Choosing the Right MTP/MPO Cable: A Guide to Core Numbers

April 18, 2024

Choosing the right MTP/MPO cable ensures efficient and reliable data transmission in today's fast-paced digital world. With the increasing demand for high-speed connectivity, it is essential to understand the importance of core numbers in MTP/MPO cables. cable-production-machine In this guide, we will explore the significance of core numbers and provide valuable insights to help you decide when selecting the right MTP/MPO cable for your specific needs. Whether setting up a data centre or upgrading your existing network infrastructure, this article will serve as a comprehensive resource to assist you in choosing the right MTP/MPO cable.

What is an MTP/MPO cable?

An MTP/MPO cable is a high-density fibre optic cable commonly used in data centres and telecommunications networks. It is designed to provide a quick and efficient way to connect multiple fibres in a single connector.

MPO and MTP cables have many attributes in common, which is why both are so popular. The key defining characteristic is that these cables have pre-terminated fibres with standardized connectors. While other fibre optic cables have to be painstakingly arrayed and installed at each node in a data centre, these cables are practically plug-and-play. To have that convenience while still providing the highest levels of performance makes them a top choice for many data centre applications.

How Many Types of MTP/MPO cables

MTP/MPO cables consist of connectors and optical fibres ready to connect. When it comes to types, MTP/MPO fibre cables fall on MTP/MPO trunk cables and MTP/MPO harness/breakout cables.

MTP/MPO trunk cables

MTP/MPO trunk cables, typically used for creating backbone and horizontal interconnections, have an MTP/MPO connector on both ends and are available from 8 fibres up to 48 in one cable.

MTP/MPO Harness/Breakout Cables

Harness/Breakout cables are used to break out the MTP/MPO connector into individual connectors, allowing for easy connection to equipment. MTP/MPO conversion cables convert between different connector types, such as MTP to LC or MTP to SC.

The MTP/MPO cables also come in different configurations, such as 8-core, 12-core, 16-core, 32-core, and more, depending on the specific needs of the application. This flexibility in configurations enables users to tailor their choices according to the scale and performance requirements of their networks or data centres. As technology advances, the configurations of MTP/MPO cables continually evolve to meet the increasing demands of data transmission.

latest company news about Choosing the Right MTP/MPO Cable: A Guide to Core Numbers  0

How to Choose MTP/MPO cables

Selecting the appropriate core number for MTP/MPO cables resonates throughout the efficiency and performance of networks. In this section, we'll delve into the decision-making factors surrounding core numbers in cables.

Network Requirements and Data Transmission Goals

Different network applications and data transmission needs may require varying numbers of cores. High-density data centres might necessitate more cores to support large-capacity data transmission,cable-production-machine while smaller networks may require fewer cores.

Compatibility with Existing Infrastructure

When choosing the core number for MTP/MPO cables, compatibility with existing infrastructure is crucial. Ensuring that the new cables match existing fibre optic equipment and connectors helps avoid unnecessary compatibility issues.

Consideration for Future Scalability

As businesses grow and technology advances, future network demands may increase. Choosing MTP/MPO cables with a larger number of cores allows for future expansion and upgrades.

Budget and Resource Constraints

Budget and resources also play a role in core number selection. Cables with a larger number of cores tend to be more expensive, while cables with fewer cores may be more cost-effective. Therefore, finding a balance between actual requirements and the available budget is essential.

MTP/MPO Cabling Guide to Core Numbers

40G MTP/MPO Cabling

A 12-fibre MTP/MPO connector interface can accommodate 40G, which is usually used in a 40G data centre. The typical implementations of MTP/MPO plug-and-play systems split a 12-fibre trunk into six channels that run up to 10 Gigabit Ethernet (depending on the length of the cable). 40G system uses a 12-fibre trunk to create a Tx/Rx link, dedicating 4 fibres for 10G each of upstream transmit, and 4 fibres for 10G each of downstream receive.

40G-10G Connection

In this scenario, a 40G QSFP+ port on the FS S5850 48S6Q switch is split up into 4 10G channels. An connects the 40G side with its MTP connector and the four LC connectors link with the 10G side.

latest company news about Choosing the Right MTP/MPO Cable: A Guide to Core Numbers  1

40G-40G Connection

As shown below, a  cable is used to connect two 40G optical transceivers to realize the 40G to 40G connection between the two switches. The connection method can also be applied to a 100G-100G connection.

latest company news about Choosing the Right MTP/MPO Cable: A Guide to Core Numbers  2

40G Trunk Cabling

 Interconnect Conversion Harness Cable is designed to provide a more flexible multi-fibre cabling system based on MTP® products. Unlike MTP® harness cable, MTP® conversion cables are terminated with MTP® connectors on both ends and can provide more possibilities for the existing 24-fibre cabling system. The 40/100G MTP® conversion cables eliminate the wasted fibres in the current 40G transmission and upcoming 100G transmission. Compared to purchasing and installing separate conversion cassettes, using MTP® conversion cables is a more cost-effective and lower-loss option.

latest company news about Choosing the Right MTP/MPO Cable: A Guide to Core Numbers  3

100G MTP/MPO Cabling

QSFP28 100G transceivers using 4 fibre pairs have an MTP/MPO12f port (with 4 unused fibres). Transmission for short distances (up to 100m) could be done most cost-effectively over multimode fibre using SR4 transmission. Longer distances over single mode use PSM4 transmission over 8 fibres. Transmission over 4 fibre pairs enables both multimode and single-mode transceivers to be connected 1:4 using MPO-LC 8 fibre breakout cables. One QSFP28 100G can connect to four SFP28 25G transceivers.

100G SR4 Parallel BASE-8 over Multimode Fibre

QSFP28 100G SR4 are often connected directly together due to their proximity within switching areas.

latest company news about Choosing the Right MTP/MPO Cable: A Guide to Core Numbers  4

Equally QSFP28 SR4 are often connected directly to SFP28 25G ports within the same rack. For example, from a switch 100G port to four different servers with 25G ports.

latest company news about Choosing the Right MTP/MPO Cable: A Guide to Core Numbers  5

The 12-core MTP/MPO cables can also be used for 100G parallel-to-parallel connection. Through the use of MTP patch panels, network reliability is enhanced, ensuring the normal operation of other channels even if a particular channel experiences a failure. Additionally, by increasing the number of parallel channels, it can meet the continuously growing data demands. This flexibility is crucial for adapting to future network expansions.

latest company news about Choosing the Right MTP/MPO Cable: A Guide to Core Numbers  6

100G PMS4 Parallel BASE-8 over Singmode Fibre

QSFP28 100G PMS4 are often connected directly together due to their proximity within switching areas.

latest company news about Choosing the Right MTP/MPO Cable: A Guide to Core Numbers  7

Equally QSFP28 ports are often connected directly to SFP28 25G ports within the same rack. For example, from a switch 100G port to four different servers with 25G ports.

latest company news about Choosing the Right MTP/MPO Cable: A Guide to Core Numbers  8

200G MTP/MPO Cabling

Although most equipment manufacturers (Cisco, Juniper, Arista, etc) are bypassing 200G and jumping from 100G to 400G, there are still some 200G QSFP-DD transceivers on the market, like FS QSFP56-SR4-200G and QSFP-FR4-200G.

200G-to-200G links

MTP (MPO) 12 fibre connects 2xQSFP56-SR4-200G.

latest company news about Choosing the Right MTP/MPO Cable: A Guide to Core Numbers  9

400G MTP/MPO Cabling

MTP/MPO cables with multi-core connectors are used for optical transceiver connection. There are 4 different types of application scenarios for 400G MTP/MPO cables. Common MTP/MPO patch cables include 8-fibre, 12-core, and 16-core. 8-core or 12-core MTP/MPO single-mode fibre patch cable is usually used to complete the direct connection of two 400G-DR4 optical transceivers. 16-core MTP/MPO fibre patch cable can be used to connect 400G-SR8 optical transceivers to 200G QSFP56 SR4 optical transceivers, and can also be used to connect 400G-8x50G to 400G-4x100G transceivers. The 8-core MTP to 4-core LC duplex fibre patch cable connects the 400G-DR4 optical transceiver with a 100G-DR optical transceiver.

800G MTP/MPO Cabling Guide

In the higher-speed 800G networking landscape, the high density, high bandwidth, and flexibility of MTP/MPO cables have played a crucial role. Leveraging various branching or direct connection schemes, MTP/MPO cables are seamlessly connected to 800G optical modules, 400G optical modules, and 100G optical modules, enhancing the richness and flexibility of network construction.

800G Connectivity with Direct Connect Cabling

cable is designed for 800G QSFP-DD/OSFP DR8 and 800G OSFP XDR8 optics direct connection and supporting 800G transmission for Hyperscale Data Center.

latest company news about Choosing the Right MTP/MPO Cable: A Guide to Core Numbers  10

800G to 8X100G Interconnect

 cables are optimized for 800G OSFP XDR8 to 100G QSFP28 FR, 800G QSFP-DD/OSFP DR8 to 100G QSFP28 DR optics direct connection, and high-density data centre applications.

latest company news about Choosing the Right MTP/MPO Cable: A Guide to Core Numbers  11

800G to 2X400G Interconnect

 cable is designed to provide a more flexible multi-fibre cabling system based on MTP® products. Compared to purchasing and installing separate conversion cassettes, using MTP® conversion cables is a more cost-effective and lower-loss option. In the network upgrade from 400G to 800G, the ability to directly connect an 800G optical module and two 400G optical modules provides a more efficient use of cabling space, resulting in cost savings for cabling.

latest company news about Choosing the Right MTP/MPO Cable: A Guide to Core Numbers  12

Conclusion

In a word, the choice of core number for MTP/MPO cables depends on the specific requirements of the network application. Matching the core number with the requirements of each scenario ensures optimal performance and efficient resource utilization. A well-informed choice ensures that your MTP/MPO cable not only meets but exceeds the demands of your evolving connectivity requirements.

 

Fiber Optic Cable Types: Single Mode vs Multimode Fiber Cable

Although single mode fiber (SMF) and multimode fiber (MMF) optic cable types are widely used in diverse applications, the differences between single mode fiber and multimode cables are still confusing. This article will focus on the basic construction, fiber distance, cost, fiber color, etc., to make an in-depth comparison between single mode and multimode fiber types.

Overview of Single Mode vs Multimode Fiber Optic Cable

Single mode means the fiber enables one type of light mode to be propagated at a time. While multimode means the fiber can propagate multiple modes. The differences between single mode and multimode fiber optic cable mainly lie in fiber core diameter, wavelength & light source, bandwidth, color sheath, distance and cost.

Core Diameter

Single mode fiber core diameter is much smaller than multimode fiber. Its typical core diameter is 9 µm even if there are others available. And multimode fiber core diameter is 50 µm and 62.5 µm typically, which enables it to have higher "light gathering" ability and simplify connections. The cladding diameter of single mode and multimode fiber is 125 µm.

latest company news about Choosing the Right MTP/MPO Cable: A Guide to Core Numbers  13

The attenuation of multimode fiber is higher than SM fiber because of its larger core diameter. The fiber core of single mode cable is very narrow, so the light that passes through these fiber optical cables is not reflected too many times, which keeps the attenuation to a minimum.

 

Wavelength & Light Source

Due to the large core size of multimode fiber, some low-cost light sources like LEDs (light-emitting diodes) and VCSELs (vertical cavity surface-emitting lasers) that works at the 850nm and 1300nm wavelength are used in multimode fiber cables. While the single mode fiber often uses a laser or laser diodes to produce light injected into the cable. And the commonly used single mode fiber wavelength is 1310 nm and 1550 nm.

Bandwidth

Multimode fiber bandwidth is limited by its light mode and the maximum bandwidth at present is 28000MHz*km of OM5 fiber. While single mode fiber bandwidth is unlimited theoretically because it allows only one light mode to pass through at a time.

Color Sheath

According to the TIA-598C standard definition, for non-military applications, single mode cable is coated with yellow outer sheath, and multimode fiber is coated with orange or aqua jacket. Find more details about the Fiber Optic Cable Color Code cable production machine here.

latest company news about Choosing the Right MTP/MPO Cable: A Guide to Core Numbers  14

Single Mode vs Multimode Fiber Distance

It’s known that single mode fiber is suitable for long-distance applications, while multimode optical fiber is designed for short-distance runs. Then when it comes to single mode vs multimode fiber distance, what’s the quantifiable differences?

 

Fiber Optic Cable Type Fiber Distance
  Fast Ethernet 100BA SE-FX 1Gb Ethernet 1000BASE-SX 1Gb Ethernet 1000BA SE-LX 10Gb Base SE-SR 25Gb Base SR-S 40Gb Base SR4 100Gb Base SR10
Single mode fiber OS2 200m 5,000m 5,000m 10km / / /
Multimode fiber OM1 200m 275m 550m (mode conditioning patch cable required) / / / /
OM2 200m 550m / / / /
OM3 200m 550m 300m 70m 100m 100m
OM4 200m 550m 400m 100m 150m 150m
OM5 200m 550m 300m 100m 400m 400m

From the chart, we can see that single mode fiber distance is much longer than that of cable-production-machine at the data rate from 1G to 10G, but OM3/OM4/OM5 multimode fiber supports a higher data rate. Because multimode optical fiber has a large core size and supports more than one light mode, its fiber distance is limited by modal dispersion which is a common phenomenon in multimode step-index fiber. While single mode fiber is not. That’s the essential difference between them. In addition, OS2 single mode fiber could support longer distances in 40G and 100G links, which is not listed in the table.

Single Mode vs Multimode Fiber Cost

“Single mode vs multimode fiber cost” is a hot topic in some forums. Numbers of people have expressed their own opinions. Their views mainly focus on the optical transceiver cost, system cost and installation cost.

Optical Transceiver Cost

Compared to single-mode transceivers, the price of multimode transceivers is nearly two or three times lower.

System Cost

To utilize the fundamental attributes of single mode fibers, which are generally geared towards longer distance applications, requires transceivers with lasers that operate at longer wavelengths with smaller spot-size and generally narrower spectral width. These transceiver characteristics combined with the need for higher-precision alignment and tighter connector tolerances to smaller core diameters result in significantly higher transceiver costs and overall higher interconnect costs for single mode fiber interconnects.

latest company news about Choosing the Right MTP/MPO Cable: A Guide to Core Numbers  15

Fabrication methods for VCSEL based transceivers that are optimized for use with multimode fibers are more easily manufactured into array devices and are lower cost than equivalent single-mode transceivers. Despite the use of multiple fiber lanes and multi-transceivers arrays, there are significant cost savings over single-mode technology employing single or multichannel operation over simplex-duplex connectivity. Multimode fiber system offers the lowest system cost and upgrade path to 100G for standard-based premises applications using parallel-optic based interconnects.

Installation Cost

Single-mode optical fiber often costs less than multimode fiber. When building a 1G fiber optic network that you want to be able to go to 10G or faster on eventually, the savings on the cost of fiber for single-mode saves about half-price. While the multimode OM3 or OM4 fiber increases 35% in cost for SFP modules. The single-mode optics are more expensive, but the labor costs of replacing the multimode are significantly higher, especially if that followed OM1—OM2—OM3—OM4. If you are willing to look at used ex-Fibre Channel SFPs, the price of single-mode 1G drops through the floor. If you have the budget and need for 10G short connections, the economics at last check still support multimode. Keep an eye on those economics though, as history suggests that the price premium for single-mode will drop.

Frequently Asked Question about Single Mode vs Multimode Fiber Optic Cable

Q: What is better single mode or multimode fiber type?

A: As has been mentioned above, single mode fiber and multimode fiber cable have their own advantages on cost and applications. There is no such thing that single mode optical fibers are better than multimode ones. Just choosing the best-fit one for your applications is ok.

Q: Can I mix single mode and multimode fiber type?

A: This answer for this question is “no”. Multimode fiber and single mode fiber have different core sizes, and the number of light modes that they transmit is also different. If you mix the two fibers, or connect them together directly, you’ll lose a large amount of optical loss, resulting in a link flapping or being down. Keep in mind that never mix different types of cabling randomly.

Q: Can I use a multimode transceiver on single mode fiber optic cable?

A: Generally speaking, the answer is "no". Large optical loss will occur if a multimode transceiver is connected with single mode fiber. However, the opposite will work. For example, 1000BASE-LX single mode SFP can work on multimode fiber cable by using mode conditioning fiber cable. Sometimes, fiber media converters also can be used to solve such problems between single mode transceivers and multimode transceivers.

Q: Single mode vs multimode fiber optic cable type: which should I choose?

A: When making a decision between single mode and multimode fiber cables, the first factor to consider is the fiber distance which you need actually. For example, in a data center, multimode fiber cables are enough for the distance of 300-400 meters. While in applications that require distance up to several thousands of meters, the single mode fiber is the best choice. And in applications that can use single mode and multimode fiber, other factors like cost and future upgrade requirements should be taken into consideration for your choice.

Summary

From the comparison between single mode vs multimode fiber optic cable, it can conclude that single-mode fiber cabling system is suitable for long-reach data transmission applications and widely deployed in carrier networks, MANs and PONs. Multimode fiber cabling system has a shorter reach and is widely deployed in enterprise, data centers and LANs. No matter which one you choose, on the basis of total fiber cost, choosing the one that best suits your network demands is an important task for every network designer.

Introducing Fiber Pigtail Series

Fiber optic pigtails offer a convenient and efficient solution for establishing communication connections in the field. They are carefully made, tested, and follow industry rules to make sure they work well. With our fiber pigtails, you can achieve reliable, high-performance connectivity that meets your specific requirements.

Simplex Pigtails

Simplex pigtails are fiber optic cables consisting of a single strand of fiber with a connector pre-installed at one end. Simplex pigtails are available in different fiber types, such as single-mode pigtails or multimode pigtails, to suit specific transmission requirements.

simplex single-mode pigtails comply with the G.657.A1 standard. These single-mode pigtails are designed with a 10mm minimum bend radius, ensuring enhanced flexibility and ease of installation. For multimode pigtails, we utilize Bend-Insensitive Fiber (BIF), which has a smaller bend radius of 7.5mm. This fiber type enables efficient transmission even in high-density splicing applications where space is limited.

latest company news about Choosing the Right MTP/MPO Cable: A Guide to Core Numbers  16

Unjacketed Color-coded Pigtails

Color-coded pigtails are fiber optic pigtails that incorporate a color-coding system to identify and differentiate individual fibers easily. Each fiber within the pigtail is assigned a unique color, typically achieved by coating the fiber or using colored buffer tubes. The color coding follows industry-standard color schemes, such as the TIA-598 or IEC-60793-1 standards.

Faster connector identification with color-coded pigtail avoids incorrect patching by possible fiber flipping. Technicians can quickly and accurately connect fibers to their corresponding counterparts in patch panels, splice enclosures, or other network components.

latest company news about Choosing the Right MTP/MPO Cable: A Guide to Core Numbers  17

Bunch pigtails

Bunch pigtails consist of multiple individual fibers bundled together in a single jacket. These fibers are typically color-coded for easy identification. Bunch pigtails are utilized for precise alignment of fiber optic components and are commonly deployed in fiber distribution panels and interconnect modules. They provide a convenient and organized solution for fiber splicing, allowing for efficient management and connection of multiple fibers.

latest company news about Choosing the Right MTP/MPO Cable: A Guide to Core Numbers  18

Ribbon Pigtails

Ribbon pigtails are similar to bunch pigtails but have a distinct structure. Instead of individual fibers, ribbon pigtails consist of multiple fibers arranged side by side and held together with a matrix material. These fibers are typically flat and aligned in a ribbon-like formation.

Ribbon pigtails offer a compact size, lightweight design, and high efficiency, which significantly reduces the cost associated with field fusion splicing. Ribbon pigtails are capable of simultaneously connecting multiple fibers, making them suitable for high-density fiber connections in environments like data centers, fiber distribution frames, and fiber switches.

latest company news about Choosing the Right MTP/MPO Cable: A Guide to Core Numbers  19

Diverse Product Types to Meet Varied Needs

Flexible Application: Different pigtails support both fusion and mechanical splicing for fiber cabling systems. we understands the importance of meeting varied needs, which is why we provide a wide selection of cable jacket options, including PVC, LSZH, and OFNP flame-retardant grades. every fiber comes with a tightly buffered coating, ensuring not only efficient protection but also enhanced performance.

Customization Services: We offer a wide range of options for customization, including LC, SC, FC, ST, and LSH connectors, allowing you to choose the connector type that best fits your specific requirements. Moreover, we provide flexibility in cable diameters, offering 0.9mm and 2.0mm, which enables convenient installation based on your needs. Additionally, our fiber counts range from 4 to 96, providing a variety of choices to accommodate different network configurations.

latest company news about Choosing the Right MTP/MPO Cable: A Guide to Core Numbers  20

Fiber Optic Pigtail: What Is It and How to Classify It?

 

In fiber optic cable installation, how cables are attached to the system is vital to the success of network. If done properly, optical signals would pass through the link with low attenuation and little return loss. Fiber optic pigtail offers an optimal way to joint optical fiber, which is used in 99% of single-mode applications. This post contains some basic knowledge of fiber optic pigtail, including pigtail connector types, fiber pigtail classifications.

Fiber Pigtail Specification

Fiber optic pigtail is a fiber optic cable terminated with a factory-installed connector on one end, leaving the other end terminated. Hence the connector side can be linked to equipment and the other side melted with optical fiber cables. Pigtail patch cords are utilized to terminate fiber optic cables via fusion or mechanical splicing. High-quality pigtail cables, coupled with correct fusion splicing practices offer the best performance possible for fiber optic cable terminations. Fiber optic pigtails are usually found in fiber optic management equipment like ODF, fiber terminal box and distribution box.

latest company news about Choosing the Right MTP/MPO Cable: A Guide to Core Numbers  21

 

 

 

fiber optic pigtails are available in various types: Grouped by pigtail connector type, there are LC fiber optic pigtails, SC fiber pigtails and ST fiber pigtails, etc. By fiber type, there are single-mode fiber optic pigtail and multimode fiber optic pigtail. And by fiber count, 6 fibers, 12 fibers optic pigtails can be found in the market.

By Fiber Type

Fiber optic pigtails can be divided into single-mode (colored yellow) and multimode (colored orange) fiber. Multimode fiber optic pigtails use 62.5/125 micron or 50/125 micron bulk multimode fiber cables and terminated them with multimode fiber optic connectors at one end. 10G multimode fiber cables (OM3 or OM4) are also available in pigtails. The jacket color of 10G OM3 and OM4 fiber optic pigtail is usually aqua. Single-mode fiber pigtail cables use 9/125 micron single-mode fiber cable and terminate with single-mode fiber connectors at one end.

By Connector Type

According to different types of pigtail cable connector terminated at the end, there are LC fiber pigtail, SC fiber pigtail, ST fiber pigtail, FC fiber pigtail, MT-RJ fiber pigtail, E2000 fiber pigtail and so on. With different structures and appearance, each of them has their own advantages in different applications and systems. Let’s go through some widely used ones.

SC Fiber Pigtail: SC pigtail cable connector is a non-optical disconnect connector with a 2.5mm pre-radiused zirconia or stainless alloy ferrule. SC fiber pigtail is economical for use in applications such as CATV, LAN, WAN, test and measurement.

FC Fiber Pigtail: FC fiber pigtail takes the advantage of the metallic body of FC optical connectors, featuring the screw type structure and high precision ceramic ferrules. FC pigtail patch cords and its related products are widely applied for general applications.

ST Fiber Pigtail: ST pigtail connector is the most popular connector for multimode fiber optic LAN applications. It has a long 2.5mm diameter ferrule made of ceramic (zirconia), stainless alloy or plastic. Hence SC fiber pigtails are commonly seen in telecommunications, industry, medical and sensor fields.

Like fiber optic patch cords, fiber optic pigtails can be divided into UPC and APC versions. Most commonly used types are SC/APC pigtail, FC/APC pigtail and MU/UPC pigtail.

latest company news about Choosing the Right MTP/MPO Cable: A Guide to Core Numbers  22

By Application Environment

Some pigtail cables are specially installed to withstand the harsh or extreme environments, so here comes armored fiber pigtail and waterproof fiber pigtail.

Armored Pigtail: enclosed with stainless steel tube or other strong steel inside the outer jacket, armored fiber optic pigtails provide extra protection for the fiber inside and added reliability for the network, while reducing the unnecessary damage caused by rodents, construction work, weight of other cables.

Waterproof Pigtail: designed with a stainless steel strengthened waterproof unit and armored outdoor PE (Poly Ethylene) jacket, waterproof fiber pigtail is a great fit in harsh environments, like communication towers, CATV and military. Waterproof pigtail cable boosts good toughness, tensile and reliable performance, facilitating the use of outdoor connections.

By Fiber Count

Fiber optic pigtails could have 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 24 and 48 strand fiber counts. Simplex fiber optic pigtail has one fiber and a connector on one end. Duplex fiber optic pigtail has two fibers and two connectors on one end. Each fiber is marked “A” or “B” or different colored connector boots are used to mark polarity. Similarly, 4, 6, 8, 12, 24, 48 and more than 48 fibers optical pigtails have their corresponding feature.

latest company news about Choosing the Right MTP/MPO Cable: A Guide to Core Numbers  23

Note: Fiber pigtails have female or male connectors. Female connectors could be mounted in a patch panel. And they also have male connectors that plugged directly into an optical transceiver.

Guide to Fiber Cable Splicing in Fiber Enclosure

There are two main techniques for fiber splicing: fusion splicing and mechanical splicing. When compared to fusion splicing, mechanical splicing is a simpler process. In this article, we will concentrate on fiber splice enclosures that incorporate fiber splice trays to outline the mechanical splicing steps.

What are Fiber Splice Trays?

A combination of fiber enclosure and splice tray is the fiber splice enclosure. A fiber splice tray is typically a tray or panel with slots or compartments where individual fiber optic cables can be neatly arranged and spliced together. It is deployed in fiber enclosures, where multiple fibers are terminated and spliced together to create a network connection. In this mechanical splicing, electricity is not necessary, but a fiber stripper and a fiber splitter are required for splicing. Thus, fiber splicing enclosure is an easier method and is perfect for short-term connections compared to fusion splicing which needs special instruments like an electric arc.

For example, the fiber splice tray for the FHD® (FS High Density) series can hold and protect up to 24/36 fiber optic splices within series rack-mount fiber enclosures. It is ideal for splicing OS1, OS2, OM1, OM2, and OM3/OM4 fiber to factory-terminated pigtails and is suitable for applications where fiber cable splicing yields installation time and labor cost benefits. In addition, it can protect fiber optic splices, guarantee proper fiber cable management and bend radius control, and allow for clear labeling and logical organization of the fiber optic splices.

latest company news about Choosing the Right MTP/MPO Cable: A Guide to Core Numbers  24

How to Splice Fiber Optic Cables

A Step-by-step Guide to Fiber Cables Splicing

Thanks to technological advancements, fiber cable splicing in fiber splice enclosures can be broken up into a handful of simple steps:

Strip the Fiber Jacket: Before fiber cable splicing, remove the cable jacket and coating. Using a tool like a fiber cable stripper, reduce the coating and exterior until all that is left are bare fiber cores.

Clean the Fibers: Use lint-free wipes and isopropyl alcohol to clean the fiber ends thoroughly. This helps to remove any dust, dirt, or contaminants that could negatively impact the splicing process.

Cleave the Fibers: Employ a quality fiber cleaver to create a smooth, flat, and perpendicular end face. A clean and precise cleave is essential for achieving low splice loss.

Fiber Alignment and Splicing: Align the prepared fiber ends, either manually for fiber cable splicing. Follow the manufacturer's instructions to secure the fibers using the mechanical splice connector, ensuring proper alignment and stability.

Splice Protection: Once the splicing is complete, the splice point is protected with a fiber splice enclosure and fiber optic splice protection sleeve to protect the splice from environmental factors.

Fiber Verification and Testing: Conduct thorough testing and verification of the spliced fibers to ensure signal integrity and optimal performance. Use specialized testing equipment, such as an OTDR (Optical Time Domain Reflectometer) or a power meter, to measure and verify the spliced fibers' performance.

Cable Management: Finally, organize and manage the spliced fibers within a fiber splice tray or fiber enclosure. Ensure proper strain relief and routing to protect the spliced portion from mechanical stress.

Tips for Fiber Cable Splicing

Follow these best practices to achieve successful and reliable fiber cable splicing in fiber splice enclosures:

Proper Fiber Handling: Handle fiber optic cables with care and avoid bending or twisting them beyond their specified bend radius. Protect the fibers from excessive tension or physical stress during splicing and routing.

Precision Cleaving: Use high-quality fiber cleavers to obtain clean and accurate fiber ends. Precise cleaving ensures optimal fusion or mechanical splicing and minimizes signal loss.

Fiber Cleaning: Thoroughly clean the fiber ends and connectors using lint-free wipes and appropriate cleaning solutions. Remove dirt, oils, and contaminants to maintain signal integrity and prevent connection issues.

Alignment and Fusion Techniques: When performing fusion splicing, ensure precise alignment and use the appropriate fusion splicing technique based on the fiber type and network requirements. For mechanical splicing, follow the manufacturer's instructions for secure and reliable connections.

Quality Testing: Validate the quality of splices using power meters, OTDRs, or other testing equipment. Measure signal strength, loss, or reflectance to ensure accurate and efficient data transmission.

Cable Management: Organize and protect spliced fibers using fiber splice trays, fiber enclosures, or protective sleeves. Avoid excessive strain on the cables and maintain proper routing to prevent damage and signal degradation.

latest company news about Choosing the Right MTP/MPO Cable: A Guide to Core Numbers  25

Conclusion

Successful fiber cable splicing depends on a combination of skill and the right tools and equipment. we can provide you with high-quality fiber cable splicing products, such as rack-mount fiber enclosures, wall-mount fiber enclosures, fiber splice trays, fiber cable strippers, and so on, which can not only improve the efficiency of fiber cable splicing operation but also improve the overall performance and reliability of fiber optical networks. If you want to know more about our products, please contact us cable production machine.

We are the professional manufactory of fiber optic equipments, providing a large variety of products to save you a lot of time, effort, and cost with our efficient self-customized service. Careful order preparation fast delivery service.

For more information and help, please contact with us freely.

 

We are expecting your comments and enquiry any time.

 

You are welcome to visit: https://www.szrbtxoptical.com/

latest company news about Choosing the Right MTP/MPO Cable: A Guide to Core Numbers  26