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MPO/MTP Cassette
Module Solution

With the trend of high-density cabling and the coming of 40/100G network, MPO/MTP assemblies
play a more and more important role in fiber optic network. As one of the commonly used
assemblies, the MPO/MTP cassette module, which is designed with LGX format can be mounted in
1U 19" multi-slot chassis or 4U rack chassis, greatly meeting the demands for high density.
Additionally, used to interconnect MPO/MTP backbones with LC, SC or FC patch cords etc., it is an
ideal solution for network migration.

Components & Design

In general, MPO/MTP cassette module is an LGX format enclosed unit that contains 12 or 24-fiber
factory terminated fan-outs inside. The fan-outs typically include such as SC, LC, ST-style connectors
plugged into adapters on the front side of the cassette and a MPO/MTP connector plugged into a
MPO/MTP adapter mounted at the rear of the cassette, as the following picture shown:

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Inside the cassette, alignment pins are pre-installed in the inside MPO/MTP connector which
precisely align the mating fibers in the MPO/MTP connectors at either end of the array cables that
plug into the cassettes. Furthermore, one or more MPO/MTP fan-out assemblies may be installed
inside the cassette to connect up to more than 144 ports.
With this design, the MPO/MTP cassette module can transfer the multi-core fiber terminated with
a MPO/MTP connector to the more common LC or SC interface used on the transceiver terminal
equipment.

Cassette Types
A variety of mounting options are available to mount the MPO/MTP cassette module in a rack or
on a wall that results in different types of the cassette in the market. In general, there are standard
shape type and irregular shape type. The former refers to the standard LGX format which is
commonly used in practical applications, as the following picture (left) shown. While the latter is
irregular which contains various of shapes, as shown in the following picture (right).

Polarity Selection
The TIA (Telecommunications Industry Association) standard TIA/EIA 568-B.1-7 defined three
connectivity methods (as the following picture shown) for maintaining polarity in serial duplex
optical connections. This standard covers typical system configuration containing cassettes or
modules where there is an MPO/MTP to duplex connector transition. Depending on wiring
configuration, cassettes may deploy MPO/MTP adapters with key-up/key-down (Method A) or
key-up/key-up (Method B). The only difference between a Method A and Method B cassette is the
orientation of the internal MPO/MTP connector with respect to the mating MPO/MTP array cable
connector. Method A uses straight-through type A backbones (pin1 to pin1) and type A (key-up to
key-down) MPO/MTP adapters. Method B uses cross-over type B backbones (pin1 to pin12) and
type B (key-up to key-up) MPO/MTP adapters.

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Method A Connectivity

Method B Connectivity

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Method C Connectivity

Click the picture and view the large version.

In the market, most cassettes are configured in accordance with the TIA Connectivity Method A.
Because Method A provides the simplest deployment, works for both single-mode and multimode
channels, and easily supports network extensions. In addition, Method A cassettes are also used for
Method C connectivity since the key positions are the same in the two methods. Method B
configuration is also available on request. However, there is a limitation of Method B that it doesnt
allow use of an angled polished (APC) single-mode connector.
The type of MPO/MTP cassette module you choose depends on your network connectivity and
components needs. One thing to remember is that adding Method B components (cables or mating
adapters) swaps the fibers while Method A components (cables or mating adapters) does not affect
the positions of the fibers. Thus, if you need to reverse fibers, use Method B components. If you do
not want to reverse fibers, use Method A components. However, always to remember that do not
mix and match methods and components.

Advantages & Applications

There are a variety of advantages of MPO/MTP cassette module. With the easy-installed design, it
can greatly reduce the labor cost and save more space and time. In addition, it is more easy for
management and maintenance and has less security risk. It satisfies the demands for high optical
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port density and system interoperability. Thus, it is more and
more popular with users. MPO/MTP cassette modules can
be used in both lower fiber count break out applications (e.g.,
server cabinets) and high fiber count interconnects by
mounting in chassis. It is an ideal solution for interconnection
or cross-connection in telecommunications networks, WDM
applications, data center cabling, backbone cabling and
40/100G communication network.

Fiberstore Product Solution

Fiberstore supplies a wide range of MTP/MPO products. For MPO/MTP cassette module, we offer
Plug-N-Play cassettes, ultra high-density 1U patch panel, 1U 19 rack mount holders and 4U 19 rack
mount holders which satisfy the demands for single-mode or multimode, lower fiber count and high
fiber count applications. In addition, other MPO/MTP assemblies such as MPO/MTP trunk cables,
harness cables and adapters are available. In order to better satisfy your unique demands, we also
support custom or OEM service. In addition to choose the high-quality and cost-effective
MPO/MTP products, Fiberstore recommends you to select and implement a proper method of
connectivity and stick with it, and make sure that all of the components in your system are clearly
identified, labeled and recorded. For more information, please contact us over sales@fs.com.

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Contact Us
Manufacturing R & D (China)

North America (United States)

Eastern Side, Second Floor, Science &

Technology Park, No.6, Keyuan Road,
Nanshan District, Shenzhen 518057,
China
Tel: +86 (755) 8300 3611
Fax: +86 (755) 8326 9395
Email: sales@fs.com

331 Andover Park East Ste330, Tukwila,

WA 98188,United States
Tel: +1-425-226-2035
Fax: +1-253-246-7881
Email: sales@fs.com

APAC Office (Hong Kong)

London Office (United Kingdom)

1220 Tung Chun Commercial Centre,

438-444 Shanghai Street, Kowloon,
Hong Kong
Tel: +852 81763606
Fax: +852 81763606
Email: sales@fs.com

Third Floor 207 Regent Street, London,

W1B 3HH, United Kingdom
Tel: +44 2081441980

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Notice: This document is for informational purposes only and does not set forth any warranty, expressed or
implied, concerning any equipment, equipment features, or service offered or to be offered by Fiberstore.
Fiberstore reserves the right to make changes to this document at any time, without notice, and assumes no
responsibility for its use. This information document describes features that may not be currently available.
Contact a Fiberstore sales team for information on feature and product availability.

Fiberstore (FS.COM) | MPO/MTP Cassette Module Solution