26
PRE-TERMINATED CABLING
MPO trunks
Nigel Hedges, Account
Manager, Fluke Networks
and member of the BICSI UK
committee
www.bicsi.org
BICSI UK committee member Nigel Hedges dispels
some of the assumptions held about plug & play
multi-port optic trunks
The growth in MPO trunk utilisation has been rapid. This
is understandable as the benefits to the network owner in
terms of available bandwidth, and density in space utilisation,
are well documented. Some proponents of the technology
presented MPO as the definitive plug and play technology.
From an installer’s point of view, pre-terminated MPO
trunks can appear to be a miracle as each trunk is delivered
manufactured, correctly measured and factory tested ready
for installation.
The development of dedicated test equipment for
certification of MPO trunk cables has been pursued by only
a few manufacturers, and it’s fair to say that all the offerings
are somewhat premium priced. Capability varies between
manufacturers, but all current offerings should be encircled-
flux compliant for multimode, at least.
A few years ago, an installer for whom I have great respect,
said. “Why would I want to test any MPO trunk link? It’s
tested at the factory – I’ve got the results. I’ll present those
to the client. Everything will be tickety-boo.” And if the trunk
doesn’t work? “The manufacturer will provide a replacement
and pay me to reinstall it,” I was told – fair enough.
www.networkseuropemagazine.com