What are MTP® or MPO Fiber Optic Cables?

MTP® and MPO cables are cables that use MPO connectors to efficiently join components. Many of these cables come pre-terminated for even greater time savings.

History of MTP/MPO Cables

Fiber optic cables contain a glass core that rapidly transmits light signals with no electrical interference. Surrounding the core are layers of glass cladding, which reflect light back onto the core to prevent signal loss. As a result, fiber optic cables can transmit data for miles and miles with virtually no signal degradation. Typically, many of these strands are combined within a single jacket, which both protects and organizes its contents.

When high-density fiber optic networks first emerged, technicians had to terminate each individual fiber by hand. As network density increased, this process went from tedious and labor-intensive to completely time-prohibitive. Although high-density cables are critical for many applications, they need unique terminations. MPO, or multi-fiber push-on cables, are a common solution to this challenge, simplifying connectivity for multi-fiber components.

Multi-fiber push-on (MPO) connectors changed things by allowing technicians to rapidly terminate 8-12 cables in a single step. These connectors also saved significant space compared to individual terminations, paving the way for higher density, higher bandwidth networks.

MTP® Cables vs. MPO Cables

The terms "MTP® fiber optic cable" and "MPO fiber optic cable" are often used interchangeably, but they are not exactly the same. MTP® stands for Multi-fiber Termination Push-on, and it refers specifically to US Conec's MPO connectors. Thus, while all MTPs are MPOs, only US Conec's MPOs are MTPs.

While MTP® cables are similar to any other MPO, they offer certain features that are not available with generic connectors. Also, while MTPs and generic MPOs can be used in the same applications, MTPs tend to outperform other MPOs, offering better performance and more rugged construction.

MPO Cables

MPOs are array connectors with a push and pull connection method to enable rapid installation and maintenance. MPOs join at least two fibers, although the most common fiber counts are 12 and 24, especially in high-bandwidth and high-density settings. The connectors are regulated according to IEC 61754-7 and TIA/EIA 604-5 standards to ensure consistent performance and inter-compatibility. Male and female options are available, with precise alignment to prevent insertion loss.

The primary benefits of choosing an MPO include:

  • Easy installation and removal
  • Greater bandwidth and network density
  • Optimized cable organization
  • Versatile options for mating, polarity, jacket rating, and more

MTP® Cables

MTP® connectors are specialty MPOs that feature better build quality and overall performance than other connectors. Although MTPs are distinct from generic MPOs, they align with the same standards and can interconnect with any MPO-based infrastructure.

MTPs share all of the benefits of other MPOs, but with a heightened level of precision. Some of the characteristics that distinguish MTPs from other MPOs include:

  • Metal Pin Clamp. While most MPOs use plastic pin clamps, MTPs use metal clamps to minimize the chance of breakage.
  • Elliptical Guide Pins. Many MPOs have chamfered guide pins with sharp edges. These pins pose the risk of damaging ferrules, especially across repeated connections. Smooth elliptical pins reduce guide hole wear and minimize the chance of introducing debris into a connection.
  • Removable Housing. MTP® connectors have a removable housing, which makes it easier for users to change gender or polarity after installation. It also simplifies maintenance and re-polishing.
  • Floating Ferrule. A major disadvantage of some simpler MPOs is instability. MTPs feature a floating ferrule, so mated components remain in contact even if the housings shift relative to one another.

Overall, these features make MTPs both easier to use and more reliable than generic MPOs, and they remain some of the most trusted connectors among network professionals.

MTP® Cables vs. MPO Cables

The terms "MTP® fiber optic cable" and "MPO fiber optic cable" are often used interchangeably, but they are not exactly the same. MTP® stands for Multi-fiber Termination Push-on, and it refers specifically to US Conec's MPO connectors. Thus, while all MTPs are MPOs, only US Conec's MPOs are MTPs.

While MTP® cables are similar to any other MPO, they offer certain features that are not available with generic connectors. Also, while MTPs and generic MPOs can be used in the same applications, MTPs tend to outperform other MPOs, offering better performance and more rugged construction.

  • MPO Cables

    MPOs are array connectors with a push and pull connection method to enable rapid installation and maintenance. MPOs join at least two fibers, although the most common fiber counts are 12 and 24, especially in high-bandwidth and high-density settings. The connectors are regulated according to IEC 61754-7 and TIA/EIA 604-5 standards to ensure consistent performance and inter-compatibility. Male and female options are available, with precise alignment to prevent insertion loss.

    The primary benefits of choosing an MPO include:

    • Easy installation and removal
    • Greater bandwidth and network density
    • Optimized cable organization
    • Versatile options for mating, polarity, jacket rating, and more
  • MTP® Cables

    MTP® connectors are specialty MPOs that feature better build quality and overall performance than other connectors. Although MTPs are distinct from generic MPOs, they align with the same standards and can interconnect with any MPO-based infrastructure.

    MTPs share all of the benefits of other MPOs, but with a heightened level of precision. Some of the characteristics that distinguish MTPs from other MPOs include:

    • Metal Pin Clamp. While most MPOs use plastic pin clamps, MTPs use metal clamps to minimize the chance of breakage.
    • Elliptical Guide Pins. Many MPOs have chamfered guide pins with sharp edges. These pins pose the risk of damaging ferrules, especially across repeated connections. Smooth elliptical pins reduce guide hole wear and minimize the chance of introducing debris into a connection.
    • Removable Housing. MTP® connectors have a removable housing, which makes it easier for users to change gender or polarity after installation. It also simplifies maintenance and re-polishing.
    • Floating Ferrule. A major disadvantage of some simpler MPOs is instability. MTPs feature a floating ferrule, so mated components remain in contact even if the housings shift relative to one another.

    Overall, these features make MTPs both easier to use and more reliable than generic MPOs, and they remain some of the most trusted connectors among network professionals.