As we enter January 2016, the global optical communication industry is ushering in a critical year of growth—driven by the mass deployment of 40G/100G networks, the explosive expansion of data centers, and the rising demand for high-density interconnection <superscript:7>. According to IHS forecasts, the global optical DCI (Data Center Interconnection) market will grow by 49% in 2016, with revenue reaching $1.9 billion, and MPO (Multi-Fiber Push-On) fiber patch cords are emerging as the core component powering this growth <superscript:7>. In 2016, MPO technology is no longer a “future trend” but a practical solution for data centers, telecom operators, and large enterprises seeking to optimize space, reduce costs, and support high-speed network upgrades. Today, we’ll explore the 2016 MPO market landscape, core advancements, application trends, and how to choose the right MPO fiber patch cord for your 2016 projects.
2016 MPO Fiber Patch Cords: Where We Stand Today
Building on the foundation laid in 2015, MPO fiber patch cords have evolved significantly by January 2016, with standardized designs, improved performance, and wider adoption across key industries <superscript:1>. An MPO patch cord integrates multiple fiber cores into a single compact rectangular connector, adhering to international standards such as IEC 61754-7, TIA 604-5, and TIA/EIA-568-C.3, ensuring seamless compatibility with mainstream network equipment from Cisco, Huawei, and other leading vendors.
In 2016, the two most dominant MPO configurations remain 12-core (single row) and 24-core (dual row), with 12-core models still leading the market due to their perfect compatibility with QSFP+ transceivers for 40G networks. However, 24-core MPO jumpers are gaining traction rapidly, driven by the commercialization of 100G networks and the need for higher density in large-scale data centers <superscript:1>. A key milestone in early 2016 is Intel’s mass production of 100G PSM4 silicon photonics modules, which has significantly reduced the cost of 100G deployment and directly boosted demand for 24-core MPO patch cords.
Another notable trend in January 2016 is the growing adoption of pre-terminated MPO solutions. Factory-prepared MPO jumpers, tested for insertion loss, return loss, and polarity, eliminate on-site splicing, reduce installation time by 50%, and minimize the risk of human error—critical for data centers racing to meet 2016 expansion deadlines <superscript:8>. Additionally, MTP® (a premium version of MPO) connectors are becoming more popular, offering enhanced performance and compatibility for high-demand scenarios .
2016’s Key Drivers: Why MPO Is Indispensable This Year
2016 is a pivotal year for MPO fiber patch cords, with three core trends driving their widespread adoption. These trends are reshaping how data centers and telecom networks operate, making MPO an essential investment for businesses looking to stay competitive:
1. 100G Network Commercialization & Silicon Photonics Breakthroughs
2016 marks the official transition from 40G to 100G as the mainstream high-speed network standard, thanks to Intel’s mass production of 100G silicon photonics modules <superscript:1>. These modules leverage semiconductor manufacturing scale effects to reduce costs by 30% compared to 2015, making 100G deployment accessible to more enterprises. MPO fiber patch cords—especially 24-core models—are the perfect match for 100G networks, as they support parallel optical transmission (10x10G channels) and seamless compatibility with QSFP28 and CFP transceivers.
According to industry reports, 100G network deployments will grow by 85% in 2016, with MPO jumpers accounting for over 60% of 100G cabling solutions <superscript:1>. This growth is further fueled by telecom operators like China Mobile, which is piloting 400G technologies in 2016 and laying the groundwork for future upgrades—making high-density MPO cabling a long-term investment.
2. Explosive Growth of Data Center Interconnection (DCI)
2016 will see the global DCI market grow by 49%, with a new focus on compact DCI platforms designed specifically for data center environments<superscript:7>. As data centers expand and interconnect to meet the demands of cloud computing and big data, the need for high-density, space-saving cabling has never been greater. A single 12-core MPO patch cord can replace 12 traditional LC patch cords, saving 70% of cabinet space—critical for data centers where rack space is a valuable commodity.
Cisco’s Global Cloud Index predicts that by 2019, 99% of global network traffic will be related to data centers, with 70% of that traffic occurring within data centers <superscript:3>. In 2016, MPO fiber patch cords are becoming the standard for data center internal connectivity (switch-to-switch, server-to-switch) and DCI links, thanks to their low loss, high stability, and easy scalability.
3. Standardization & Cost Optimization
By January 2016, MPO technology has become fully standardized, with the TIA releasing the TIA-492AAAE standard—defining 40G/100G/400G signal transmission over single fibers using wavelength division multiplexing, further reducing fiber core and connector requirements <superscript:4>. This standardization has led to increased competition among manufacturers, driving down MPO jumper costs by 25% compared to 2015.
Additionally, the shift from OM1/OM2 to OM3/OM4 multimode fiber (the only multi-mode fibers approved for 40G/100G networks by IEEE 802.3ba) has boosted MPO adoption <superscript:8>. OM3 and OM4 fibers offer higher effective modal bandwidth (2000MHz·km and 4700MHz·km respectively), supporting longer transmission distances for MPO jumpers—up to 300m for OM3 and 550m for OM4.
2016 MPO Applications: Where They’re Making an Impact
In January 2016, MPO fiber patch cords are no longer limited to large data centers—they’re being deployed across a range of industries, driven by the need for high-speed, high-density connectivity. Here are the key application scenarios shaping the 2016 MPO market:
1. Large-Scale Data Centers & DCI Links
Data centers remain the largest adopters of MPO jumpers in 2016, using 12-core models for 40G internal connectivity and 24-core models for 100G DCI links. With the rise of compact DCI platforms, MPO jumpers are being used to connect data centers across cities, supporting high-bandwidth, low-latency data transmission. Major internet content providers (ICPs) are investing heavily in MPO cabling to support their expanding data center footprints, as it reduces deployment costs and simplifies future upgrades.
2. Telecom Backbone & 4G/5G Preparations
Telecom operators are using MPO fiber patch cords to upgrade their backbone networks to 40G/100G, supporting the growing demand for mobile data and video streaming <superscript:5>. China Mobile, for example, deployed 100 million core-kilometers of fiber in 2015-2016 and is using MPO cabling to optimize its network structure for future 5G deployments. MPO jumpers are also used in 4G base station interconnection, providing stable, high-speed links between base stations and core networks.
3. Enterprise & Campus Networks
Large enterprises and university campuses are increasingly adopting MPO patch cords in 2016 to support high-bandwidth applications like video conferencing, cloud collaboration, and high-performance computing. MPO’s compact design and scalability make it ideal for campus backbone networks, where space is limited and future expansion is a priority. In 2016, enterprise and campus networks account for 35% of MPO jumper demand, second only to data centers.
2016 MPO Selection Guide: Choose the Right Jumper for Your Needs
With MPO adoption accelerating in 2016, choosing the right patch cord requires aligning with your network speed, fiber type, and future expansion plans. Here are practical tips from Mars Optical’s technical team to help you make the right decision in 2016:
- Match with Network Speed: For 40G networks (still the most common in early 2016), 12-core MPO jumpers are the optimal choice—compatible with QSFP+ transceivers and using 8 cores for transmission (4 reserved for expansion). For 100G deployments or future upgrades, 24-core MPO jumpers are recommended, as they support 10x10G parallel transmission and seamless compatibility with 100G silicon photonics modules.
- Select the Right Fiber Type: OM3 multimode fiber is the standard for 40G/100G short-distance connections (≤300m) in 2016, while OM4 multimode fiber is ideal for longer distances (up to 550m). For long-distance DCI links (≥10km), OS2 single-mode MPO jumpers are the best choice, offering low attenuation and stable performance.
- Prioritize Pre-Terminated Models: Pre-terminated MPO jumpers are factory-tested to meet 2016 industry standards (insertion loss ≤0.50dB, return loss ≥50dB), eliminating on-site splicing and reducing installation time. Avoid on-site terminated jumpers, which increase error risk and delay project timelines.
- Check Polarity & Compatibility: 2016 MPO jumpers support three polarity types (Type A/B/C), with Type B being the most commonly used for 40G/100G connections. Ensure the polarity matches your network equipment, and verify compatibility with your switches and transceivers (Cisco, Huawei, etc.) to avoid connection failures.