What is the difference between MPO and MTP cable?
MPO and MTP cables may look similar, but they serve different functions. This article will explore their differences and help you understand which one is best for your needs.
Structure and Design
MTP stands for "Multifiber Termination Push-on/Pull-off" and is a registered trademark of the US Conec company. MPO, or "Multifiber Pull-off," is a generic term used to describe a similar connector. MPOs were developed earlier than MTPs and were originally designed for high-speed Telecom networks.
MTP cables have a high-density connector with 12 or 24 fibers arranged in a rectangular array. The connector is held in place by two metal guide pins. The connector is designed to push on and pull off, making it easy to insert and remove the cable. MTP cables are typically used in data centers for high-speed applications such as 40G and 100G Ethernet.
MPO cables have a similar structure to MTP cables but are typically 12-fiber connectors instead of 24. They also use a push-pull connector with metal guide pins. These connectors are typically used in Telecom and other industries that require large amounts of data transmission over long distances.
Fiber Count
As mentioned above, MTP cables typically have 12 or 24 fibers, while MPO cables usually have 12. This means that MTP cables can potentially transmit more data than MPO cables.
Polishing and Performance
MTP cables use a higher-grade polishing process than MPO cables, resulting in better performance. MTP connectors typically have lower insertion loss and higher return loss than MPO connectors. This means that MTP cables can transmit signals over longer distances than MPO cables.
Applications
MTP cables are typically used in data centers for high-speed applications such as 40G and 100G Ethernet. They are also used in fiber-optic communication networks and other applications that require high-speed data transmission over long distances.
MPO cables are typically used in Telecom and other industries that require large amounts of data transmission over long distances. They are also used in data centers for lower-speed applications such as 10G Ethernet.
Compatibility
MTP connectors are designed to be backwards compatible with MPO connectors, meaning that MTP cables can be used with MPO connectors and vice versa. However, it is important to note that not all MPO connectors are compatible with all MTP connectors. This is because different manufacturers may use slightly different designs for their connectors.
Conclusion
MTP and MPO cables may look similar, but they serve different functions. MTP cables are typically used in data centers for high-speed applications such as 40G and 100G Ethernet. They have a high-density connector with 12 or 24 fibers arranged in a rectangular array. MPO cables are typically used in Telecom and other industries that require large amounts of data transmission over long distances. They also use a push-pull connector with metal guide pins. MTP connectors are designed to be backwards compatible with MPO connectors, but it is important to check for compatibility before using them together.
In conclusion, understanding the differences between MTP and MPO cables is important when choosing the right cable for your needs. Consider the fiber count, polishing, performance and applications before making your decision.