Check out our archived webinar, “Preparing for the Next-Gen Data Center: 16G Fibre Channel.” James Mallon, Systems Engineer from Brocade, presented on the changes in the physical layer and hardware platforms when migrating to 16G Fibre Channel.

MPO stands for “multi-fiber push on.” It was developed by Nippon Telegraph and Telephone (NTT) in the early 90’s. MTP® is an MPO-style connector that is manufactured by USCONEC.

The MTP® design and performance has made significant improvements over the standard MPO connector. A common misconception is that these are two different styles of connector, when in fact they are the same footprint.

The MPO connector can accept up to 72 fibers in a single ferrule, but the industry standard is 12 fibers. CABLExpress was the first-to-market with a 24 fiber MTP solution that tested to a maximum of .35dB loss (matching the highest standard of the 12 fiber MTP). We plan to continue investing in and advancing this platform.

IEEE 802.3ba, the standard for implementing 40/100G Ethernet,  dictates that the MPO footprint be the standard for multi-mode transmission. This is a radical new transmission type called “parallel transmission.” This assures the MPO and/or MTP connector will be the future of optical transmission in the data center for the next few generations to come.

Here is an LC connector with 1.25 mm ceramic ferrules. LC stands for Lucent Connector – aptly named. That’s who it was made by!

With its push-pull mating feature, the LC connector looks like a mini SC connector. However, because of the small form factor, the LC connector is becoming the predominant fiber connector – especially in high density network applications.

Notice that the standard LC connectors are equipped with detachable side release clips. This makes it easier for quick polarity changes in the field.

SC, which stands for “subscriber connector,” was developed by NTT.

Like the ST, the SC has a 2.5 mm ferrule. This one typically comes in a duplex format. The SC generally will have two connectors and two fibers to send and receive transmission.

Notice the big design change from previous connectors: it’s now square instead of round, and the push-pull coupling mechanism allows for quick insertion and removal. This greatly reduces the chance for end-face damage.

I recently wrote about spaghetti cabling in the data center and what you can do about it. One crucial step in this process is to map out your current data center layout (including cabling infrastructure), then use this to create a new map of the ideal data center cabling scenario.

At CABLExpress, we use Microsoft Visio to accomplish this. The program is ideal for mapping out your current data center layout, as well as creating plans for future upgrades.

You don’t even have to start from scratch when drawing shapes – Microsoft provides a free download of common data center equipment shapes from manufacturers like 3Com, Cisco, HP and Nortel.

We also have free Visio stencils of CABLExpress products available for download, such as enclosures, harnesses and racks.