High-density Cabling With MTP/MPO Connectors

With the expected increase in use of 40 Gbps and 100 Gbps, there is an increasing demand for higher and higher density fiber cabling solutions. Existing and emerging network technologies are driving the need for increased data rates and fiber usage in the data center. High-density cabling with MTP/MPO connectors is essential to address these trends to provide an easy migration from duplex fiber serial transmission to 12- and 24-fiber parallel optics transmission.

What Is MTP / MPO Connector

The MPO connector is a multi-fiber connector defined according to IEC 61754-7 and TIA/EIA 604-5 that can accommodate up to 72 fibers in the tiniest of spaces, comparable to an RJ45 connector. MPO connectors are most commonly used for 12 or 24 fibers. To achieve lower tolerances and better attenuation values, the US Conec developed the MTP connector which has better optical and mechanical quality than the MPO. MTP/MPO connectors provide the following benefits:

• A single 12 fiber connector at one end connects to multiple duplex connectors at the other end such as LC or SC
• Linking cables can be pre-connected to modules which are then placed in patch panels above the equipment
• Modules can be replaced and upgraded if required
• Scalable and adaptive to technology changes
• Module can be replaced with a fan-out and adapter plate if required

MTP / MPO Cable Assemblies

Since field termination is becoming widely available, MTP/MPO technology and MTP/MPO cable assemblies listed below are becoming more and more popular.

MTP / MPO Trunk Cable

MTP/MPO trunk cables are terminated with the MTP/MPO connectors. Trunk cables are available with 12, 24, 48 and 72 fibers. MTP/MPO trunk cables are designed for data center applications. The plug and play solutions uses micro core cable to maximize bend radius and minimize cable weight and size.

MTP / MPO Cable Harness

MTP / MPO cable harness is also called MTP / MPO breakout cable or MTP / MPO fan-out cable. This cable has a single MTP connector on one end That breaks out into 6 or 12 connectors (LC, SC, ST, etc.). The MTP / MPO harness assembly has Become a popular method for connections into high-port-count network switches.

Push-Pull MTP / MPO Patch Cable

A push and pull cable has the same components and internal-structure as the traditional patch cords, except a tab attached to the connector used for pushing or pulling the whole connector. This small push-pull tab looks simple but it is functional for high density cabling in 40/100G migration. The Push-Pull MTP/MPO patch cable for highest density allows high-density MTP presentation underneath SAN switches or proximate to super computers. It also provides access to 192 MTP connections in 2U of height space.

The Trend for High-density Cabling

MTP/MPO style pre-terminated cables offer a market-leading low loss, fast and efficient connection system particularly suited to the data center and storage area network environment. The following factors lead to the trend for high-density cabling:

• Reduced cable size and increased air-flow to equipment
• High Density blade servers with hundreds of ports
• Virtualisation and cloud-computing
• High real-estate costs for rack space
• Reduced installation times
• Structured cabling approach (zone approach)
• 40G and 100G parallel optics

Fiberstore offers you a wide selection of MTP/MPO style pre-terminated cables including MTP/MPO trunk cable, MTP/MPO harness cable, Push-Pull MTP/MPO patch cable. Besides, we also provide Push-Pull tab LC patch cord and other related fiber cables. All these cables are with high flexibility and reliability. They can be customized according to your special requirements.

Factors in Preparing for 40/100G Ethernet Migration

With the increased demands on data center throughput, 40/100G Ethernet is an integral component of today’s data center. The implementation of 40/100G Ethernet is dependent upon a variety of organizational factors, including existing infrastructure, budget, throughput demand and leadership priority. In this article, we will discuss the factors that need to be considered when preparing for 40/100G Ethernet migration.

Link distances and loss amounts

As data center speeds increase, optical loss budgets decrease. Optical loss occurs over cabling distance and at mating points where connections are made. Since most data center cabling runs are shorter distances (compared to long-haul campus runs), the inherent losses from distance in a data center are somewhat negligible compared to the losses incurred from mating points. As connections in the data center increase to improve manageability, performance suffers. This is because added connections contribute to increased dB loss. Thus, a balance must be maintained between manageability and performance.

Cabling infrastructure design

Recommended cabling infrastructure deployments in the data center are based on guidance found in Telecommunications Infrastructure Standard for Data Centers, or TIA-942. Cabling deployed in the data center today must be selected to support data rate applications of the future. Since parallel-optics technology requires data transmission across multiple fibers simultaneously, a multifiber (or array) connector is required. Using MPO-based connectivity in today's installations is a simple and easy deployment. Starting with 10G, a 12-fiber MPO cable is deployed between the two 10G switches. Modules are used at the end to transition from the 12-fiber MPO to LC duplex. When it is with 40G, the use of a 12-fiber or 24-fiber MPO jumper is needed to establish connectivity between the switches.

Connectivity options

When migrating to 40/100G speeds, there are several connectivity options to consider when planning your cabling infrastructure. The first uses long-haul (LX) transceivers with single-mode (SM) cabling. Data is transmitted via serial transmission. In order to work effectively over long distances, the lasers used in LX transceivers are extremely precise and expensive. This drastically increases the overall cost of an LX/SM connectivity solution. The next option uses short-haul (SX) transceivers with multi-mode cabling. Data is transmitted via parallel optic transmission. Parallel optic transmission aggregates multiple fibers for transmission and reception. Taking the 40G SR4 transmission for example, Finisar FTL410QE2C compatible 40GBASE-SR4 QSFP+ transceiver operates in four channels over multi-mode cabling, four fibers transmitting at 10G each, while four fibers receiving at 10G each. This means a total of eight strands of fiber will be utilized for a 40G Ethernet channel.

Fiber types

If multi-mode cables are being used to migrate to 40/100G Ethernet, it is recommended they be OM3 or OM4 fiber, replacing any OM1 or OM2 fiber cables. OM4, the newest fiber type on the market, transmits the most bandwidth and is more effective over longer distances. OM4 is highly recommended for any new installs as it provides the longest lifespan in a cabling infrastructure.

In conclusion, in order to migrate your network to 40/100G Ethernet smoothly, you are supposed to consider all these factors that may influence comprehensively. Only when you evaluate your current cabling infrastructure and choose the right connectivity methods can you ensure a smooth and trouble-free migration.

Cabling Options for 40Gbps Parallel Optical Modules

With speeds in the data center now increasing from 10 Gbps to 40 Gbps and eventually to 100 Gbps, different optical technologies and cabling infrastructure are required. The QSFP+ transceiver is the dominant transceiver form factor used for 40 Gigabit Ethernet applications. In 2010 the IEEE standard 802.3ba released several 40-Gbps based solutions, including a 40GBASE-SR4 parallel optics solution for MMF. Since then, several engineered solutions have been released, including 40GBASE-CSR4, which is similar to 40GBASE-SR4 but extends the distance capabilities. This article will mainly introduce the typical cabling components and the cabling options for 40Gbps parallel optical modules.

Typical Cabling Components

MTP trunk cable—These fiber trunk cables are typically 12 to 144 fibers and create the permanent fiber links between patch panels in a structured environment. They are pre-terminated from the manufacturer with MTP connectors at a specified length and have a pulling grip for easy installation. Connector housings — The connector housings are physically mounted in a 19-inch rack or cabinet. They are typically offered in various sizes such as 1 rack unit (1RU), 2RU, or 4RU, which refers to the amount of rack space required for mounting. MTP connector panel — The MTP-MTP connector panel (sometimes called the bulkhead) is installed in the housings. It offers a connection point between the MTP trunk and the MTP jumper for 40- and 100-Gbps applications. The trunk cables plug into the rear of the panel, and the MTP jumpers plug into the front of the panel. LC or MTP jumpers — The LC or MTP jumpers create the connection between the device port and the structured cabling through the connector panel. For instance, Fiberstore provides Push-Pull LC cable which utilizes a flexible “pull-tab” allowing for the connector to be disengaged easily from densely loaded panels without the need for special tools.

Cabling Options for 40-Gbps Parallel Optical Modules

In 2010 IEEE 802.3ba approved the 40GBASE-SR4 physical-medium-dependent (PMD) multimode parallel optic solution, which uses eight fibers to transmit four duplex channels each at 10 Gigabit Ethernet. Each transceiver transmits over four fibers and also receives transmissions over four fibers.

Also as previously mentioned, parallel optics does require a change from traditional cabling methods, which requires learning and so creates an incentive to move to the bidirectional solution at 40 Gigabit Ethernet. The main advantage of the parallel optics transceiver over the bidirectional transceiver at 40 Gigabit Ethernet is reach. For example, if you cable your data center with OM3 fiber at 10 Gigabit Ethernet, you can support distances up to 300m. Then if you move to 40 Gigabit Ethernet, you can support the same 300m distance with the same OM3 fiber and a 40GBASE-CSR4 transceiver.

Connectivity Options

Apart from the fiber optic cabling connectivity options for 40G optical modules, there are also some other alternatives to support the 40G network systems. The table below gives you a comprehensive list of these connectivity options and compare them in view of their applications as well.

Fiberstore offers a wide range of 40G cabling assemblies, such as MTP-LC, MTP-ST, MTP-FC, MTP-MU, etc. Besides, we can also customize according to your special needs. All fiber counts are available in plenum, riser, or outdoor ratings to suit different kinds of environment. Our high quality factory pre-termination eliminates the need for costly field termination and testing.

QSFP+ in the 40 Gigabit Ethernet Fiber Optic Media Systems

As data centers consolidate into more complex systems, they take advantage of new speed increases and technologies. With speeds in the data center now increasing from 10 Gbps to 40 Gbps and eventually to 100 Gbps, the application for 40 Gigabit Ethernet is becoming more and more popular. There are two 40 Gigabit fiber optic physical medium dependent (PMD) specifications in the standard, which provide 40 Gb/s Ethernet over multimode fiber optic (MMF) cable and single-mode fiber optic (SMF) cable. The 40GBase-SR4 short reach fiber optic system sends four lanes of PCS data over four pairs of multimode cables, for a total of eight fiber strands. The 40GBase-LR long-reach system sends four lanes of PCS data four wavelengths of light, carried over a single pair of fiber optic cables.

The most popular connection option for 40 Gb/s interfaces is the QSFP+ module: it takes up much less space on a switch or server interface, making it possible for vendors to provide multiple QSFP+ transceiver module for 40GBase-SR4 is provided with a multifiber push-on (MPO) media connector, carrying multiple pairs of fiber optic cables to support the four lanes of data for the short reach fiber standard. The 40GBase-LR4 long-reach system uses a QSFP+ transceiver equipped with a duplex fiber connector for connecting to the single pair of fiber cables.

QSFP+ transceiver is a hot-swappable, parallel fiber-optical module with four independent optical transmit and receive channels. These channels can terminate in another 40-Gigabit QSFP transceiver, or the channels can be broken out to four separate 10-Gigabit SFP+ transceivers. The QSFP+ transceiver link length for either 40 Gigabit Ethernet or high density 10 Gigabit Ethernet application is up to 100 m using OM3 fiber or 150 m using OM4 fiber. These modules are designed to operate over multimode fiber systems using a nominal wavelength of 850nm.

The QSFP+ cable assemblies are designed to accommodate stacked and ganged connector configurations in extremely high density requirements. They support 40G Ethernet, InfiniBand, SAS and SONET/SDH standards with different data rate options. The optical QSFP+ MTP cable assemblies and loopbacks meet the QSFP+ interface specification. Cables are constructed with 12-fiber 3.00mm round cable for data center interconnect cable assembly applications. QSFP+ breakout cable assemblies are available for SFP+ or patch panel installations. For example, Juniper EX-QSFP-40GE-DAC-50CM compatible QSFP+ to QSFP+ copper cable from Fiberstore is suitable for very short distances and offers a very cost-effective way to establish a 40-gigabit link between QSFP ports of Juniper switches within racks and across adjacent racks.

As the main fiber optical manufacturer and supplier in China, Fiberstore provides a wide range of QSFP+ transceivers are 100% compatible with major brands like Cisco, HP, Juniper, Nortel, Force10, D-link, 3Com. They are backed by a lifetime warranty, and you can buy with confidence. We also can customize optical transceivers to fit your specific requirements.

Guide to 40 Gigabit Ethernet Options

Data centers regularly undertake their own great migration from 10G to 40G , 100G and even higher speed networks. 40 Gigabit Ethernet is a standard that enables the transfer of Ethernet frames at speeds of up to 40 gigabits per second (Gbps), allowing 40 Gigabit Ethernet-enabled equipment to handle traffic at the aggregation and core layers. A right and cost-effective solution for 40 Gigabit Ethernet is very necessary in data center communications. The 40GbE transceiver options and cabling options will be introduced in this article.

40GbE Transceiver Options

As with any new generation of technology, one design goal was to leverage as much existing technology as possible. By minimizing the number of new interfaces, the interfaces become less expensive and take advantage of volume production and simplicity. To meet this design goal, there are three media modules will be used in the first generation of 40 Gigabit Ethernet: QSFP, CXP and CFP.

QSFP The Quad Small-Form-Factor Pluggable (QSFP) is similar in size to the CXP and provides four transmit and four receive lanes to support 40 Gigabit Ethernet applications for multimode fiber and copper today and may serve single-mode in the future. Another future role for the QSFP may be to serve 100 Gigabit Ethernet when lane rates increase to 25 Gbps.

CXP The CXP transceiver features 12 transmit and 12 receive 10-Gbps lanes to support one 100 Gigabit Ethernet port, or up to three 40 Gigabit Ethernet ports. It can achieve rates up to 120 Gbps of pluggable data over 12 lanes in one assembly while enhanced-footprint connectors transmit signals over 10 lanes for up to 100 Gbps.

CFP The C Form-Factor Pluggable (CFP) is a new media module that was designed for longer-reach applications, with up to 24 watts of power dissipation. Its dense electrical connectors and integrated, riding heat sink enable a range of interfaces. This module is used for 40GBASE-SR4, 40GBASE-LR4.

40GbE Cabling Options

Cables used in 40 Gigabit Ethernet mainly include passive and active direct attach copper cables and active optical cable (AOC). The QSFP+ passive or active direct attach copper cables are designed with twinax copper cable and terminated with QSFP+ connectors. For instance, Cisco QSFP-H40G-CU1M compatible QSFP+ to QSFP+ passive copper cable is suitable for very short distances and offer a very cost-effective way to establish a 40-gigabit link between QSFP port and SFP+ port of Cisco switches within racks and across adjacent racks. The main difference between passive QSFP+ DAC and active QSFP+ DAC is that the passive one is without the active component. AOC is used for short-range multi-lane data communication and interconnect applications. It uses electrical-to-optical conversion on the cable ends to improve speed and distance performance of the cable without sacrificing compatibility with standard electrical interfaces.

Fiberstore offers a comprehensive solution for 40 Gigabit Ethernet. We have a wide range of 40G optical transceivers which are 100% compatible with many famous brands, like Mellanox QSFP+ (MC2210411-SR4), Finisar QSFP+ (FTL410QE2C), etc. Besides, we also provide high-quality and cost-effective cables such as QSFP+ cable, MTP trunk cable, LC to MTP jumpers, etc.