Siemon, a leading global network infrastructure specialist, has released the results of comprehensive testing on the performance of plug and play optical fibre cable assemblies used in 40 and 100 Gigabit applications.
Outlined in a new white paper called A Closer Look at Plug and Play MPO/MTP Assemblies, the results clearly show that lower-cost generic assemblies from unknown suppliers can compromise performance in today’s high-speed fibre optic links.
Siemon Labs evaluated random samples of multi-fibre MPO/MTP assemblies acquired via standard distribution from four different low-cost assembly houses and from Siemon.
Each MPO/MTP fibre assembly was tested to TIA and IEC standards for end face geometry, cleanliness, optical performance and mechanical reliability.
Each assembly was also tested to Siemon’s specifications which are more stringent to ensure superior performance and application assurance.
The testing showed a significant discrepancy between Siemon’s high-quality products and the generic products, with the majority of the generic assemblies failing to meet minimum standards requirements across the range of performance-critical parameters. Siemon was the only manufacturer to pass all the parameters for all tests.
“With the Internet of Things and Big Data driving the need for more bandwidth and increased transmission speeds to 40 and 100 Gig in data centre fibre links that use pre-terminated plug and play MPO/MTP fibre assemblies, overall performance of these assemblies has become a critical factor,” says Mike Corke, fibre application engineer for Siemon.
“Unfortunately, not all MPO/MTP assemblies are created equal, and data centre managers need to be aware that the savings from using substandard components are not worth putting critical network performance at risk.”
Part of its LightHouse Advanced fibre Cabling Solutions, Siemon MPO/MTP plug and play assemblies are manufactured using the highest quality materials and via rigorous process control over end face geometry, cleanliness, and mechanical reliability to ensure superior optical performance.
As detailed in the white paper, Siemon says the testing clearly demonstrates that strict control of the fibre connector polishing process has a direct correlation to end face geometry and performance, while the design of fibre breakout and furcation subunits has a significant impact on the ability of assemblies to withstand real-life installation conditions.
To access the detailed results of this testing, download the white paper here.
