Data Center MTP® Connectivity Evolution | Corning

Since NTT released the MT Ferrule as a pre-engineered splice into commercial subscriber lines in 1988, MT Ferrule technology has evolved to answer multiple challenges in the market. In the 2000s, with the emergence of the MPO (Multifiber push-on) connector, data center installers and designers were able to increase fiber density and decrease installation time by switching from single fiber or duplex connectors to multi-fiber connecters in an 8 or12 fiber form factor. In addition to fiber density, as the transceiver roadmap increased from 10G to 40G requirements, parallel optics, introduced multiple fiber lanes for data transmission. This multi-lane method of sending and receiving data heralded a greater need for an efficient means of interconnection.

In 1996, US Conec Ltd. released the MTP^® connector brand — a family of advanced MPO connectors designed for 4, 8, and 12-fiber ribbon applications. That same year, the MPO format was standardized by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) and embraced by an industry thirsty for a better way to install, deploy, and manage high-density fiber networks. Corning adopted the MTP in its Plug & Play™ cable portfolio for backbone, cross-connect, and breakout applications.

In 1999, US Conec Ltd. introduced low-insertion-loss MTP^® Elite connector components that not only improved on insertion loss from 0.75dB down to 0.35dB for single-mode applications and 0.60dB down to 0.35dB for multi-mode applications, but also reduced the sensitivity of the connector bodies from accidental bumps or pulls on the cable jacketing through a floating ferrule technology that allows the connector end-faces to remain in contact while the bodies can rotate relative to each other. It uses tight-tolerance elliptical guide pins to improve guidance and reduce performance-impacting ferrule pin bore wear and degradation. Corning was able to build on this technology to introduce the EDGE™ product line, an industry-leading, low-loss, high-density cabling solution that delivers premier optical performance and reliable signal power.

In 2021, US Conec Ltd. designed a state-of-the-art connector having two rows of 12 fibers (2x12f) that brought simplified use to the MPO format by offering a small-profile, field-installed connector, all while leveraging the proven features and technology of US Conec’s MTP^® connectors. With a novel design focused on simplicity and reliability, the small-profile of the Fast-Track MTP connector enables a reduced-size pulling grip for installation through restricted pathways. Corning, once again, leveraged this technology to deliver a new solution to the market in the form of EDGE™ Rapid Connect: a factory terminated, high fiber count cable solution that eliminates splicing and reduces installation time by 70%.