Data centre
MPO cables and LC patch cords, configured to the link
MPO cables, as trunks or MPO to LC breakouts, and LC duplex patch cords, fixed attribute by attribute and checked against the rules that decide whether they mate, then quoted for your quantity.
- Fiber
- OM3, OM4, OM5 or OS2sets the reach
- Connector
- MPO-12, MPO-16, MPO-24, LC duplexsets the fiber count
- Polarity
- Type A, B or C; A to B or A to Aone method per link
- Pinning and end face
- pinned or unpinned; PC or APCmust match the port
- Length and jacket
- 0.5 m steps; CPR Euroclassset by the route and the building
A fiber assembly either mates with the port at each end or it does not. Few attributes decide it: the connector and fiber count, the fiber type, the polarity method, which end carries the pins, and the end face. Each family below is configured attribute by attribute, and a combination that cannot mate is refused before it reaches your list.
Every configuration gets a code that travels unchanged into the request, the quotation and the delivery note, so the assembly that arrives is the one you chose.
Assemblies
Rules the configurator applies
| Choice | Rule | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Multimode MPO-12 and MPO-24 end face | Flat (PC); angled is refused | Multimode MPO-12 and MPO-24 ports are flat polished |
| MPO-16 end face | Angled (APC), multimode included; flat is refused | The 400G SR8 interface is angled, and its offset key mates only with MPO-16 |
| Single mode MPO end face | Angled (APC) unless your equipment is flat | A flat face on an angled port leaves an air gap |
| Pinned and unpinned | A mated pair is one pinned and one unpinned connector | The pins align the two ferrules |
| Polarity | Type A, B or C, kept to one method across the link | Mixed methods cross transmit onto transmit |
| LC patch cords | UPC on multimode; APC only on single mode; UPC mates with UPC and APC with APC | Angled LC faces are single mode only |
| Trunk fire class | A CPR Euroclass, with declaration of performance and CE marking | Permanently installed cable in an EU building falls under the Construction Products Regulation |
Each configuration is checked again when the request arrives, so a refused combination never reaches a manufacturer.
Reach by fiber type, common Ethernet links
| Application | Fibers | OM3 | OM4 | OM5 | OS2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100GBASE-SR4 | 8 on MPO-12 | 70 m | 100 m | 100 m | n/a |
| 400GBASE-SR8 | 16 on MPO-16 | 70 m | 100 m | not stated | n/a |
| 400GBASE-SR4.2 | 8 on MPO-12 | 70 m | 100 m | 150 m | n/a |
| 400GBASE-DR4 | 8 on MPO-12 | n/a | n/a | n/a | 500 m |
Reach from IEEE 802.3 as published in transceiver data sheets (Cisco), for the stated application with standard connector loss. A link with more connections reaches less. "Not stated" means the data sheets read give no figure.
Fibre in a UK building
In Great Britain the Construction Products Regulation continues as assimilated law, and EN 50575, the reaction to fire standard for communication cables in construction works, is one of its designated standards. A cable installed permanently under it needs a declaration of performance, and the government accepts UKCA, CE or CE with UK(NI) marking; since a ministerial statement of 2 September 2024, CE has no end date.
BS 6701:2016+A1:2017 governs the installation, operation and maintenance of telecommunications cabling in the UK, and its 2017 amendment added the choice of cables by reaction to fire, the clause BS 7671 points to. Where a trunk passes through a fire separating wall or floor, Approved Document B asks for the opening to be fire stopped and kept as small as practicable.
Questions buyers ask
Is MPO the same as MTP?
MTP is a registered trademark of US Conec for its MPO connector. The assemblies here are specified as MPO to IEC 61754-7; if your specification names MTP, say so in the request and the quotation states the connector brand.
Can I order without a quotation?
Not yet. Each assembly is quoted for your quantity and destination, with price, availability and delivery per line.
Building or expanding a facility?
Send the whole equipment schedule as one project, each item with its own requirements.