1. MTP-LC Cable (Кабель MTP - LC)
An MTP-LC cable is a fiber-optic cable that connects a high-density MTP/MPO connector to multiple LC connectors. MTP (Multi-fiber Termination Push-on) or MPO (Multi-fiber Push On) connectors can support 8, 12, 24, or more fibers in a single rectangular interface, while LC connectors are smaller, widely used in network equipment like switches and servers.
Key Features
- High-density connectivity – A single MTP connector can break out into multiple LC connectors, enabling high-density deployment in limited space.
- Ease of installation – Reduces installation time by eliminating the need to terminate each fiber individually.
- Supports single-mode and multimode fibers – Compatible with both OS1/OS2 single-mode fibers and OM3/OM4/OM5 multimode fibers.
- Hot-swappable deployment – Can be connected or disconnected without disrupting network operations.
Applications
- Connecting MTP trunk cables to LC-based patch panels or devices
- Data center top-of-rack (ToR) and end-of-row (EoR) deployments
- Network upgrades from 10G/40G to 100G and beyond
- High-performance computing (HPC) clusters
MTP-LC cables are particularly valuable in high-density environments where existing LC-based equipment needs to connect to new MPO/MTP backbone cabling.
2. MTP/MPO Trunk Cable (Транковый кабель MTP/MPO)
An MTP/MPO trunk cable is a multi-fiber cable that uses MTP/MPO connectors on both ends. These cables are designed to carry a large number of fibers between network equipment, patch panels, or optical distribution frames. Trunk cables serve as the backbone of high-density fiber-optic networks.
Key Features
- High fiber count – Available with 8, 12, 24, 48, or more fibers in a single cable.
- Low insertion loss – Ensures minimal signal degradation over the connection.
- Durable construction – Designed for repeated plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-term reliability.
- Modular deployment – Works with breakout or harness cables to distribute individual fibers to LC or SC connectors.
Applications
- Data center backbone cabling
- Interconnecting optical distribution frames (ODFs)
- High-capacity networks requiring 40G, 100G, or 400G connectivity
- Simplifying fiber management in dense environments
MTP/MPO trunk cables enable data centers and enterprises to maintain a scalable and organized infrastructure while supporting high-bandwidth applications.
3. MTP/MPO Fiber Patch Cord (Волоконный патч-корд MTP MPO)
An MTP/MPO fiber patch cord is a pre-terminated fiber-optic cable with MTP/MPO connectors on one or both ends. These patch cords provide a ready-to-use solution for connecting network equipment, patch panels, or trunk lines. They are widely used in high-density environments for both short- and medium-distance applications.
Key Features
- Pre-terminated solution – Saves installation time and reduces errors compared to field termination.
- High-performance transmission – Maintains low insertion loss and high return loss for reliable signal quality.
- Flexible configurations – Available in single-mode and multimode fibers, and with various fiber counts.
- Compatibility – Works with MTP/MPO backbone networks, LC breakout cables, and high-speed switches.
Applications
- Connecting MTP trunk cables to patch panels
- Extending fiber runs in high-density data centers
- Supporting 40G, 100G, and 400G Ethernet connections
- Ensuring reliable connections in high-performance computing (HPC) clusters
MTP/MPO patch cords are ideal for rapid deployment and maintenance in dense network environments, ensuring high-speed and reliable data transmission.
4. Benefits of Using MTP/MPO Connectivity Solutions
Utilizing MTP-LC cables, MTP/MPO trunk cables, and MTP/MPO patch cords provides multiple benefits for modern optical networks:
- High density – MTP/MPO connectors consolidate multiple fibers in a single interface, saving rack and cabinet space.
- Scalability – Modular trunk and breakout solutions allow networks to scale without major infrastructure changes.
- Reduced installation time – Pre-terminated MTP/MPO cables eliminate the need for manual termination and splicing.
- Flexibility – Breakout cables enable seamless connectivity between high-density backbone links and legacy LC/SC devices.
- Cost efficiency – Reduces labor and maintenance costs while maximizing network performance and reliability.
These solutions are particularly useful in enterprise networks, hyperscale data centers, cloud computing environments, and high-performance computing clusters.
5. Choosing the Right Cable
When selecting MTP/MPO connectivity solutions, consider:
- Fiber type – Single-mode for long-distance transmission, multimode for shorter distances.
- Number of fibers – Trunk cables come in 12, 24, 48, or higher counts depending on the application.
- Application environment – High-density racks may require MTP-LC breakout cables, while backbone connections rely on trunk cables.
- Distance and bandwidth requirements – Ensure the cable supports the intended Ethernet standard (10G, 40G, 100G, 400G).
- Connector compatibility – Check that MTP/MPO connectors match the existing network equipment.
Choosing the right configuration ensures optimal performance, easier maintenance, and future-proofing of the network infrastructure.
Conclusion
MTP-LC cables, MTP/MPO trunk cables, and MTP/MPO fiber patch cords are fundamental components of modern high-speed fiber-optic networks. MTP-LC cables provide an effective breakout solution from high-density MTP backbones to LC-based equipment. MTP/MPO trunk cables form the backbone of dense network deployments, supporting high fiber counts and large-scale bandwidth requirements. MTP/MPO patch cords simplify deployment and maintenance while ensuring high-performance, reliable connections. Together, these solutions provide scalable, flexible, and efficient connectivity for data centers, enterprise networks, and high-performance computing environments.
By understanding their features, applications, and benefits, network engineers can design and implement robust fiber-optic networks that meet the growing demands of high-speed data transmission and high-density environments.