3M unveils MPO solution for high density fibre connections

Designed to meet the challenges of high speed cabling and limited space typical in data centres, the Multi-Fibre Push-On (MPO) device is said to feature the highest fibre cable density available on the market, with up to 96 connections on a single 1U rack unit. According to 3M, up to 12 fibre cable terminations can be supported in any one 3M MPO connector. Both MPO-to-LC and MPO-to-MPO connections are supported. "We've invested time and resources into developing one of the most comprehensive MPO ranges available, with an emphasis on ease of installation, flexibility and unrivalled fibre cable density," said Rosemary McGlashon, European product manager at 3M. "We believe that the system is also attractively priced compared to the nearest competition." At the heart of the MPO solution is a 19in network sub-rack patch panel, which can accommodate up to four pre-connected modules, each offering 24 LC-standard connectors on the front of the panel. On the rear of the module are two 12 fibre MPO ribbon backplane fibre connectors. Patch cords and cables are available for OM3, OM4 and OS2 fibre cable standards. The MPO solution employs the Modified Method B connectivity format, which 3M believes provides the best potential for interoperability and upgradability in the future.