO Connectors

The MTP-16/MPO-16 connector contains 16 optical fibers and is primarily designed for high-bandwidth transmission requirements, such as 400G-SR8 and 800G-DR8 applications. In such applications, it effectively improves data channel utilization, reduces waste of unused fiber resources (i.e., "dark fiber"), and thereby enhances the overall transmission efficiency of the system.

Compared to the MTP-12/MPO-12 connection solution, the MTP-16/MPO-16 cable offers superior fiber utilization and reduces the risk of signal attenuation, making it more stable and reliable in high-speed network transmission.

Each MTP-16/MPO-16 interface can accommodate 16 fibers, significantly increasing connection density per unit of space. This feature is especially important for data centers and high-speed transmission networks because it allows you to fit more ports into a smaller space. In high-density environments, it can easily handle switch configurations like 16, 32, or 48 ports, making it a smart choice for transmission rates of 40G and above.

But it's important to know that the MTP-16/MPO-16 and MTP-12/MPO-12 structures aren't compatible. If you need mixed-use, you'll need to use dedicated conversion components or patch cords for adaptation.

Therefore, before expanding or upgrading the network, it is essential to conduct thorough planning based on the actual cabling architecture to ensure compatibility between systems while avoiding the complexity of post-deployment maintenance when increasing transmission speeds.

Base-16 MTP/MPO Jumper Application

Advantages of Using Base-8 and Base-16 MTP/MPO Cables in AI Data Centers

Facilitates matching switch port distribution and improves bandwidth efficiency

The Base-8 structure corresponds precisely to the common 8-channel port configuration found in current mainstream 40G, 100G, and even 400G switches, enabling precise fiber resource matching and avoiding resource waste. The Base-8 and Base-16 connectors improve fiber resource utilization by precisely matching the number of fibers. This design is great for high-throughput stuff like GPU server clusters, AI model training, and inference. Faced with the ever-increasing transmission efficiency and bandwidth requirements of AI systems, this type of connection solution not only avoids fiber idleness but is also more suitable for building efficient and scalable network architectures.

Reduced cabling space requirements, optimized cooling, and maintenance

The Base-8 and Base-16 connection solutions feature a compact design, naturally suited for high-density deployment requirements, making them ideal for AI computing environments with extremely limited cabinet space. Fewer cables mean clearer cabling paths and lower air resistance, facilitating more effective heat dissipation and energy consumption control. By integrating multiple channels into a single optical module using parallel transmission technologies such as PAM4 (e.g., SR4, SR8 parallel modules), not only is the transmission rate improved, but compared to single-channel solutions like SR1, it also offers lower power consumption, helping to maintain stable device operation.

Cost reduction and efficiency improvement, driving physical layer architecture innovation

The Base-8 architecture is gradually transforming the physical layer design philosophy of AI data centers. By simplifying cabling and optimally configuring module interfaces, reliance on intermediate switching equipment is reduced, enabling a "point-to-point" direct connection structure at the hardware level, thereby lowering overall system costs and energy consumption. In multiple cutting-edge computing centers and supercomputing clusters, this approach has been validated as a solution that achieves a good balance between cost control and performance optimization, becoming a key driver for the development of next-generation AI infrastructure.

Supporting future rate evolution

Both the Base-8 and Base-16 structural designs comply with international standards such as IEEE. While meeting current 400G application requirements, they can also smoothly evolve to higher speeds, such as 800G or even 1.6T. Through compatible connection structures and module forms, network speed upgrades can be achieved without requiring large-scale restructuring of existing cabling systems, avoiding redundant investments and leaving ample flexibility for long-term expansion planning of AI centers.

Why Choose QSFPTEK MTP/MPO Cables？

QSFPTEK MTP and MPO jumpers are manufactured using advanced technology, ensuring exceptional stable transmission performance. Our MTP and MPO jumpers feature a minimum bend radius of 7.5mm and a low insertion loss of 0.35dB with an LSZH jacket. We can provide you with 1-20m ready-made MTP/MPO cables and custom cables of various lengths. You can customize fiber optic cables with various parameters according to your needs. Additionally, QSFPTEK cables support a 30-day return and exchange policy, and purchasing our switches and jumpers together qualifies you for free shipping. Every product we produce undergoes strict quality control testing to ensure that every product you receive is a high-performance, qualified product.

Summary: Key Fiber Optic Infrastructure for AI Data Centers

Currently, most data centers still rely on MTP/MPO-12 fiber optic cable systems as their primary architecture. This solution, due to its maturity and high compatibility, will remain the primary form of high-performance connectivity in the short term. QSFPTEK has also introduced MTP/MPO-12 and MPO-24 fiber optic patch cables compatible with NVIDIA InfiniBand EDR/HDR networks, meeting the high-bandwidth requirements of AI data centers. The smaller bending radius also addresses the complex cabling scenarios in high-density AI server environments.

Looking ahead to the next phase of development, QSFPTEK is leveraging Base-8 and Base-16 technology routes to advance the optimization and upgrading of AI connectivity solutions. The upcoming MTP/MPO-8 and MTP/MPO-16 products will be deeply integrated with the next-generation NVIDIA optical modules, further enhancing system connectivity efficiency and cabling flexibility.