White Paper

Are you Ready for 40G and 100G?

12- vs. 24-fiber MTP cabling for higher-speed Ethernet
Gary Bernstein, RCDD

Director of Product Management Fiber and Data Center

Leviton Network Solutions

Abstract
East Africa is host to the extraordinary Great Migration. Every year, millions of creatures
zebras, wildebeest, gazelles, and many others travel 1,800 miles and must overcome
numerous threats to survive.
Data centers regularly undertake their own great migration, to ever higher speed networks.
Applications from development software and ERP systems to consumer content, medical
and academic records, and a host of others are continously driving demand for greater
bandwidth, and the network must keep pace.
10G, unimaginable a decade ago, is now common in larger enterprises. Several 40G core,
edge, and top of rack (ToR) switches are on the market today, including equipment from
Force10, Cisco, Arista, Extreme Networks, Hitachi, and BLADE Network Technologies (now
IBM System Networking). Cisco, Alcatel-Lucent, Brocade, and Juniper Networks have
introduced 100G equipment as well. By 2015, higher-speed Ethernet will have about a 25%
share of network equipment ports, according to Infonetics Research. The need is clear: a
40/100G Ethernet migration plan is quickly becoming a matter of survival.

Figure 1
Projected Share of Network Ports - 2015
1G/10G/40G/100G Networking Ports
Biannual Market Size and Forecasts
Infonetics Research, April 2011

Is your network cabling optimized for this inevitable growth? Create a simple, cost-effective
migration path by installing a structured cabling system that can support your future
40/100G networking needs. An ideal system will include the following:
One simple, modular connectivity solution for legacy 1G and 10G applications that is also
compliant to 40G and 100G
One standardized connector theme able to support future high-bandwidth applications
Preconnectorized components compliant to all current and anticipated industry standards
This paper will provide a foundational understanding of laser optimized multimode (LOMM)
40/100G structured cabling, introduce a flexible 40/100G migration solution that delivers all
of the features and benefits noted above, and discuss the pros and cons of 12- vs. 24-fiber
*MPO/MTP cabling.
* = MTP is a high-performance MPO connector manufactured and trademarked by US Conec, Ltd. Leviton uses MTP connectors
exclusively; throughout this paper we use the term MTP to refer to all MPO/MTP interfaces and connectors.

Understanding 40/100G
Planning for migration to higher-speed Ethernet can feel daunting. The standards for 40G
and 100G are significantly different from previous generations; active equipment and
how information is transmitted are unique. Even polarity takes on a new importance. The
following sections explain these differences and will help you understand the options for
40/100G migration.

IEEE and TIA Standards

Structured cabling systems design is always guided first by standards. IEEE creates the
standards that define performance parameters, while TIA writes those that define how
to apply the parameters to structured cabling systems. Familiarity with these standards
will help you design your data center infrastructure to better support network upgrades.
IEEE 802.3ba 40Gb/s and 100Gb/s Ethernet is the only current standard that addresses
the physical layer cabling and connector media maximums for 40/100G fiber channel
requirements (the standard does not address copper UTP/SCTP categories). IEEE 802.3ae
10Gb/S Ethernet covers the fiber protocols for 10G transmission.
Fiber Type

Max Distance

Max Channel
Insertion Loss

Max Channel Connector

Insertion Loss

10G OM3

300 m

2.6 dB

1.5 dB

10G OM4

550 m

2.6 dB

1.5 dB

40/100G OM3

100 m

1.9 dB

1.5 dB

40/100G OM4

150 m

1.5 dB

1.0 dB

Figure 2
IEEE 850 nm OM3 and OM4 Ethernet Performance Specifications

Note the tighter link-loss parameters with 40/100G. To achieve proper performance
throughout the channel, each system component must meet lower loss limits as well.
TIA-942 Telecommunications Infrastructure Standard for Data Centers establishes
design criteria including site space and layout, cabling infrastructure, tiered reliability,
and environmental considerations. The standard recommends using the highest
capacity media available to maximize infrastructure lifespan. 10G equipment is the most
frequently installed today, but as noted in the Infonetics Research forecast, 40G and
100G Ethernet will soon grow to become common networking speeds.
Now, lets discuss the structured cabling requirements needed to support 40/100G
applications.

Active Equipment Interfaces

Fiber connectivity in higher-speed active equipment is being condensed and simplified
with plug-and-play, hot-swap transceiver miniaturization. 1G and 10G networks commonly
utilize the GBIC (Gigabit interface converter). For 8G Fibre Channel SAN and OTU2, as well
as some 10G, the transceiver is the SFP+ (small form-factor pluggable plus). Interfaces for
40G and 100G active equipment include QSFP (quad small form-factor pluggable), CFP and
CXP (100G form-factor pluggable).
MPO/MTP is the designated interface for multimode 40/100G, and its backward
compatible with legacy 1G/10G applications as well. Its small, high-density form factor is
ideal with higher-speed Ethernet equipment.

Parallel Optics
LOMM 40G and 100G Ethernet employ parallel optics. Data is transmitted and received
simultaneously on MTP interfaces through 10G simplex transmission over each individual
strand of the array cable. Current IEEE channel/lane assignments for active equipment
interfaces determine the transmission methodology.
Lane Assignments

Tx Tx Tx Tx

Rx Rx Rx Rx

Figure 3
40G 12-fiber MTP connector
Pins 1-2-3-4 are for Transmit (Tx), and 9-10-11-12 are for Receive (Rx). Pins 5-6-7-8 are not used.

Tx Tx Tx Tx Tx Tx Tx Tx Tx Tx

Rx Rx Rx Rx Rx Rx Rx Rx Rx Rx

Figure 4
100G 2x12-fiber MTP connectors
Pins 2-11 on first connector are for Transmit (Tx), and pins 2-11 on the second connector are for Receive (Rx).
Pins 1 and 12 are not used.

Rx Rx Rx Rx Rx Rx Rx Rx Rx Rx

Tx Tx Tx Tx Tx Tx Tx Tx Tx Tx

Figure 5
100G 24-fiber MTP connector
* IEEE recommended option *
Pins 14-23 are for Transmit (Tx), and pins 2-11 are for Receive (Rx). Pins 1, 12, 13, and 24 are not used.

Polarity
TIA-568-C.0 Generic Telecommunications Cabling for Customer Premises includes three
MTP array cable polarity methods A, B, and C. In addition, TIA will soon be releasing two
new addenda TIA-568-C.0-2 and TIA-568-C.3-1 to specifically address the polarity and
cabling requirements needed to support 40G and 100G applications. As the market moves
toward 40G and 100G networking speeds, polarity will become more and more important.
With multiple channels within a single connector, all components must be manufactured
with the same polarity; differences cannot be reconciled by flipping or switching connector
position in the field. Many end users prefer Method B, as it has the same straight-through
MTP array cord on both ends of the channel, which greatly simplifies upgrades.

With this background of the higher-speed Ethernet landscape, well now introduce the
structured cabling system that provides the simplest, most cost-effective migration path
to 40G and 100G networks.

The Opt-X Unity 40/100G MTP System

12- vs. 24-Fiber Cabling Infrastructure
Opt-X Unity is a modular LOMM MTP system that supports 1G, 10G, 40G, and 100G fiber
optic networks. Components include trunks, harnesses, array cords, modules, and adapter
plates. Polarity methods A, B, and C are available; standard is method B. The system
includes configurations for 1G to 100G networks over 12- or 24-fiber MTP cabling.
Opt-X Unity offers exceptional performance and quality whether you run your network
over 12- or 24-fiber trunks. However, an understanding of the differences between
the two schemes will help you optimize your cabling plant with your next upgrade. The
sections below present migration, density, congestion, and cost comparisons between
12- and 24-fiber Opt-X Unity systems.
Migration
Following are graphics showing the basic Opt-X Unity 12- and 24-Fiber System
configurations for 1G-100G networks. With the 40G 12-fiber legacy configurations, a
second trunk and another set of array harnesses will be needed to achieve 100% fiber
utilization. For 100G, these additional components will be required for any 12-fiber legacy
configuration. On the other hand, with 24-fiber trunks, a single cable can support a
1G-100G channel and will simplify network upgrades immensely. 1G and 10G networks
will link the trunks to active equipment with MTP-LC modules and LC duplex patch
cords. When equipment is upgraded, modules and patch cords are exchanged for the
appropriate new MTP components, with no need to install new trunks. In addition, limiting
changes reduces the inherent risks to network security and integrity whenever MAC
work is completed.

Spotlight | MTP Cable Assembly Boot Colors

All MTP connectors look alike, and there is no TIA standard
yet for differentiating them. To make identification easier,
Leviton has pioneered a boot color-coding system. 8-fiber
MTP connectors have a grey boot, 12-fiber boots are black,
and 24-fiber boots are red.

Opt-X Unity 12-fiber MTP Legacy Configurations

(x 6)

Electronics

LC Duplex
Patch Cord

(x 6)

12-fiber MTP-LC
Module

1x12-fiber MTP
Trunk Cable

12-fiber MTP-LC
Module

LC Duplex
Patch Cord

Electronics

Figure 6
1/10G Channel 12-Fiber Legacy Configuration

Option A

(x3)

Electronics

(x3)

8-Fiber MTP
Array Cord

2x12-fiber to
3x8-fiber
MTP Module

2 x 1x12-fiber MTP
Trunk Cables

2x12-fiber to
3x8-fiber
MTP Module

8-fiber MTP
Array Cord

Electronics

2x12-fiber to
3x8-fiber
MTP Harness

MTP Adapter Plate

2 x 1x12-fiber MTP
Trunk Cables

MTP Adapter Plate

2x12-fiber to
3x8-fiber
MTP Harness

Electronics

2x12-fiber
to 1x24-fiber
MTP Harness

Electronics

Option B

Electronics

Figure 7
40G Channel 12-Fiber Legacy Configurations

Electronics

2x12-fiber
to 1x24-fiber
MTP Harness

MTP Adapter Plate

2 x 1x12-fiber MTP
Trunk Cables

MTP Adapter Plate

Figure 8
100G Channel 12-Fiber Legacy Configuration

Opt-X Unity 24-fiber MTP Configurations

(x12)

Electronics

LC Duplex
Patch Cord

(x12)

24-fiber MTP-LC
Module

1x24-fiber MTP
Trunk Cable

24-fiber MTP-LC
Module

LC Duplex
Patch Cord

Electronics

Figure 9
1/10G Channel 24-Fiber Configuration

Option A

(x3)

Electronics

(x3)

8-Fiber MTP
Array Cord

24-fiber MTP to
3x8-fiber
MTP Module

1x24-fiber MTP
Trunk Cable

24-fiber MTP to
3x8-fiber
MTP Module

8-Fiber MTP
Array Cord

Electronics

1x24-fiber to
3x8-fiber MTP
Array Harness

MTP Adapter Plate

1x24-fiber MTP
Trunk Cable

MTP Adapter Plate

1x24-fiber to
3x8-fiber MTP
Array Harness

Electronics

Option B

Electronics

Figure 10
40G Channel 24-Fiber Configurations

Electronics

1x24-fiber MTP
Array Cord

MTP Adapter Plate

1x24-fiber MTP
Trunk Cable

MTP Adapter Plate

Figure 11
100G Channel 24-Fiber Configuration

1x24-fiber MTP
Array Cord

Electronics

Density
Higher density connectivity in the enclosure leaves more rack space for active equipment,
reducing the total amount of floor space required. 24-fiber cabling has the obvious
advantage. If the active equipment is configured for 24-fiber channel/lane assignments,
enclosures can have twice as many connections with the same number of ports
compared to 12-fiber (or the same number of connections using only half the ports).
Leviton also offers a patent-pending 24-fiber 40G MTP wiring scheme that delivers true
100% fiber utilization no dark fibers or empty pins. With this configuration, density is
doubled at the adapter plate/enclosure side as compared to 12-fiber 40G wiring schemes.

Rack
Units

Enclosure
Model

Max # of Opt-X
Plates/Modules

Max 10G
LC Channels

Max 40G
MTP Channels

Max 100G
MTP Channels*

1RU

Opt-X Ultra
Opt-X 1000i

36

18

18

2RU

Opt-X Ultra
Opt-X 1000i

72

36

36

3RU

Opt-X Ultra

108

54

54

Opt-X 1000i

12

144

72

72

Opt-X Ultra

12

144

72

72

Opt-X 1000i

15

180

90

90

4RU

* = Requires minimum 48-fiber trunk cables

Figure 12
Opt-X Unity System 24-fiber Cabling Enclosure Density

Congestion
The flip side of density is congestion. The more connectivity you are able to run in the
same footprint, the more crowded it can become at the rack or cabinet. Here again,
24-fiber MTP trunks offer a huge benefit. Anywhere theres fiber, from within the
enclosures to cable runs that connect different areas of the network, youll have just
half the number of cables versus 12-fiber. Runs carry a lighter load, fibers are easier to
manage, and improved airflow reduces cooling costs.

Cost
12-fiber configurations may allow you to continue to use existing trunks when
upgrading your equipment (if you already have 12-fiber MTP-MTP trunks), but will
likely require additional trunks, more connectivity components, and other network
modifications. In the long run, its much more expensive to retain these trunks than to
upgrade to 24-fiber up front.
The following figures present 12- vs. 24-fiber end user cost comparisons for a 48-fiber
10G network, 40G upgrade, and 100G upgrade (components only).

12-fiber MTP Cabling

Required Components

24-fiber MTP Cabling

Cost (in $)

Required Components

Cost (in $)

4 x 12F OM3 MTP-MTP 100 ft. trunks

$2,000

2 x 24F OM3 MTP-MTP 100 ft. trunks

$2,000

8 x 12F MTP-LC modules

$2,700

4 x 24F MTP-LC modules

$2,600

48 x LC-LC patch cords

$2,200

48 x LC-LC patch cords

$2,200

Total cost for 24 channels

$6,900

Total cost for 24 channels

$6,800

Cost per channel

$287

Cost per channel

$283

Figure 13
10G Cabling Infrastructure Cost
12-fiber MTP Cabling
Required Components

24-fiber MTP Cabling

Cost (in $)

Required Components

Cost (in $)

4 x 2x12F MTP-MTP modules

$1,800

4 x 24F MTP-MTP modules

$1,650

12 x 12F MTP array cords

$2,250

12 x 8F MTP array cords

$2,000

Total cost for 6 channels

$4,050

Total cost for 6 channels

$3,650

Cost per channel

$675

Cost per channel

$608

Figure 14
40G Upgrade Cabling Infrastructure Cost

Array cord configuration - Option A in Figures 7 and 10

12-fiber MTP Cabling

Required Components
2 x MTP adapter plates

24-fiber MTP Cabling

Cost (in $)

Required Components

Cost (in $)

$100

2 x MTP adapter plates

$100

4 x 2x12F-24F MTP array harnesses

$1,600

4 x 24F MTP array cords

$1,200

Total cost for 2 channels

$1,700

Total cost for 2 channels

$1,300

Cost per channel

$850

Cost per channel

Figure 15
100G Upgrade Cabling Infrastructure Cost

10

$650

As you can see, the migration cost savings with 24-fiber trunks increase as you move
to higher networking speeds. For the 10G network, cost is almost equal, but 24-fiber
trunks reduce end user costs about 10% for a 40G upgrade, and almost 25% for a 100G
upgrade. Factor in the labor costs of installing additional trunks and other components
with 12-fiber, and the difference is even greater.

Conclusion
Being prepared for 40/100G is essential: Within a few short years higher-speed Ethernet
will be common in data centers across all types of organizations. Install the Opt-X Unity
24-fiber MTP System, the industrys only 24-fiber 40/100G system, and realize several
benefits when its time to upgrade your network:
Fewer connectivity components to be replaced or added simplifies migration and reduces
costs for both components and installation
Higher density connectivity leaves more rack space for active equipment
Fewer trunks reduce cable congestion throughout the DC
In short, the Opt-X Unity 24-fiber MTP System will future-proof your network, lower your cost
of ownership, and maximize your return on investment.

11

Addendum
Opt-X Unity System Quality & Performance
Opt-X Unity system components are manufactured at Leviton's dedicated fiber manufacturing
facility, including termination, cleaving, and polishing. Rigorous testing ensures compliance
with all relevant IEEE, TIA, and other standards. Below are Leviton guaranteed maximum
insertion loss (IL) levels.
Connector Mated Pairs

MAX IL

Duplex LC

0.25

24-fiber Premium MTP

0.50

Modules/Harnesses
MTP-LC

MAX IL
0.75

Figure A1
24-fiber Pre-terminated Component Insertion Loss Performance (dB)

Leviton uses interferometer imaging to measure and confirm that all MTP connectors meet
mechanical and end face geometry requirements. Below are examples of actual results.

Figure A2
End Face View of 24F MTP Connector
Measures flatness of polish

Figure A3
3D View of 24F MTP Connector
Verifies proper fiber protrusion

Leviton participated in the September 2010 Ethernet Alliance Higher Speed Ethernet
Plugfest. The Opt-X Unity System was tested in 40GBASE-SR4 and 100GBASE-SR10
OM3 channels against multiple types of active equipment and found to be fully
interoperable. Test data is available in the Data Center Bridging Plugfest PDF online at
http://ethernetalliance.org/library/Ethernet_in_the_data_center/white_papers.

12

Leviton Corporate Headquarters | leviton.com

201 N. Service Road, Melville, NY 11747 USA
Customer Service
T 800.323.8920 / +1.631.812.6000
E customerservice@leviton.com

Leviton Network Solutions Division Headquarters | leviton.com/networksolutions

2222-222nd Street S.E., Bothell, WA 98021 USA
Inside Sales
T 800.722.2082
E insidesales@leviton.com

International Inside Sales

T +1.425.486.2222
E intl@leviton.com

Technical Support
T 800.824.3005 / +1.425.486.2222
E appeng@leviton.com

Leviton International Regional Headquarters

Middle East & Africa
T +971.4.886.4722
E lmeinfo@leviton.com

China
T +86.755.3320.0588
E infochina@leviton.com

Mexico
T +52.55.5082.1040
E lsamarketing@leviton.com

Canada
T +1.514.954.1840
E pcservice@leviton.com

India / SAARC
T +91.80.4322.5678
E lev_india@leviton.com

Leviton International Offices

A.S.E.A.N. Countries
T +631.812.6228
E infoasean@leviton.com

Europe
T +33.6.88.69.13.80
E infoeurope@leviton.com

Colombia
T +57.311.820.7055
E lsamarketing@leviton.com

South Korea
T +82.2.3273.9963
E infokorea@leviton.com

Australia & New Zealand

T +64.4.562.8327
E infoausnz@leviton.com

Latin America
T +52.55.5082.1040
E lsamarketing@leviton.com

F11 3683