Tag Archives: OM3

Introduction to MPO/MTP Technology in 40 GbE

The increasing demands of bandwidth and high speed drive the emergence of 40 GbE, and even up to higher in the future. And the high-speed transmission requires high-density data center as the increasing created data need amount of cables and devices which take a lot of space and cost. Data centers have to achieve ultra-high density in cabling to accommodate all this cabling in the first place. Multimode fiber optics is the medium of the future for satisfying the growing need for transmission speed and data volume over short distances. Ultra-parallel connections involve tougher requirements in terms of the components and the handling of the connectors. The MPO/MTP technology has proven to be a practical solution. This article provides introductory information on MPO/MTP technology in 40 GbE.

MPO/MTP—Multi-fiber Connectors for High Port Density

Parallel optical channels with multi-fiber multimode optical fibers of the categories OM3 and OM4 are used for implementing 40 GbE. The small diameter of the optical fibers poses no problems in laying the lines, but the ports suddenly have to accommodate four or even ten times the number of connectors. This large number of connectors can no longer be covered with conventional individual connectors. That is why the 802.3ba standard incorporated the MPO multi-fiber connector for 40GBASE-SR4. It can contact 12 or 24 fibers in the tiniest of spaces. Next part describes this type of connector.

12 Fibers 10G OM4 Harness Cable, 12 Strands, MPO-HD to LC-HD Push Pull TAB Connector

MPO Connectors: Structure and Function

The MPO connector (known as multi-fiber push-on and also as multi-path push-on) 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. Eight fibers are needed for 40 GbE, which means four contacts remain non-interconnected in each case. MPO connectors and MTP (mechanical transfer push-on) connectors are no longer terminated on site because of the delicate multi-fiber structure and narrow tolerances involved. MPO/MTP connectors are therefore sold already terminated together with trunk cables. With this arrangement, customers have to plan line lengths precisely but are also assured top quality and short installation times. To achieve lower tolerances and better attenuation values, the American connectivity specialist US Conec developed the MTP connector. It has better optical and mechanical quality than the MPO. An MTP connector consists of a housing and a separate MT ferrule. The MT ferrule is a multi-fiber ferrule in which the fiber alignment depends on the eccentricity and positioning of the fibers and the holes drilled in the centering pins. The centering pins help control fiber alignment during insertion. Since the housing is detachable, the ferrules can undergo interferometric measurements and subsequent processing during the manufacturing process.

Conclusion

MPO/MTP connectors and fiber cables as the important part of the multi-fiber connection system, are designed for the reliable and quick operations in data centers. Fiberstore manufactures and distributes a wide range of MTP/MPO cable assemblies including trunk cables, harness cables and cassettes (or patch panels). And we also offer other kinds of transceiver and cable choices for your 40GbE applications, for example, HP JG709A 40GBASE-CSR4 QSFP+ transceiver, and Juniper QFX-QSFP-DAC-3M QSFP+ to QSFP+ passive copper cable, etc. Futhermore, customized service such as optional fiber counts, cable types and lengths are available.

Why Should We Choose 40GbE?

In today’s server networks, 10GbE (Gigabit Ethernet) has become commonplace. However, for some workloads, 10GbE might not be enough. As data centers virtualize more of their servers and storage, the need for speedy network connections increases. Believe it or not, the 40GbE (Gigabit Ethernet) era is already upon us. The standard has long been ratified, and products are shipping. However, there has been some debate as to whether IT managers should hold off on deploying the 40GbE technology and bide their time waiting for 100GbE to become commercially available. Why should we choose 40GbE?

40GbE: A Closer Look

40GbE is an Ethernet standard developed by the IEEE 802.3ba Task Force that support sending Ethernet frames at 40 gigabits per second. It also addresses physical layer specifications for communication across backplanes, copper cabling, multi-mode fiber and single-mode fiber. At the heart of the 40GbE network layer is a pair of transceivers connected by a cable, for example OM4 or OM3 fiber cable. The transceivers, in turn, are plugged into either network servers or a variety of components including interface cards and switches. 40GbE is becoming commonly applied to access links to connect servers as Figure 1 indicates.

40GbE application

Advanatges of Choosing 40GbE

40GbE can be effectively deployed today in aggregation links in data center networks. The standards for 40 GbE have been around as a specification, and a number of routers, switches, and network cards already operate at this speed. Vendors such as Cisco, Dell’s Force10, Mellanox, HP, Extreme Networks, Finisar, and Brocade offer such hardware. And another attractive characteristic of 40GbE is broad applications and design flexibility. Considering the productivity gains and decrease in operating expense (OPEX), migrating to 40GbE will prove very cost-effective for those who do it right.

In migrating to 40GbE, some networks will be able to use their current 10GbE switch chassis and just upgrade their line cards and transceivers. Deploying a QSFP+ form factor transceiver will provide the flexibility to migrate from 10GbE to 40GbE. With regards to cabling, OM3 or OM4 is optimal for the 40GbE or 100GbE data center environment. The major difference is in the maximum span distances. In a 10GbE network, OM3 fiber can span up to 300m while OM4 supports even longer channels. In a 40GbE or 100GbE environment, OM3 can be used up to 100m and OM4 up to 150m according to the IEEE802.3ba standard. For applications approaching 150m, the cable should be terminated with low loss connectors.

Conclusion

It is like building an eight-lane superhighway with dirt off ramps and interchanges. Unless you upgrade everything, it is totally useless. You bump into things like immature network interface card drivers that can hang up your entire system. 40GbE is like a bridge which enbales you to prepare for higher needs. Fiberstore is a professional manufacturer and supplier of a complete range of 40GbE transceiver modules and cables. We provide compatible QSFP+ transceivers as alternatives to those branded by Cisco, HP, Juniper, Brocade, Finisar and so on. For example, Brocade QSFP+ and Finisar QSFP+ offer by us are high-performance and cost-effective products to fulfill your requirements.