MTP vs MPO Connectivity in High Density Data Centers

With the prevalence of cloud computing and big data, there comes a more demanding request for high-speed transmission and data capacity than ever since. In this case, 40/100G networks are more commonplace and now become a trend and hotspot for data-center cabling system. Meanwhile, most IT companies have realized that MTP/MPO cassettes, patch cords, connectors, and adapters are the essential backbone to their infrastructure. So, we will explain some basic factors in MTP vs MPO connectivity in this article, with the purpose of better understanding this connectivity method.

MTP vs MPO Connector Explanation

The need for transmission speed and data volume over short distances must be satisfied by choosing the right type of connectivity. So let’s start from the most basic yet critical part of MTP/MPO connectivity — MTP/MPO connector. It is known that 40/100G transmission utilizes parallel transmission, in which the data is simultaneously transmitted and received over multiple optical fibers , thus a multi-fiber connector is required. MTP/MPO connectors which have either 12 fiber or 24 fiber array, will better support this solution.

MTP/MPO connector is the up-and-coming standard optical interface for 40G and 100G Ethernet network. The terms “MPO” and “MTP” are used interchangeably for this style of connector. MPO is the generic name for this Multi-Fiber Push On connector style. While MTP is a registered trademark and identifies a specific brand of the MPO-style connector.

MTP/MPO connectors are pin and socket connectors-requiring a male side and a female side. Cassettes and hydra cable assemblies are typically manufactured with a male (pinned) connector. Trunk cable assemblies typically support a female (unpinned) connector. The connectors are also keyed to ensure that proper end face orientation occurs during the mating process.

Functions of MTP vs MPO Connectivity in 40/100G Network

The widely used 10G system generally would utilize a single MTP/MPO (12 Fiber) connector between the 2 switches. Modules are placed on the end of the MPO connector to transition from an MPO connector to a 12 Fiber breakout LC duplex or SC duplex cable assembly. This enables connectivity to the switch. 40G and 100G systems require a slightly different configuration.

In 40G MPO connectivity system, an MPO connector (12 Fiber) is used. 10G is sent along each channel/fiber strand in a send and receive direction. This “lights up” 8 of the 12 fibers providing 40G parallel transmission.

For optical 100G MPO connectivity system, an MPO connector (24 Fiber) is used (or alternatively 2 x 12F MPO Connector). 10G is sent along each channel/fiber strand in a send and receive direction. This “lights up” 20 of the 24 fibers providing 100G parallel transmission.

MTP vs MPO Connectivity Components

Along with MTP/MPO connector, there are some other MPO components that used in high-density network interconnection. In essence, part of the MTP/MPO connectivity solution is a variety of fiber optic cabling components. Generally, there are two types of cables used in this solution:

One is a standard MTP trunk which has an MTP/MPO connector on either end of a 12 or 24 fiber ribbon cable. The connector construction can vary to the point where the 24 fibers are terminated into a single MTP/MPO connector, or they can be terminated into 2 separate 12 fiber MTP/MPO connectors.

Another option used in this cabling configuration is an MTP/MPO breakout cable. This cable has an MTP/MPO connector on one end while the other end of the cable can have a variety of standard optical interfaces such as LC or SC connectors.

Moreover, these can connect directly into patch panels, MTP cassettes, and active equipment. The MTP/MPO cassettes provide a central patching and fiber optic breakout point where the MTP interface can be changed to SC or LC type interface. MTP/MPO cassettes are typically housed in a patch panel or fiber storage tray.

Conclusion

In summary, MTP vs MPO connectivity solution has proven to be an effective, feasible and flexible option to achieve 40/100G transmission, especially with the case of large- capacity and high-density data center environment. Not to mention that it also provides a reliable alternative for quickly connecting and rapid deployment. Hope the information offered in this article could at least help you understand this connectivity method.

More information about HTFuture’s MTP MPO is available by emailing Ivy: sales6@htfuture.com

Skype: live:sales6_1683

Related Product

(1) Optical module (1.25G SFP, 10G XFP, SFP , CWDM/DWDM, BIDI, 25G, 40G, 100G Module etc),

(2) Wavelength division multiplexer (WDM/CWDM/DWDM/OADM)

(3) Optical Transport Network Product (OEO, OTU, OBP, OLP, EDFA etc)

PON Evolution

Optical access is gaining more interest as the demand for higher and higher bandwidth is getting stronger. Yet the limitation in transport distance and cost has been slowing down penetration of the optical access. Recently a number of alternative transport concepts have been developed to tackle the cost problem as well as the technical ones, the passive optical network (PON) techniques are largely anticipated to be the most economical solutions.

What Is Passive Optical Network?

A passive optical network features a point-to-multipoint (P2MP) architecture to provide broadband access. It is a telecommunications network that uses single, shared optical fiber in which inexpensive optical splitters to divide the single fiber into separate strands feeding individual subscribers. PON is called “passive”, because, other than at the Central Office (CO) and subscriber endpoints, there are no active electronics within the access network. In passive optical system, a single fiber from a central office optical line terminal (OLT) is connected to optical network terminals (ONTs) or optical network units (ONUs) at customer premises. The image below is a PON system.

How Does It Work?

The operation of a PON system is not that complicated. Here presents how it works. As the following picture shows, a PON consists of an OLT at the service provider’s central office and a number of ONUs or ONTs, near end users. In the basic method of operation for downstream distribution on one wavelength of light from OLT to ONU/ONT, all customers receive the same data. To put it simply, an OLT terminates the optical signals to as many as 16 to 128 customers. Hence the bandwidth of the fiber originally at the center office is shared among a group of users. The splitting of the network is accomplished by an optical splitter. These splitters can divide a single optical signal into multiple equal but lower-power signals and distribute the signals to users from OLT to ONU/ONT. The ONU usually communicates with an optical network terminal, which may be a separate box that connects the PON to TV sets, telephones, computers, or a wireless router. ONT and ONU are nearly the same device.

Why PONs?

Dramatic Cost Savings

Optical fiber is drastically less expensive than Ethernet cable. And it can carry a signal 12 miles versus 300 feet for copper wiring. That means passive optical networks don’t require repeaters, switches, cooling, and other gear that’s expensive to purchase, install and operate. And an optical LAN can slash your annual energy costs by two thirds.

Higher Speed Performance for Today and Tomorrow

Single-mode optical fiber can support speeds up to 69 Tbps compared with 10 Gbps for Cat 6 cabling. That’s sufficient capacity to meet the most ambitious communications strategy, eliminating the need for separate lines for converged voice, data and video.

Extremely Secure

In addition to the inherent intrusion protection that optical fiber offers, PON is a natural fit with interlocking alarmed fiber since adjacent strands can be monitored from within the same bundle. Alarm management systems give network managers the means to identify, plan and remediate alarm events using all security assets available at a site. PON also enables you to run multiple classifications through the same conduit.

Conclusion

PON is a highly attractive access solution because of cost and performance advantage, resulting from their nature as all-passive networks, point-to-multipoint architecture, and native Ethernet protocol.

More information about HTFuture’s is available by emailing Ivy: sales6@htfuture.com

Skype: live:sales6_1683

Related Product

(1) Optical module (1.25G SFP, 10G XFP, SFP , CWDM/DWDM, BIDI, 25G, 40G, 100G Module etc),

(2) Wavelength division multiplexer (WDM/CWDM/DWDM/OADM)

(3) Optical Transport Network Product (OEO, OTU, OBP, OLP, EDFA etc)

EPON And GPON Of Passive Optical Network

PON ( Passive Optical Network) refers to the optical distribution network does not contain any electronic device and electronic power, optical distribution network (ODN) all by the optical splitter and other passive components, without the need for expensive electronic equipment, is a form of fiber-optic access network. PON reduces the amount of fiber and central office equipment required compared with point-to-point architectures.

A PON consists of an optical line terminal (OLT) at the service provider’s central office and a number of optical network units (ONUs) near end users. In OLT/ONU between the optical distribution network includes optical fiber and passive optical splitter or Fiber Optic Coupler.

OLT

An OLT, generally an Ethernet switch, router, or multimedia conversion platform, is located at the central office (CO) as a core device of the whole EPON system to provide core data and video-to-telephone network interfaces for EPON and the service provider.

ONU

ONUs are used to connect the customer premise equipment, such as PCs, set-top boxes (STBs), and switches. Generally placed at customer’s home, corridors, or roadsides, ONUs are mainly responsible for forwarding uplink data sent by customer premise equipment (from ONU to OLT) and selectively receiving downlink broadcasts forwarded by OLTs (from OLT to ONU).

ODN

An ODN consists of optical fibers, one or more passive optical splitters (POSs), and other passive optical components. ODNs provide optical signal transmission paths between OLTs and ONUs. A POS can couple uplink data into a single piece of fiber and distribute downlink data to respective ONUs.

There are two passive optical network technologies: Ethernet PON (EPON) and gigabit PON (GPON). EPON and GPON are applied in different situations, and each offers its own advantages in subscriber access networks. EPON focuses on FTTH applications while GPON focuses on full service support, including both new services and existing traditional services such as ATM and TDM.

EPON is a Passive Optical Network which carries Ethernet frames encapsulated in 802.3 standards. It is a combination of the Ethernet technology and the PON technology in compliance with the IEEE 802.3ah standards issued in June, 2004. A typical EPON system consists of three components: EPON OLT, EPON ONU and EPON ODN. It has many advantages, such as lower operation and maintenance costs, long distances and higher bandwidths.

GPON utilizes point-to-multipoint topology. GPON standard differs from other PON standards in that it achieves higher bandwidth and higher efficiency using larger, variable-length packets. And GPON is generally considered the strongest candidate for widespread deployments. GPON has a downstream capacity of 2.488 Gb/s and an upstream capacity of 1.244 Gbp/s that is shared among users.

There are also many differences between EPON and GPON. EPON, based on Ethernet technology, is compliant with the IEEE 802.3ah Ethernet in the First Mile standard that is now merged into the IEEE Standard 802.3–2005. It is a solution for the “first mile” optical access network. GPON, on the other hand, is an important approach to enable full service access network. Its requirements were set force by the Full Service Access Network (FASN) group, which was later adopted by ITU-T as the G.984.x standards–an addition to ITU-T recommendation, G.983, which details broadband PON (BPON).

Both EPON and GPON are accepted as international standards. They cover the same network topology methods and FTTx applications, incorporate the same WDM technology, delivering the same wavelength both upstream and downstream together with a third party wavelength. PON technology provides triple-play, Internet Protocol TV (IPTV) and cable TV (CATV) video services.

More information about HTFuture’s is available by emailing Ivy: sales6@htfuture.com 

Skype: live:sales6_1683

Related Product

(1) Optical module (1.25G SFP, 10G XFP, SFP+, CWDM/DWDM, BIDI, 25G, 40G, 100G Module etc),

(2) Wavelength division multiplexer (WDM/CWDM/DWDM/OADM)

(3) Optical Transport Network Product (OEO, OTU, OBP, OLP, EDFA etc)

EPON vs GPON Standard

EPON, based on Ethernet technology, is compliant with the IEEE 802.3ah (mid-2004) Ethernet in the First Mile standard that is now merged into the IEEE Standard 802.3–2005. It is a solution for the “first mile” optical access network. While GPON, or Gigabit PON, is expected to prevail as a leading optical access technology and to eliminate the bandwidth bottleneck in the last mile. Its requirements were set to force by the Full-Service Access Network (FASN) group, which was later adopted by ITU-T as the G.984.x standards.

EPON vs GPON Data Rate

In EPON, both downstream and upstream line rates are 1.25 Gbps, but due to the 8B/10B line encoding, the bit rate for data transmission is 1 Gbps. GPON, on the other hand, supports an asymmetrical data rate of 1.25 Gbps in both streams, as well as a data rate of 2.5 Gbps in downstream and a data rate of 1.25 Gbps in upstream. Hence GPON is better than EPON in this aspect. The following table has a brief comparison of GPON and EPON technology in the PON upstream and downstream bandwidth, bandwidth efficiency and the transmission.

EPON vs GPON Layering

Besides the above characteristics, perhaps the most striking distinction between the two protocols is a marked difference in the architectural approach, especially in layering. The image below will help you to figure it out.

In EPON, Ethernet frames are carried in their native format on the PON, which greatly simplifies the layering model and the associated management. EPON employs a single layer that uses IP (Internet Protocol) to carry data, voice, and video.

GPON, on the other hand, supports two layers of encapsulation. First, TDM (Time Division Multiplexing) and Ethernet frames are wrapped into GEM (GPON Encapsulation Mode) frames, which have a GFP-like format (derived from Generic Frame Procedure ITU G.7401). Secondly, ATM (Asynchronous Transfer Mode) and GEM frames are both encapsulated into GTC (GPON Transmission Convergence) frames that are finally transported over the PON.

The main purpose of the GEM frame is to provide a frame-oriented service, as an alternative to ATM, in order to efficiently accommodate Ethernet and TDM frames. With GEM, all traffic is mapped across the GPON network using a variant of SONET/SDH GFP. GEM supports a native transport of voice, video, and data without an added ATM or IP encapsulation layer. That’s why GPON supports downstream rates as high as 2.5 Gbps and upstream rates from 155 Mbps to 2.5 Gbps. It is much faster than EPON. However, EPON clearly offers a much simpler and more straightforward solution than GPON. The support of ATM and the double encapsulation of GPON serve no real benefit over a pure Ethernet transport scheme.

Cost Comparison

The use of EPON allows carriers to eliminate complex and expensive ATM and Sonet elements and to simplify their networks, thereby lowering costs to subscribers. Currently, EPON equipment costs are approximately 10 percent of the costs of GPON equipment, and EPON equipment is rapidly becoming cost competitive with VDSL.

Summary

It is hard to say GPON is better than EPON, or vice verse. They each have their merits and demerits. When it comes to certain IP/Ethernet services, EPON is more suitable and cost-effective. While GPON has its own advantages in higher bandwidth, faster transmission rate and supporting triple-play services. Until now, EPON is still the mainstream of PON, especially in the Asian countries, but GPON is expanding quickly lately.

If need more information, feel free contact Ivy from HTFuture: sales6@htfuture.com, HTFuture team are ready and happy to assist you.

Passive DWDM vs Active DWDM

DWDW is short for dense wavelength division multiplexing. It’s a technology for transmitting multiple signals simultaneously at different wavelengths on the same fiber. It can save a lot of optical fiber resources in long distance transmission applications.

DWDM can be divided into passive DWDM system and active DWDM system.

Passive DWDM system

Active devices such as optical fiber amplifiers and dispersion compensators are not used in passive DWDM systems. The transmission distance of this system is limited by the transmit power of the optical transceiver, but it has the advantages of high channel capacity, and is mainly used in the high speed transmission lines of metropolitan area network and high channel capacity.

Active DWDM system

Active DWDM is a system that contains transponders, the function of the transponder is optical electro optical (OEO) conversion. The management and maintenance of active DWDM system is also more complex, so its operation cost is higher. Active DWDM systems are still widely used in large capacity optical transmission applications.

Both passive DWDM and active DWDM have their own pros and cons, which will be described in detail below.

Pros and Cons of Passive DWDM

Cost savings: Compared with the active DWDM backbone network configured with fiber amplifier and dispersion compensator, passive DWDM can construct high-speed transmission line with high channel capacity at lower cost.

Easy to use: passive DWDM is a plug and play system, which is simple and convenient to use.

Even though passive DWDM has the two main benefits, it still has the drawback.

Scalability: Passive DWDM systems have limited number of wavelength channels, if want to expand the network, we must use more passive DWDM devices, which will increase the management difficulty of the system.

Pros and Cons of Active DWDM

Active DWDM systems support a larger number of wavelength channels. Therefore, the bandwidth is greater and the utilization ratio of optical fiber is higher.

Active DWDM system is easier to manage, and users can tune the channel wavelength without shutting down the system, and the expansion of the active DWDM system is simpler.

The transmission distance of the active DWDM system is longer than the passive DWDM system, and the deployment cost is higher.

Active DWDM systems also use fiber amplifiers, dispersion compensators and other devices, and the deployment is more complex than passive DWDM systems.

Both passive DWDM systems and active DWDM systems have advantages, and we should deploy appropriate DWDM systems according to specific application requirements. 

HTF provides a range of DWDM solutions to help you achieve fiber expansion in an economically efficient way. For more details, welcome to contact our sales: sales6@htfuture.com.