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

1、 MPO Fiber Overview

MPO stands for Multi fiber Push On. MPO fiber optic cables generally refer to the MPO fiber jumpers that we commonly use. This type of fiber optic jumper is a connecting cable composed of MPO connectors and optical cables. The MPO fiber optic jumper connector is a type of multi-core fiber optic connector adopted by IEEE standards as a type of connector for 40G/100G transmission. Like LC/SC/FC and other fiber jumpers, the difference lies in the number of connectors and fiber cores. MPO connectors are more complex than LC/SC/FC connectors. The MPO high-density fiber pre connection system is currently mainly used in three major fields: applications in high-density environments of data centers, applications from fiber to buildings, and connection applications inside optical transceiver equipment such as splitters and optical modules

2、 MTP Fiber Overview

MTP stands for Multi fiber Terminal Plug. MTP fiber is an upgraded version of MPO fiber, featuring innovative high-performance MPO connectors. For general MPO connectors, MTP fiber connectors have been enhanced in terms of performance and adaptability. MTP meets the professional standards of all MPO connectors, which means that upgrading existing MPO connectors to MTP connectors for better performance is completely feasible. MTP connectors are registered by US Conec in the United States and are protected by patents. MPO fiber is still commonly used in the market, with very few MTP fibers.

3、 Number of cores for MTP and MPO fiber optic cables

Unlike conventional LC/SC/FC fibers, MPO/MTP fibers have significant differences in the number of cores. MPO/MTP connector components can accommodate 6-144 optical fibers, and currently the most commonly used ones on the market are 12 core and 24 core. According to the specifications, 12 core MPO/MTP optical fibers are arranged in a horizontal column, while 24 or more cores are arranged in multiple horizontal columns. Generally used for connection and transmission of 40G or 100G optical modules.

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

MPO/MTP can be divided into three types based on the corresponding arrangement of fiber cores: Type A straight through type; Type B staggered type; Type C is a paired interleaved type.

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

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

Multi mode MPO/MTP fiber is designed specifically for short distance data transmission. They use multiple paths (modes) to transmit light, which allows them to carry higher data rates than single-mode fibers. However, this also means that the signal will weaken with increasing distance. Multi mode MTP/MPO fiber is commonly used for short distance data transmission, such as within a single building or data center.

4、 MTP/MPO Fiber FAQ

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.
2. Can MTP and MPO fiber optic cables be used for both single-mode and multi-mode applications simultaneously?
Yes, MTP (Multi Fiber Termination Push in) and MPO (Multi Fiber Push in) fiber optic cables are widely used and can be used for single-mode and multi-mode applications.
3. Should MTP or MPO fiber be used for high-density cabling systems?
For high-density cabling systems, MTP (multi fiber termination push in) fiber is usually superior to MPO (multi fiber push in) fiber. The main reason is that MTP is a specific type of MPO connector designed with higher performance and density in mind.
4. What type of optical fiber is used for MPO/MTP array connectors?
MPO (multi fiber push in) or MTP (multi fiber termination push in) array connectors are typically used with MPO or MTP cables. These connectors are designed specifically for multi fiber cables, with the aim of simultaneously connecting multiple fibers in a single compact connector.