Working with MPO and MTP Connectors - Testing, Inspection, Cleaning, Splicing and Polishing Solutions

MPO (Multi-Fiber Push-On) connectors have become indispensable in modern network infrastructure, particularly in high-density environments. MPO connectors allow for a significant increase in fiber density, making them ideal for data centers, telecommunication networks, and other applications limited by space in existing infrastructure.

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MPO Solutions at AusOptic

Testing Multi-Fibre MPO Networks

Testing and inspection of MPO connectors is crucial for both maintainence and troubleshooting. By conducting polarity-type validation and continuity confirmation, network operators can prevent costly issues and ensure smooth data transmission. There are three essential tests in MPO qualification: polarity-type validation, continuity confirmation, and connector inspection.

Polarity-Type Validation

Polarity-type validation ensures that the correct transmitter (TX) is sending signals to the correct receiver (RX). Proper alignment and mating of MPO connectors are crucial for accurate data transmission. Incorrect coupling can impede signal transmission, causing signals to be sent in the wrong direction.

Undiagnosed polarity issues can be costly and increase the workload for technicians. Technicians may mistakenly replace expensive MPO patch cords, thinking they are faulty, when in reality, they simply have the wrong polarity type. Correcting polarity issues before turn-up is essential to avoid the frustrating task of identifying cable connections with polarity problems after installation.

Continuity Confirmation

Confirming the continuity of a link ensures that there are no breaks and that light travels properly to the end of the link. This quick validation test, when performed during installation, can save potential troubleshooting later on.

 

EXFO PXM/LXM MPO Optical Loss Test Set (OLTS)

The PXM/LXM combo is an MPO tester designed to efficiently qualify a large number of MPO links. It tests MPO-12 fibres at 2 wavelengths in just 1 second, the fastest test time in the industry. The FasTesT™ feature provides loss per channel at the 2 selected wavelengths, as well as the polarity type of the link under test - all at the press of a button.

View more on the EXFO PXM-LXM

EXFO TK-SWITCH MPO Test Kit - iOLM Automated MPO Cable Characterisation

Test, in automated sequence, the individual fibres of an MPO- or MTP-connectorized cable, inside or outside the data center or FTTx application

More about the TK-SWITCH MPO Test Kit

MPO Connector End-face Inspection

It is widely recognised that 80% of network issues are caused by dirty connectors, making them the primary cause of network failure.

For multifibre push-on connectors, thorough inspection and cleaning are even more crucial. Each port represents a potential weak point, and with additional fibres, the risk of contamination increases. This significantly escalates the risk of failure. In MPO links, a single dirty or damaged connector can disrupt up to 12 or 24 fibres.

Always inspect connectors first. No need to clean if already clean, as cleaning may make it dirty. This is especially true for MPO connectors, which are highly sensitive. For example, with an MPO-24, dirt from the first row could migrate to the second row during cleaning.

 

EXFO FIP-500 fibre Inspection Scope

Fastest inspection in the industry for both single-fibre and multi-fibre connectors, with the most reliable results. Self-contained, fully automated tool for zero-button testing all day without the need to recharge batteries or offload results.

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EXFO FIP-435B Wireless Fibre Inspection Scope

Turn your Android™ or iOS device into a fully automated fiber inspection solution delivering fast and consistent test results. One-step inspection process performs automated pass/fail analysis with LED indicator based on industry standards, auto-saves and auto-reports (PDF).

View the FIP-435B Wireless Fibre Inspection Scope

Cleaning MTP/MPO Fibre Connectors

Incorporating proper fibre cleaning practices into daily work is important in maintaining a reliable fibre network. Having good cleaning tools on hand makes it easy for technicians to develop good habits.

One-click push-style and other MTP cleaners effectively remove dirt, dust, and debris, ensuring fibre hygiene and troubleshooting. Remember to dry your connector after using wet cleaning tools and always reinspect the connector.

 

NTT-AT NEOCLEAN-M MPO/MTP Connector Cleaner

Instantly clean MPO connectors, plugs and adaptors with a simple push, the NEOCLEAN-M uses ultrafine fibres exclusively developed for NTT-AT. Very long-life, over 600 uses. Cleans both flat polished multimode and 8° angled singlemode MT ferrules.

View more on the NTT-AT NEOCLEAN-M

NTT-AT OPTIPOP-R3 Reel Cleaner for MPO/MTP connectors with pins

OPTIPOP-R3 with one slot for MPO/MTP connectors with guide pins (male). Consistent and effective end-face cleaning results without isopropyl alcohol which can leave a residue. Anti-static properties minimises the reattachment of debris to the ferrule after cleaning. Simple level action shutter operation exposes cleaning tape only when in use. Cost-effective refillable cleaning tape, more than 400 cleans per tape.

More about the OPTIPOP-R3

IBC™ Brand Cleaner MPO – MTP® Brand Connector and generic MPO connectors

Designed for cleaning MT based connector systems loaded in a bulkhead adapter, on the card edge, the backplane and on unmated cable assemblies. IBC™ Brand Cleaners will clean both female (no guide pin) and male (with steel guide pins) and both flat polished multimode and 8° angled singlemode MT ferrules.

More about the IBC 7104

SG Ferrule Mate 2.0 SFM2.0-MPO Push-Click MPO Endface Cleaner

Handy and high performance MPO cleaner equipped with patented cleaning fabric that achieves more than 500 applications. Patented 360 degree Rotational Tip provides extra wide cleaning.

More about the SFM2.0-MPO

Multi-fibre Ribbon Splicing and Termination

Splicing fibre ribbons, usually with 12 parallel fibres, is similar to fusion splicing a single fibre. However, it requires special ribbon holders and a fusion-splicing device capable of fusing 12 or more fibres simultaneously. The FITEL S124M12 mass fibre splicer is compatible with standard ribbon fibre, 200µm Rollable Ribbon (RR), 250µm spider web-style ribbon, or loose tube cable for field and on-site terminations.

 

FITEL S124M12 Ribbon Fibre Fusion Splicer

Combining portability, power flexibility and field ruggedness, FITEL S124 Mass Fusion Splicers deliver fast and consistent splicing with outstanding mobility and ease-of-use. Featuring new 200 μm coating fibre ribbon splicing compatibility with swappable V-groove for simple maintainence. Ideal for NBN ribbon fibre, also offers a splice-on-connector (SOC) solution.

View more on the FITEL S124M12

FITEL S218R-Plus Thermal Stripper for Rollable, Ribbon and Single Fibres

The new and improved S218R-Plus meets the demanding requirements of Rollable Ribbon installations. Exceptionally clean stripping performance for Single, Ribbon, and Rollable Ribbon fibres. Flexible power options with both long battery capacity (10 hours) and AC operation. Easy operation. Durable industrial design.

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FITEL S327 High Precision Optical fibre Cleaver

Engineered for both single and ribbon fibres, the ergonomic design is suited for high-precision telecommunications in the field and volume production applications on the bench. Capable of 65,000 cleaves the S327 offers the longest blade life in the market. New easy to replace blade, takes 1 minute and needs no special tools or adjustments.

More about the FITEL S327 Cleaver

FITEL S712A-12e-P200 12-fibre (200μm) Rollable Ribbon Holder - Pair

These 12-fibre ribbon holders are easily fitted and removed from the S124M12 fusion splicer. No screws are required. A magnetised surface holds the holders in place once they are 'dropped' into the allocated space on the fusion splicers.

FITEL S712A-12e-P200

Polishing MPO Connectors for Repair or Production Lines

From single and multi fibre all the way up to fibre array and specialised applications. Creating assemblies with MPO connectors presents unique challenges compared to ceramic ferrules. Here are some general recommendations from FOC's engineers:

• When polishing MT ferrules, use films and flocked-pile pads designed specifically for them. Unlike cylindrical ceramic ferrules, MT ferrules are made from various materials, resulting in less uniform polishing techniques. This variability may require sticking with a single MT ferrule supplier.
• All films and flocked pads should be used only once, including the initial step with 16-µm film, the second step with 3-µm film, and the final steps using flocked-pile pads. Consequently, the polishing costs per ferrule for MT ferrules are significantly higher than those for traditional ceramic single-fibre ferrules.
• Note that MT ferrules have guide-pin holes that can become contaminated, so a mandatory cleaning step for these holes is necessary after polishing.

The team at AusOptic is glad to discuss options for MT-ferrule polishing and to make recommendations based on our experience.

 

NTT-AT POP-311 Portable Optical Connector Polisher

High speed portable polisher. Ideal for field assembly and re-polishing of optical connectors in optical network maintenance and installation work. Polishing jigs available SC/MU/FC/LC/MT/MTRJ-type optical connectors, glass ferrule, and custom made orders.

View more on the NTT-AT POP-311

NTT-AT ATP-3200 Optical Connector Polisher

Achieve efficient, high-yield polishing performance with low running costs, and a user-friendly design. The NTT-AT ATP-3200 is a versatile machine that supports a range of polishing needs, from high-mix low-volume polishing to mass polishing production of MPO connector 48 terminals and LC connector 96 terminals.

More about the ATP-3200