How to distinguish the quality of MTP/MPO wire?

1. Brand fiber optic core

MTP/MPO fiber optic optic patch cord are usually deployed in relatively small spaces, such as telecommunications distribution boxes, data center cabinets, etc. In these cases, the fiber core needs to have a curved arc. Inferior fiber core bending usually results in loss of signal and thus interruption of transmission. But brand optical fiber is different. For example, Corning optical fiber can greatly improve bending performance, minimize signal loss, and achieve faster and more efficient optical fiber wiring and installation. Therefore, brand fiber cores are very important for MTP/MPO fiber optic patch cord.

Figure 1: MTP/MPO fiber patch cord with Corning fiber core

2. MTP/MPO connector that meets industry standards

MTP/MPO fiber optic connectors can encapsulate 12, 24 or 72 fibers into one fiber to increase fiber density, so it is very popular in data centers with limited space. Industry-approved MTP/MPO connectors (such as US Conec or Senko connectors) can ensure the polarity of the MTP/MPO cable and reduce insertion loss and return loss. The MTP/MPO connector conforming to industry standards is sturdy and durable, and can be recycled hundreds of times. The interface between the connector and the fiber jumper is round, so the fiber jumper can be carried from any direction of the MTP/MPO connector port wiring simplifies the wiring structure.

Figure 2: MTP/MPO fiber optic patch cords with branded connectors

3. Insertion loss

Insert Loss (Insert Loss) refers to the loss of the effective optical power of the link caused by the insertion of a connector or plug. It is one of the key factors affecting the performance of the optical fiber network. The smaller the insertion loss, the better the network performance. In general, the insertion loss of MTP/MPO multi-mode fiber patch cords should not exceed 0.6 dB, and the insertion loss of single-mode MTP/MPO fiber patch cords should not exceed 0.75 dB. For single-mode and multi-mode MTP/MPO fiber jumpers with low insertion loss (high quality), the insertion loss is usually required to not exceed 0.35 dB. When choosing MTP/MPO fiber patch cords, you can choose a supplier that provides an insertion loss test report.

4. Flame retardant grade

The shell of MTP/MPO fiber jumper can be made of different materials, these materials have different fire resistance, can be divided into polyethylene (Polyethylene), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), low smoke zero halogen resistance (LSZH), etc., Most of them have good flame retardant properties. If there are higher requirements for the installation environment, such as suspended ceilings and raised floors, it is best to choose MTP/MPO fiber jumpers with a higher flame retardant rating, so that it is not easy to burn or smoke in the event of a fire. The following table lists common flame retardant grades and application scenarios.