MPO Trunk Cables: The Ultimate Guide to High-Density Fiber Connectivity

FiberMart Company, Inc.
3 min readJun 7, 2024

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As the world generates and consumes more data than ever before, the need for reliable and efficient high-speed data transmission has become paramount.

As data demands continue to grow, traditional fiber optic cabling solutions have reached their limits. MTP/MPO trunk cables represent the next generation of high-density connectivity, offering a significant leap forward in performance and efficiency.

From bulky and complex cabling systems to sleek and efficient MPO trunk cables, the landscape of high-density fiber connectivity is undergoing a significant transformation.

What are MPO Trunk Cables?

Multi-Fiber Push-On (MPO) trunk cables are high-density fiber optic cables pre-terminated with MPO connectors. The connectors allow for the termination of multiple fibers (typically 12, 24, 48, or 72) within a single connector, significantly increasing fiber density compared to traditional single-fiber connectors.MPO trunk cables are designed to support the rapid growth of data traffic and the need for scalable, efficient, and reliable network infrastructure.

Recommended Read: How to Choose MPO/MTP Cable Polarity

Key Features of MPO Trunk Cables

High Fiber Count

MPO connectors can accommodate a large number of individual fibers within a single connector, typically ranging from 4 to 72 fibers.

This significantly increases the fiber count in a single cable, leading to:

Space Efficiency: MPO cables can replace multiple traditional single-fiber or duplex LC connectors, saving valuable space in data centers and network cabinets.

Reduced Cable Management: Fewer cables are needed to achieve the same number of connections, simplifying cable management and improving airflow within the infrastructure.

Push-Pull Termination

MPO connectors utilize a convenient push-pull mechanism for easy and secure connection and disconnection.

This simplifies installation and maintenance compared to traditional screw-on or snap-on connectors, saving time and effort.

The push-pull design also minimizes the risk of accidental disconnection, ensuring reliable connections.

Ribbon Cables

MPO trunk cables typically use ribbon cables, where multiple fibers are held together in a flat array.

This further enhances space efficiency and simplifies cable management compared to round cables.

Ribbon cables are also easier to route and bend, making them suitable for tight spaces within cabinets and racks.

Low Insertion Loss and High Performance

MPO connectors are designed for low insertion loss and high return loss, ensuring optimal signal transmission and minimizing signal degradation.

This translates to:

High Bandwidth: MPO cables can support high-speed data transmission, making them ideal for demanding applications like 40G, 100G, and 400G networks.

Reliable Performance: Low insertion loss ensures minimal signal loss and maintains signal integrity over long distances.

Scalability

MPO trunk cables offer a scalable solution for data centers and network infrastructure.

By adding additional MPO cassettes or breakout modules, the number of connections can be easily expanded to meet growing bandwidth demands.

This flexibility allows for future-proofing the network infrastructure without requiring significant changes to the existing cabling.

Best Practices for Deploying MPO Trunk Cables

Choose the right cable type: Select MPO trunk cables with the appropriate fiber count, connector type, and cable length to meet your specific network requirements.

Properly clean and inspect connectors: Ensure that MPO connectors are clean and free of dust or debris before installation to avoid signal loss and potential damage.

Follow proper installation procedures: Use the correct tools and techniques for handling and terminating MPO cables to ensure reliable connections.

Label and document cables: Clearly label and document MPO cables for easy identification and maintenance.

Use high-quality MPO cables and components: Invest in high-quality MPO cables and components from reputable manufacturers to ensure optimal performance and reliability.

Fibermart offers a comprehensive range of high-quality MPO trunk cables, connectors, and accessories to meet your specific needs. From space-saving solutions to high-performance connections, their experts will guide you every step of the way.

Schedule a consultation to discuss your project and discover how advanced fiber optic solutions can revolutionize your network infrastructure.

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FiberMart Company, Inc.

Fiber-MART is the worldwide leading supplier in a fiber-optic network, FTTx, fiber cabling, fiber testing, and integrated network solutions.