FS’s Commitment to Meeting Network Demands: Innovations on Fiber Patch Cables for Next-generation Data Centers
Updated at Dec 29th 20241 min read
As network speeds advance from 10G and 40G to 100G, 400G, and beyond, the cabling requirements for data centers are undergoing a seismic transformation. Higher density connections, lower insertion loss, and enhanced scalability are now critical for supporting next-generation networks. In this context, FS stays ahead of the curve by continuously innovating its fiber optic products, delivering future-ready cabling solutions tailored to customer needs.
FS’s Journey in Fiber Optic Connector Innovation
From LC to High-density MTP® for Expanding Networks
In the early stages, data centers predominantly relied on LC connectors for connections due to their simple structure and strong adaptability. This fiber optic connector type, a small and compact connector, features a latch-type locking mechanism. Compared to SC connectors, the LC connector is approximately half the size, giving it certain advantages in improving port density and reducing space usage. LC connectors have been widely used in 10G SFP+, 40G QSFP+, and 100G QSFP28 transceivers, becoming an industry standard for fiber patch cables, optical distribution frames (ODFs), and other fiber optic connection solutions. Learn more about LC connector guides here.
However, with the rise of 40G and higher-speed networks, cabling space became a bottleneck. FS introduced fiber patch cables and supporting products based on MTP®/MPO multi-fiber connectors, significantly increasing cabling density. MTP®/MPO connectors accommodate multiple fibers in one port, such as 8, 12, 16, and 24 fibers. By using MTP®/MPO connectors, a single fiber cable can simultaneously transmit multiple signal channels, greatly improving the efficiency of cabling space utilization. Their plug-and-play performance, low insertion loss, and high-density design have made MTP®/MPO connectors fiber cables indispensable in high-capacity network architectures. They are widely used in core switches, routers, and other high-speed communication devices within data centers. Visit A Comprehensive Guide to MTP® Connector for more.

Figure 1: LC and MTP® Connectors
Pioneering the VSFF Era with SN, CS, MDC Connectors
As network speeds transitioned to 200G and 400G, traditional MTP®/MPO designs faced challenges in meeting the demand for even higher cabling densities. The IEEE definition of 400 Gigabit Ethernet (GbE) has introduced two new types of optical transceivers: QSFP-DD (Quad Small Form-factor Pluggable – Double Density) and OSFP (Octal Small Form-factor Pluggable), which provide 400 Gb bandwidth for switches. In response, FS responded by introducing fiber patch cables based on the VSFF (Very Small Form Factor) standard, including SN, CS, and MDC connectors. These connectors enable further miniaturization, allowing a single optical module to support more port connections.
CS™ Connector: One of the first VSFF connectors introduced to the market, the CS connector allows two duplex CS patch cords (four fibers) fit transceivers like QSFP-DD and OSFP. It doubles fiber counts per port compared to LC connectors, and each port can now support up to 200G.
SN Connector: The SN connector is based on 1.25 mm full ceramic ferrule technology. It allows for polarity changes in the field without interrupting the fiber or repositioning the ferrule. Not only can polarity be reversed in the PC variant, but due to the unique arrangement of the angled ferrule, it also allows for the reversal of the APC connector polarity. The SN connector is developed for OSFP/QSFP-DD branch applications.
MDC Connector: A truly push-pull duplex connector, the MDC connector is also based on 1.25 mm full ceramic ferrule technology. It was developed as the Medium Dependent Interface (MDI) or optical interface for new SFP-DD and QSFP-DD transceivers. The MDC connector is also poised to potentially replace the LC-Duplex connector, which is widely used in large-scale applications. Visit the article MDC Connector to know more about MDC fiber connectors.

Figure 2: CS™, SN and MDC Connectors
Advancing High-density Cabling with MMC Connectors
In the 800G network era, FS introduced MMC connector product to address the increasingly stringent cabling challenges of data centers. Built on DirectConec™ technology, MMC connectors feature a compact TMT ferrule design and optimized ferrule keying structure, achieving all-around enhancements in density, installation ease, and optical performance compared to previous VSFF connectors. Jumper to the article MMC Connector to find out its breaking innovations.

Figure 3: MMC Connector
How FS Contributes to Data Center Fiber Cabling
Systematic Cabling Solutions for Multi-scenario Demands
In the face of ever-changing network demands, FS remains steadfast in its customer-centric approach. Their FHD®, FHU, FHZ and FHX™ series solutions are part of a robust, flexible ecosystem tailored to diverse deployment scenarios.
The FHD® series, including fiber panels, fiber cassettes and fiber enclosures (1/2/4U size), known for its modular design, is ideal for medium to large data centers where flexibility and high-density cabling are critical. With its high-density capacity, it allows for efficient use of space, enabling easy expansion as network requirements grow.
The FHU series offers fiber panels and fiber cassettes. They can be installed directly and are the perfect solution for smaller or budget-sensitive projects that still require reliable and scalable network solutions.
The FHZ series includes fiber cassettes and fiber enclosures. They excel in ultra density environments since they can manage 216 fibers in 1U rack via 4 MTP® to lc cassettes in one rack mount enclosures.
The FHX™ series offers MTP® to LC shuttered cassette and 1U rack mount enclosure with 2-layer sliding drawer (8-port and 12-port types). 8-port FHX™ fiber enclosure can accommodate 8 FHX™ MTP®-12 cassettes, while the 12-port fiber enclosure types can support up to 12x MTP®-8 cassettes. Both the two match types accept up to 96 fibers for versatility and flexibility management with sufficient connector finger access.
FS’s high-density fiber management solutions, including the FHD®, FHU, FHZ and FHX™ series, offer modular designs and diverse options to meet varying deployment needs. Whether for medium-scale projects, budget-sensitive setups, or ultra-density environments, these solutions ensure seamless compatibility with FS’s fiber patch cords, MTP® fibers, and MDC patch cords. Ready for plug-and-play deployment, they provide scalable, flexible connectivity, paving the way for next-level innovations like the MMC ultra-high-density cabling.

Figure 4: FHD®, FHU, FHZ and FHX™ Series Cabling
Forward-looking Innovation with MMC Fiber Cable
With the continuous evolution of technological trends, FS is leading the upgrade of cabling products through innovative planning. From LC/SC to high-density MTP®/MPO, and introduce the VSFF connectors including CS, SN, MDC and now the MMC multi-fiber connector. Among them, the MMC series represents the latest direction in high-density, low-loss cabling and is becoming the benchmark product in the VSFF connector market.
The optimized ferrule keying design and compact TMT ferrule of MMC connector achieve higher port density with 3 times over MTP® cabling, maximizing rack space efficiency. In addition, its DirectConec™ push-pull tail sleeve design simplifies installation and operation in high-density environments. The introduction of the MMC series marks FS’s shift in cabling solutions from “efficient expansion” to “ultra-high performance,” further helping customers address challenges such as data center space constraints, high-speed transmission demands, and the rapid growth of future networks.

Figure 5: MMC offers higher density in a single 1RU space versus MTP.
Customization Solutions for Special Needs
Data center applications vary greatly, requiring tailored cabling solutions. FS addresses these needs with flexible product combinations and expert technical support. To date, FS has successfully built cabling solutions for multiple industries, including finance and media. Below are a few typical cases:
Case one is a multi-story fiber cabling. FS successfully implemented a cross-floor cabling solution for a financial company using FHD® high-density cabling products and custom MTP® fibers. This solution helped the client achieve clear multi-story, cross-regional cabling. Read more
Case 2 is industrial armored cabling. FS’s customized industrial armored cable solution was successfully applied in Singapore's green energy development project. This solution enabled reliable and high-speed data transmission between monitoring stations and distribution boxes, providing scientific data support for the client's clean energy research and development. Read more
Conclusion
FS continues to place customer-centric innovation at the core of its strategy, offering smarter, more flexible, and more efficient cabling solutions to help customers gain an edge in a rapidly evolving network landscape. Partner with FS to embrace the challenges of next-generation networks and achieve a more efficient, sustainable future.