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How MMC Connectors Optimize High-Density Fiber Networks

VincentUpdated at Dec 26th 20241 min read

Modern industries increasingly demand high-density fiber networks to support soaring data rates and bandwidth needs. However, challenges such as limited connector space, complex cable management, and high-performance requirements in environments like hyperscale data centers and AI clusters often hinder traditional fiber solutions.
The MMC connector is an innovative solution designed to overcome these limitations, offering compact design, enhanced density, and reliable performance for next-generation networks.
Challenges of High-Density Fiber Networks
Space Constraints of LC/MTP Connectors
Traditional solutions like dual duplex LC (4-fiber) and dual MPO 8 (16-fiber) connectors have been widely used in hyperscale data centers due to their ability to double module port bandwidth (e.g., 2x400G) to support higher data rates. However, LC connectors, as density increases, require more connectors, occupying significant panel space and making it difficult to meet the demands of ultra-high-density deployments. MTP/MPO connectors enable multi-fiber high-density cabling, but their physical dimensions (especially in the connector area) still cannot be further compressed, limiting higher-density port deployments. At the same time, fiber patch panels are becoming increasingly crowded. Hyperscale applications favor utilizing existing infrastructure and keeping cabling within the same rack unit (RU) height. Data centers are also concerned about the additional volume and weight of extra fibers, as next-generation cabling demands exceed what MTP/MPO connectors can accommodate.
Cable Management Complexity of LC/MTP Connectors
As mentioned earlier, LC connector fiber patch cords increase in number with higher density, which can easily lead to cluttered cabling areas. While MTP/MPO patch cords reduce the number of cables, their larger connectors can cause cable stacking in densely cabled areas, leading to congestion, which impacts heat dissipation and maintenance. In ultra-high-density network environments, this significantly complicates cable management, increasing the difficulty and risk of managing and maintaining high-density setups.
High-Performance Requirements for Specialized Applications
In certain scenarios requiring ultra-low loss, such as AI model training (e.g., ChatGPT, DALL-E), where large-scale parallel computing is needed, extremely high-speed data transmission is essential. Excessive fiber loss can negatively impact computational efficiency and model training speeds. LC connector, being a single-fiber structure, is typically used in low-density scenarios. Scaling to higher data rates requires more LC patch cords, increasing connection points and fiber loss, leading to signal degradation. While MTP/MPO connectors have an insertion loss of approximately 0.35 dB, which is higher than the 0.25 dB (figure from US Conec) typically achieved by MMC connectors, leading to some insertion loss. This can impact latency-sensitive fields like AI.
How MMC Connectors Address High-Density Fiber Network Challenges
The MMC connector, a next-generation solution, resolves these challenges with innovative design and features:
Compact TMT Design for Enhanced Density
The MMC connector enables more fiber ports within the same panel space, achieved through its Tight Multi-Fiber Termination (TMT) ferrule design, which is smaller than the traditional MT ferrule. As shown in Table 1 (data from US Conec), MMC connectors offer over three times the port density of MTP/MPO connectors in a 1U patch panel with the same fiber count. This alleviates density challenges in AI data centers, reducing the number of racks required for large-scale AI training systems and improving data center utilization.
MMC Connector
MTP/MPO Connector
Type
Fiber numbers
Type
Fiber numbers
MMC-12
3168
MTP-12
960
MMC-16
4224
MTP-16
1280
MMC-24
6336
MTP-24
1920
MMC-32
8448
MTP-32
2560
Table 1: MMC and MTP connector types can support fiber numbers of a 1RU rack
DirectConec™ for Optimized Plug-and-Play Management
The MMC connector, equipped with the DirectConec™ push-pull boot design, optimizes plug-and-play operations in high-density environments. This eliminates the additional finger space traditionally required for insertion and removal and maximizes available panel space. It significantly improves cabling density while leaving more room for airflow. Enhanced airflow contributes to better equipment cooling and reduces maintenance challenges. In AI data centers, these features translate into cleaner cabling layouts, improved cooling, and easier management, making the MMC connector an ideal choice for next-generation high-performance networks.
Stable Transmission with Future Compatibility
According to testing by US Conec under Telcordia GR1435 conditions (Figure A shows), MMC connectors demonstrate exceptional stability in insertion loss throughout thermal cycling tests. This reliability makes MMC ideal for high-bandwidth applications like AI computation and high-speed storage. Additionally, the TMT ferrule retains the alignment structure of traditional MT ferrules, ensuring backward compatibility. Using hybrid adapters, MMC connectors can interface seamlessly with MTP/MPO connectors, enabling smooth migration to VSFF platforms. This unique combination of backward compatibility and future-proofing positions MMC as a preferred choice for next-generation AI data center cabling.
FS Applications of MMC Connectors in High-Density Fiber Networks
To address the network density requirements of generative AI applications, FS has launched MMC fiber cables. For instance, deploying MMC-16 APC fiber cables with 800G devices on both ends enhances density while supporting faster GPU cluster deployment. FS also plans to introduce MMC panel solutions to meet the expansion demands of AI data centers, enabling efficient network scalability and accelerated AI operations.