Applications of MPO Patch Cords and 400G/800G/1.6T Optical Modules
This is textIn 2025, the synergy between MPO (Multi-fiber Push-On) patch cords and 400G, 800G, and 1.6T optical modules has become the industry standard for high-speed network cabling in High-Performance Computing (HPC) and AI data centers. Below is an application guide and recommended reading based on the latest industry advancements.
1. Matching Applications of Optical Modules and MPO Patch Cords
As per-lane rates evolve from 50G and 100G to 200G, the requirements for MPO fiber counts and polarities at the optical interface have also upgraded.
Module Rate Typical Form Factor Common Interface & MPO Patch Cord Key Application Scenarios
400G QSFP-DD / OSFP MPO-12 (Base-8): 400G-DR4/SR4 MPO-16: 400G-SR8 / 4x100G Breakout cabling or switch-to-switch direct connection
800G QSFP-DD / OSFP Dual MPO-12: 800G-SR8/DR8 (2x400G ports) MPO-16: 800G-SR8 (Single port) High-density interconnects for AI compute clusters (e.g., NVIDIA InfiniBand networks)
1.6T OSFP-XD / OSFP MPO-16 / MPO-24: Interconnects based on 224G lane technology VSFF Interfaces: SN/MDC paired with MPO trunks /Backbone networks for Hyperscale cloud providers
2. Key Application Trends in 2025
- Rise of Base-16 Architecture: For 800G SR8 and future 1.6T applications, the MPO-16 connector has become mainstream. It more efficiently utilizes 16-fiber channels (8 transmit, 8 receive), avoiding the fiber wastage seen with traditional MPO-24 in 8-channel applications.
- Twin-port Design: Many 800G optical modules feature a dual MPO-12 interface design, enabling seamless conversion between 1x800G or 2x400G without the need for complex breakout cables.
- Low Loss & APC Polishing: In single-mode 400G/800G applications (e.g., DR4/DR8), MPO APC (Angled Physical Contact) connectors are typically required to reduce back-reflection, which is critical for high-speed PAM4 signals.
- Smooth Evolution to 1.6T: As 1.6T modules begin phased deployment in 2025, physical cabling tends to leverage existing single-mode 8-fiber or 16-fiber MPO infrastructure. By increasing the per-lane rate to 200G+, cabling complexity is significantly reduced.
