MTP® Elite Female-Female Patch Cord | Base-12 | Multi-Mode G651.OM3 | 3.0mm

Overview

This Base-12 Female-to-Female MPO/MTP® OM3 Multimode Patch Cord is a specialized cable designed to extend existing MPO/MTP® backbone links. Its primary function is to couple two Male (pinned) MPO/MTP® trunk cables, effectively increasing the length of a high-density channel. The Female connectors on each end are unpinned, designed to mate securely with the alignment pins of Male connectors, ensuring a precise fiber-to-fiber connection.

Engineered with 12 strands of laser-optimized OM3 multimode fiber, this cable supports the bandwidth requirements for 40G parallel optic applications up to 100 meters. Using MTP® Elite connectors guarantees minimal insertion loss and robust performance, making this cable an essential component for structured cabling systems in modern data centers.

Key Features

• Terminated with two Female (unpinned) MTP® Elite connectors for extending Male MPO/MTP® trunks.
• Features a Base-12 fiber configuration, compatible with the 40GBASE-SR4 standard.
• Constructed with premium laser-optimized OM3 multimode fiber (50/125µm).
• Aqua-colored jacket (OFNP/LSZH) provides clear visual identification of the OM3/OM4 fiber family.
• A robust 3.0mm cable diameter ensures durability while remaining flexible for installation.
• 100% factory-terminated and interferometrically tested for guaranteed low-loss performance.

Applications

Unlike Male-ended cables used for direct equipment connections, this Female-to-Female cable is a dedicated extension piece. It is used in structured cabling systems to join two pre-existing Male-ended MPO/MTP® trunk or patch cables. This is ideal in scenarios where a trunk cable needs to be extended to reach a different row of racks or to connect between two patch panels in a data center’s distribution area.

Specifications

Cross-Platform Compatibility

This cable is specifically designed to bridge the gap between two Male MPO/MTP® connectors. The Female (unpinned) ends accept the guide pins from Male connectors, creating a secure, precisely aligned 12-fiber link. It is crucial to remember that this cable cannot be plugged directly into equipment like transceivers or adapter panels, as those ports are also typically Female (unpinned) and require a Male connector.

FAQ (Technical & Product Questions)

1. What is the main purpose of a Female-to-Female MPO/MTP® cable?

Its primary purpose is to function as an extension cord. It connects two separate MPO/MTP® cables that both have Male (pinned) connectors, effectively joining them into a single, longer cable channel.

2. Can I plug this cable directly into my 40G QSFP+ transceiver?

No. QSFP+ transceivers have Female (unpinned) MPO/MTP® ports. You cannot connect a Female cable to a Female port. For a direct transceiver connection, you must use a Male (pinned) MPO/MTP® patch cord.

3. What is the difference between a Male and Female MTP® connector?

A Male MTP® connector has two metal guide pins on the connector face for alignment. A Female MTP® connector has two corresponding holes to receive those pins. A secure connection always requires one Male and one Female connector.

4. Can I use this OM3 cable in an OM4 network?

Yes, you can physically connect an OM3 cable within an OM4 network. However, the performance and maximum supported distance of that specific link will be limited to the OM3 standard (e.g., 100 meters for 40GBASE-SR4), not the longer distance supported by OM4 (150 meters).

5. Is this cable compatible with standard MPO connectors?

Yes. MTP® is a high-performance brand of MPO connector and is fully backward compatible with standard MPO connectors. This Female MTP® Elite cable can connect to any standard Male MPO or Male MTP® connector.