3M, the diversified technology company, has announced the launch of its ‘plug and play’ Multi-Fibre Push-On (MPO) solution for fibre cabling connections, designed to meet the challenges of high speed cabling and limited space typical in data centres. Features of the 3M solution include the highest fibre cable density available on the market – up to 96 connections on a single 1U rack unit – and a broad range of options, including OM3, OM4 and OS2 fibre standards.
Network and data centre managers have to balance escalating volumes and speeds of data traffic – which traditionally require more cables to be installed – against the challenge of confined spaces.
Up to 12 fibre cable terminations can be supported in any one 3M MPO connector, giving data centres unrivalled fibre density. The system can accommodate both MPO-to-LC and MPO-to-MPO connections, making it a highly versatile solution for data centres today and in the future.
Rosemary McGlashon, european product manager at 3M said, “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. We believe that the system is also attractively priced compared to the nearest competition.”
As connectors are pre-terminated in the factory, this enables more connections to be carried out on-site in less time, with reduced room for error or remedial work. In addition, the design of the sub-rack panel means that cable connections can be completed without having to remove the unit from the network cabinet or cutting fibres, so future changes to the panel can be easily performed.
At the core of the MPO solution is a 19 inch 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.
The MPO range from 3M draws on more than 40 years’ experience in the networking and telecom industry and is backed by support options including network design and project support, on-site assistance, certified installer training and advice on systems upgrades. 3M provides a 25-year warranty on all its structured cabling systems and adheres to all the main industry standards.