Specialized Fiber Optic Cabling Solutions in IT Environments

Exploring the advantages of MPO/MTP, AOC, DAC and Pre-Terminated Fiber Optic cables

In our previous blog on Fiber Optic Cables Navigating the Fiber Optic Landscape: Fiber Optical Cabling Types and Considerations we looked at the different types of fiber optic cabling and connectors available. To reduce installation time and the cost of labor in data centers and IT networks, custom-made lengths and configurations of fiber optic cabling are available, either with connectors or transceivers already connected at the factory. We will take a look at these cabling solutions, along with some best practices in maintaining fiber optic network cabling and connects for optimized network performance.

Pre-Terminated Fiber Optic Cables

Terminating fiber optic cables in the field is time consuming, requiring splicing and attaching each individual strand of fiber to connectors, and difficult without the right skillset. Pre-terminated cables are available to help technicians speed up installations and ensure that assemblies are fully tested and working properly first time.

Pre-Terminated Patch Cords – Standard fiber optic patch cords are available with connectors already attached at each end. Commonly used for short-distance connections in data centers and equipment racks, the pre-terminated patch cords are available with a range of connector types, including LC, SC, ST, CS and can be customized to specific configurations (with different connectors on each end) and lengths. Read about fiber optic cable types here >

Pre-Terminated Trunk Cables – Bundling together multiple fibers in a single jacket, trunk cables are available with connectors already attached at both ends, typically with fan-out or breakout kits for individual fiber connections. They are typically used for high-density, point-to-point connections between network equipment, such as switches, routers and patch panels.

Pre-terminated fiber optic cables offer several advantages:

• Reduced costs and errors – pre-terminated fiber assemblies reduce manual labor costs normally associated with field assembly (splicing and polishing connectors) and reduce the need for testing.


• Faster deployment and time savings – the amount of labor needed to carry out installations is reduced, increasing the speed of deployment and helping to shorten project deadlines.


• Improved performance – pre-terminated fiber optic assemblies are manufactured in clean environments, undergoing stringent inspections to ensure optimum performance and low loss levels before they leave the factory.


• Reduce downtime – quality factory built connections help reduce downtime and if a fault does occur, it is easy to install a pre-terminated replacement cable quickly.

Find out more about fiber optic cables from Pro Optix in a range of configurations and lengths >

Pre-terminated MPO (Multi-Fiber Push-On) Fiber Optic Cables

MPO/MTP fiber optic cables also pre-terminated with connectors and are commonly used in high-density environments. As the MPO connector can accommodate between 8 and 32 fibers within a single connector, pre-termination ensures that each fiber is precisely aligned and terminated, allowing for quick and efficient connection, while also maximizing the use of available rack space within data center cabinets.

MPO/MTP solutions differ from standard pre-terminated fiber optic cable in a number of ways, including connector type, configuration and application.

Connector Type – The single connector has between 8 and 32 fibers that are arranged in a single row or array. This differs from standard fiber optic cables which feature a single ferrule with one fiber for transmission and one fiber to receive, which is most suited to point-to-point connections.

Application – MPO/MTP cables are suitable for both high-density and high-bandwidth applications where space is an issue or where quick deployment is required. The single connector with multiple fibers increases port density, simplifying and streamlining cable management and speeding up installation.

In addition, MPO/MTP solutions provide a flexible solution for expanding network capacity to meet future needs as well as reducing the amount of space needed for connections. As data center demands grow, additional fibers can be added easily to existing MPO connectors or deployed as new MPO connections, providing a cost-effective solution for scaling network capacity.

Read the Linköping University Case Study >

Configuration – MPO/MTP cables are typically used in backbone connections where they interconnect switches, routers and patch panels in data centers and enterprise networks. They are available in a range of configurations, which include trunk cables, harnesses and fan-out assemblies.

• MPO Cable – Pre-connected patch cables with 12, 16, 24 or 32 fibers. Available in OS2, OM4 or OM5 fiber types.


• Breakout – Breakout cables are available with 8-24 LC contacts.


• MPO Loopback – Singlemode or multimode loopbacks are available in male and female configurations in all fiber modes.


• Trunk – Single or multimode trunk cables are available in male or female configurations, in 8, 12, 24, 48 and 72 fibers. Available in Type A, B and C polarity.

For more information on polarity check out our blog >

Read more about Pro Optix MPO/MTP solutions >

Read the blogs:

5 Reasons to invest in MPO/MTP cable Systems >

10 Useful Facts About MPO/MTP Cabling Systems >

3 Tips for Installing MPO Solutions >

All-in-one Cable and Transceiver Solutions – AOC (Active Optic Cables) and DAC (Direct Attach Cable)

Suitable for short-distances and high-speed links, DAC and AOC are all-in-one cable and transceiver solutions that are rapid and simple to install.

DAC (Direct Attach Cable) – DACs are made of end-to-end twinax copper and are supplied from the factory with a single transceiver at each end or as break-out cables. Low up front costs and quick installation of this plug and play solution make it suitable for short distance connections (0.5m to 15m) while providing data rates of 10G, 25G, 40G, 100G, 400G, 800G.

AOC (Active Optical Cable) – The cables consist of multimode OM3/OM4 fiber. As an all-in-one “plug and play” solution, Active Optical Cables are pre-fitted with a transceiver already attached at either end of the cable or as break-outs. Typically used for fixed short distances, AOCs are supplied in lengths ranging from 1 meter up 300 meters, with a recommended maximum reach of 30 meters for optimum performance. Transceivers supplied include: SFP+, SFP28, QSFP+, QSFP28, QSFP-DD with speeds of up to 800G.

Both AOC and DAC cable solutions offer advantages and trade-offs for short-reach connections in high-density environments.

• AOC cables provide higher bandwidth, lower power consumption, and immunity to electromagnetic interference (EMI), making them suitable for demanding applications requiring high performance and reliability.


• DAC cables offer cost-effectiveness, ease of deployment, and compatibility with standard interfaces, making them a practical choice for budget-conscious installations or scenarios where flexibility and compatibility are prioritized over performance.

Choosing whether to use AOC or DAC ultimately depends on the specific requirements of each deployment, budget constraints and environmental considerations.

Read more in our blogs:

Where and when to use AOC cables >

Using DAC cables in SANs, Datacenters and High-Performance Computing Environments >

Pro Optix’s range of DAC and AOC solutions provide options from 10G to 400G and cover distances from 0.3 metres to 200 metres.

View the full Pro Optix range of AOC/DAC cables here >

Fiber Optic Cables and Pre-Terminated Solutions Overview

As we’ve seen over the course of our articles on fiber optic cables, there are a range of different options available. Here’s a quick summary of the different types, connector types, application and standards.

For more information about the different types of cables and more about connectors and terminators in detail, read “Navigating the Fiber Optic Landscape: Fiber Optical Cabling Types and Considerations” >

How to ensure the best performance and longevity of fiber optic cables and connectors

Even using factory-built pre-terminated fiber cabling to ensure the best possible performance from the outset, monitoring the network and carrying out maintenance and cleaning regularly is key to avoiding potential downtime. Here are some practical tips to ensure the best performance of your fiber network cables and connectors:

• Use network monitoring tools to continuously monitor network performance and health, such as bandwidth utilization, latency, packet loss and error rates to identify any performance issues or abnormalities. Regularly review monitoring data to identify any trends or patterns that may indicate potential problem areas.


• Establish regular maintenance schedules and perform preventative maintenance. Schedule regular inspection of fiber optic cables, connectors, adaptors and other equipment for cleanliness, alignment and any damage. Ensure connectors are secure and properly terminated to minimize signal loss and reflections.


• Minimize the exposure of fiber optic connectors to dust, dirt, oils and other contaminants and keep connector endfaces covered when not in use. Handle connectors with care to avoid touching or damaging the endfaces.


• Carry out regular cleaning of fiber optic connectors using specialized cleaning kits, such as lint-free cleaning wipes, swabs and cleaning solutions specifically designed for fiber optic connectors.

Find out more about cleaning and testing tools available from Pro Optix >