An Guide on MTP Fiber Connector

MTP, short for Multi-fiber Termination Push-on, is the standardized terminating end of a multi-fiber cable which can support for all practical intents and purposes up to 24 fiber strands per connector. The MTP fiber connector is an improved, proprietary version of the standard MPO cable connector in respect to attenuation and reflection, but it adopts the same form-factor and multiplex push-pul coupling type. Developed by US Conec, the MTP connector has been enhanced in overall performance by implementing structural improvements and higher quality materials.

For What Reason to Choose an MTP Fiber Connector?

As the MTP fiber connector significantly reduces the amount of insertion loss experienced when mating connectors. It allows optical fiber networks run much more efficiently, especially at high data transfer rates of 40G and 100G. MTP is therefore the best connector for cables to be utilized in environments which require the absolute best performance currently available.

MTP cable and connector have also gained popularity with installers. Due to being able to route dozens of individual fiber strands using a single lightweight fiber cable assembly. Each MTP connector is able to host 8 to 144 individual fibers within a single connector body. Although 8, 12 and 24 fibers are the most commonly used in today’s communication and datacenter industry. These high density and high performance optical connectors are able to reduce the overall bulk and cost associated with installing large quantities of individual fiber patch panels. As a result, MTP cable allows a network to be up and running in minimum time.

What Is the Polarity for MTP Cable Connector?

MTP polarity refers to the order and sequence of the internal fiber strands and their position within the connector in which they are terminated. The polarity of an MTP cable connector determines which strand is used for transmitting or receiving data and therefore its compatibility with networking hardware like optical transceivers, switches and patch panels. Typically referred to as Method A, B, C and Z, the polarity of connectors can get rather complicated. For more information on this please read our MTP polarity guide. MTP 8 and 12 fiber cable assemblies feature the unique ability of having their polarities swapped from A to B or vice versa. This to keep downtime to a minimum and improves a cable re usability in the event of network restructuring.

MTP Cable Connector Gender and Color

Each MTP connector is either of the Pinned (male) or Non-Pinned (female) variety. A connector in a fixed location is a jack and a movable connector is a plug. Pinned (male) connectors are most commonly used at end points. Such as in a fiber patch panel or fiber cassette for redistribution. Our connectors are available in a variety of distinct colors. These vivid selections allow a network installer to easily identify which mode and polish is contained within the fiber cable assembly and reduces downtime due to misconfigured equipment.

Summary

Regardless of whatever technology you’re working with, it is worth the cost to make MTP cables part of your data center build-out, and embrace the advantage of the time savings, space efficiencies, and simplicity synonymous that come with the MTP technology.