The 19 inch standard rack mount MPO patch panel (usually containing MPO LC cassette or MPO SC Cassette) is the core fiber management hub for data centers and communication networks. Its application scenarios revolve around the three major needs of high-density cabling, rapid deployment, and full life cycle management. Below will introduce 6 applications one by one.
High-density interconnection in data centers (DCI – core scenarios)
Spine-Leaf backbone wiring
1U patch panel equipped with 6x 24 fiber MPO to LC cassette modules to meet 144 port LC patch panel, so as to connect spine/leaf switches for 100G SR4 optical modules. This solution can save 70% space compared to traditional LC fiber patch panels, and can connected directly with 144 cores MPO trunk cable.
400G DR4/SR8 Deploy
| Optical module type | Patch Panel Configuration | Port Support Capacity |
| 400G-DR4 optical module | MPO 16 fiber to 8xLC dual connector plate | 1U=48pcs 400G port |
| 400G-SR8 optical module | MPO 32 fiber to 16xLC dual connector plate | 1U=32pcs 400G port |
Centralized deployment of 5G bearer network
DU pool fiber dispatch center
The DU pool fiber dispatch center can centrally manage 72 AAU accesses (a single patch panel supports 3xMPO-24 inputs). It uses a waterproof panel with IP65 protection level, can be used in outdoor cabinets, and has an insertion loss requirement of ≤0.5dB @1310nm and vibration resistance of 5G@100Hz (in compliance with ETSI EN 300 019 standard).
Fronthaul-midhaul optical layer scheduling
| Network level | Wiring solution | Capacity improvement effect |
| Fronthaul | 12 fiber MPO panel (25Gx12 channels) | Save 48% of optical fiber |
| Midhaul | 24 fiber MPO panel (100Gx24 channels) | Delay ≤ 2μs |
High-reliability wiring for industrial control
The intelligent manufacturing backbone network uses an armored 19-inch MPO patch panel with stainless steel casing, built-in MPO 12 to SC industrial module, and 50G impact resistance. For example, a MPO patch panel in an automobile factory connects 120 industrial cameras (each 10Gbps).
The safety standards for energy and power communications are IEC 61850-3 (electromagnetic compatibility level 4) and IEEE 1613 (substation environment certification). The seismic resistance must pass the 8-level earthquake test, and the vibration spectrum must comply with IEC 61373 Category 1.
Medical imaging data center
Integrated configuration of multi-modality equipment in operating room Ultra-thin 1U antibacterial MPO patch panel, thickness 35mm, with 8 fiber MPO LC cassette and MPO LC breakout cable to transmit signal:
– 4K endoscope video (4x10Gbps)
– Robot control signal (2x1Gbps)
Regional Medical Imaging Cloud
| Equipment Type | Fiber link solution | Patch panel role |
| CT/MRI | 24 fiber MTP to LC cable | Image data aggregation node |
| Storage Server | Dual 32 fiber MPO to LC cable | Storage network core scheduling |
Broadcasting ultra-high-definition production and broadcasting system
The optical dispatch center of the 4K/8K broadcast vehicle mainly uses broadcast-grade MPO patch panels (delay jitter≤ 1μs), which are equipped with MPO-24 to 12xLC panels. Each port supports 12G-SDI signals and HDR 10-bit color depth.
Other special environment applications
- Railway transportation on-board communication, install MPO patch panels in train communication cabinets, use shock-absorbing and flame-retardant materials, and single patch panels support 40Gbps on-board Ethernet (MPO-8X5 system)
- Offshore platform communication requires MPO patch panels to meet ISO 9227 C5-M anti-corrosion level, IP68 waterproof level (water depth 3m/72h) and -40℃~85℃ operating temperature range.
Conclusion
MPO fiber patch panels are widely used, and users can choose the appropriate fiber optic panel according to their actual needs. For example, the 400G data center recommends 6xMPO-24 to LC panel to achieve a 1U 144 LC port design. At the same time, you can choose the fiber optic intelligent management version with integrated RFID port tracking to achieve real-time port monitoring or integrated cooling pipes, etc.
