MPO/MTP technology is one of the leading contributors in the migration to 10/100GbE. The technology is considered to be high density, flexible, and reliable with properties that are scalable and upgradeable. However, even though they have their advantages, networkers are faced with the task of ensuring the connections are made in a manner that ensures there is proper polarity on both ends of the system. For this to be done, it is important to understand the polarity of the MPO systems that will be explained in the article.
MPO Connector
The first thing you should learn about is the MPO connector. The MPO connector has a different number of fibers. It can have 12 fibers, 24 fibers, 36 fibers and even 72 fibers. On one of the flat sides added to the connector, there is a key. Key down is used to describe when the key sits at the bottom. Key up is when the key is on top. The fiber holes in the connector are marked from left to right, and there is a white dot on one side of the connector that indicates where the first fiber is. The numbers are referred to as P1, P2 and so on or fiber position. The polarity of the cable is determined by the key orientation.
Three polarization methods by three cables
TIA defines the three methods for proper polarity as method A, B, and C. there are different cables used for each method. These cables, A, B, and C are used for the three different connectivity methods. Here is a description of the different cables before moving on to the connectivity methods.
The three connectivity methods
Different polarity methods will use different types of Trunk Cables. However, for every method, a duplex patch cable must be used for a fiber circuit to be achieved through the connection. There are two types of duplex patch cables that the TIA standard defines. The duplex patch cables must be terminated with LC or SC connectors for there to be a duplex fiber connection that is complete. Here is an explanation of each of the three connectivity methods that can be used to achieve proper polarity.
Conclusion
The use of MPO/MPT components is meant to satisfy the growing need for high transmission speed. Polarity is a major problem that can be easily solved once the right types of MPO cables, connectors, MPO cassette and patch cables are used. The three polarization methods in placed can be used in different situations where they can be satisfactory.