What is an MTP Fiber Connector?
MTP® is an acronym for Multi-fiber Termination Push-on and is the standardized terminating end of a multi-fiber cable that supports for all practical intents and purposes up to 24 fiber strands per connector. The MTP fiber connector is an improved, proprietary version of the standard MPO (Multi-Fiber Push-On) connector in respect to attenuation and reflection, yet uses the same form-factor and multiplex push-pul coupling type (SNAP). Developed by US Conec, the MTP connector increases overall performance by implementing structural improvements and higher quality materials.
The ferrule is same as MT (Mechanical Transfer) but is more easily reconnectable. Over time and under load, an MPO connector may show performance degradation and may compromise reliable transmission of high performance signals. Manufacturing improvements of its structural components have led to reduced insertion losses which will not change excessively under possible temperature fluctuations due to high amounts of traffic and a secure reliable connection can be maintained. The MTP optical connector is fully compliant with the MPO standard and therefore fully backwards compatible and capable of intermating with any MPO related equipment. For additional information, see the difference between MTP and MPO Connectors post.
Why choose an MTP Connector?
As the MTP connector significantly reduces the amount of insertion loss experienced when mating connectors. It allows optical fiber networks run much more efficiently, especially at high data transfer rates of 40G and 100G. MTP is therefore the best connector to be utilized in environments which require the absolute best performance currently available.
MTP fiber optic cables and connectors have also gained popularity with installers. Due to being able to route dozens of individual fiber strands using a single lightweight fiber cable assembly. Each MTP connector is able to host 8 to 144 individual fibers within a single connector body. Although 8, 12 and 24 fibers are the most commonly used in today’s communication and datacenter industry. These high density and high performance optical connectors are able to reduce the overall bulk and cost associated with installing large quantities of individual fiber patch panels. As a result, allowing a network to be up and running in minimum time.
MTP Elite Connectors
MTP® Elite connectors represent an even further improvement in fiber optic connectivity. And currently are the highest performing Multi-Fiber connectors on the market. Because the diameter and location of the mating pins and holes of the MTP Elite Connector are manufactured under an even more stringent and higher quality standard than the regular MTP fiber connectors, its performance is therefore best in class and unsurpassed in the industry. Combined with OptoSpan's proprietary Fibershield technology, OptoSpan MTP Elite Fiber cables provide the premier choice for discriminating buyers who have the highest performance and bandwidth requirements. For a more elaborate specification comparison of MTP and MTP Elite connectors, please see the comparison table at the bottom of this article.
What is MTP Polarity ?
MTP polarity refers to the order and sequence of the internal fiber strands and their position within the connector in which they are terminated. The polarity of an MTP fiber connector determines which strand is used for transmitting or receiving data and therefore its compatibility with networking hardware like optical transceivers, switches and patch panels. Typically referred to as Method A, B, C and Z, the polarity of connectors can get rather complicated. For more information on this please read our MTP polarity guide. MTP 8 and 12 fiber cable assemblies feature the unique ability of having their polarities swapped from A to B or vice versa. This to keep downtime to a minimum and improves a cable re usability in the event of network restructuring.
MTP Fiber Connector gender and color
Each MTP connector is either of the Pinned (male) or Non-Pinned (female) variety. A connector in a fixed location is a jack and a movable connector is a plug. Pinned (male) connectors are most commonly used at end points. Such as in a fiber patch panel or fiber cassette for redistribution. Our connectors are available in a variety of distinct colors. These vivid selections allow a network installer to easily identify which mode and polish is contained within the fiber cable assembly and reduces downtime due to misconfigured equipment.
MTP HD fiber connectors feature convenient push/pull tabs for easy installation or removal within crowded fiber patch panels or similar accessories. This eliminates the necessity to remove the surrounding fiber patch cables in order to access the desired fiber connection.
MTP FIBER CONNECTOR SPECIFICATIONS |
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| MULTIMODE MTP® OPTICAL SPECIFICATIONS | ||
| MTP | MTP ELITE | |
| Insertion Loss | 0.20 dB Typical (All Fibers) | 0.10 dB Typical (All Fibers) |
| 0.60 dB Maximum (Single Fiber) | 0.35 dB Maximum (Single Fiber) | |
| Optical Return Loss | > 20dB | > 20dB |
| SINGLE-MODE MTP® OPTICAL SPECIFICATIONS | ||
| MTP | MTP ELITE | |
| Insertion Loss | 0.25 dB Typical (All Fibers) | 0.10 dB Typical (All Fibers) |
| 0.75 dB Maximum (Single Fiber) | 0.35 dB Maximum (Single Fiber) | |
| Optical Return Loss | > 60 dB (8° Angle Polish) | > 60 dB (8° Angle Polish) |
| PHYSICAL MTP® SPECIFICATIONS | ||
| MULTIMODE | SINGLE-MODE | |
| Optical Return Loss |
> 60 dB (8° Angle Polish)
|
> 60 dB (8° Angle Polish) |
| Durability | 1000 mating cycles < 0.2 dB change | 500 mating cycles < 0.3 dB change |
MTP®, MTP Elite® are registered trademarks of US Conec®