Trunk cables are pre-terminated at the factory in standard or color coded/keyed high-density MPO connectors. Each push-pull MPO terminates 12 optical fibers in a single connector similar in size to one SC simplex connector. The density of this connector means that a terminated cable can be placed into cable trays or even pulled in conduit without requiring a large cross section of pathway. Once in place, the cable can be connected into patch panels, twelve fibers at a ‘click’. Once the fiber type, fiber count and MPO connector type (standard or secure) are selected, the only variable for the trunk cables is length.

However, since the position of future rack placement is generally known well in advance, cables of the appropriate length can be ordered and stored until such time they are needed. Since the cables are modular, a longer cable can always be used to get equipment connected to the network, and then that cable can be replaced at a convenient time with a cable of the correct length in a matter of minutes – so down time is minimal.

Most equipment interfaces today are not equipped with an MPO interface but with MT-RJ, LC, ST, or SC duplex interfaces, some means of transition for the 12 fibers of an MPO on a trunk cable is needed. Here again, modular, robust cassettes serve this purpose. Each cassette is small in size and designed to fit into existing patch panels and enclosures. On the backside of the cassette are one or two standard or secure system MPO couplers. On the front side of the cassette may be MT-RJ, MT-RJ SECURE, LC, ST, or SC Duplex ports.

Inside the cassette each fiber in the MPO connector is routed to the appropriate port on the front of the cassette. Standard or secure trunk cable MPO connectors are plugged into the MPO port in the backside, and standard patchcords can connect the ports on the cassette front side to the electronic equipment. Once a connector interface has been selected, the cassettes can be purchased and stored until needed and easily restocked. Breakout cable assemblies offer another option for bypassing patch panels. Using an MPO coupler, a trunk cable MPO connector can be mated to an MPO breakout assembly terminated in MT-RJ, MT-RJ SECURE, LC, ST, or SC connectors. This option works best with cabinets or with MPO patch panels.

Finally, once installed there is no testing necessary – all these modular components are preterminated and tested at the factory prior to shipment. Connect the pieces and your links will work. In the event a cable is mishandled, or a connector breaks, each component can be easily and quickly replaced with another component and the troubleshooting can take place off-line. Downtime is minimized.

MPO trunk cables are available with 62.5/125, 50/125, XG (850nm LO 50/125) in fiber counts up to 72 in multiples of 12 fibers. Standard cable lengths are available in ten-foot increments up to 300 feet. Custom lengths can be provided.

Fan out cable assemblies are also available for equipment interconnection. Typically, these assemblies are 12-fiber fan out assemblies with one MPO connector on one end. The other end of the assembly is terminated in ST, SC, LC, MT-RJ, or MT-RJ SECURE connectors. Similarly, these assemblies are available in 50/125, XG 50/125, 62.5/125, and in singlemode versions. Custom configurations are also available.

ST and SC cassettes accept one MPO connector. MT-RJ, MT-RJ SECURE, and LC cassettes are available in 12-fiber (one MPO connection) or 24-fiber (two MPO connections). All cassettes are available in 50/125, 62.5/125, and singlemode versions.