MPO 12-core OM4 Fiber Optic Patch Cord

An MPO 12 patch cord (MPO-12 OM4) is a factory pre-terminated assembly that carries 12 strands of OM4 50/125μm laser-optimized multimode fiber through a single push-on MPO/MTP® connector. It is mainly used to connect 40GBASE-SR4 and 100GBASE-SR4 transceivers, MPO cassettes and adapter panels in data centers, supporting 40G links up to 150m and 100G links up to 100m over OM4 while cutting installation time and rack space versus field-terminated duplex cabling.

This page covers the full specifications, polarity options (Type A/B/C), connector gender selection, customization and ordering details for this assembly. You can also browse our complete MPO/MTP fiber patch cord range covering 8–32 fibers in single mode and multimode.

 

MPO-12 OM4 patch cord: key specifications at a glance

 

The table below summarizes this specific assembly. If your link budget is tight, choose the low-loss MPO-12 OM4 patch cord option (≤0.35dB per mated pair) to preserve headroom across multiple connection points.

 

Item	Specification
Fiber count	12 fibers (Base-12); 8/16/24/32F versions available
Fiber type	OM4 50/125μm laser-optimized multimode, 850/1300nm (bend-insensitive fiber optional)
Connector	MPO-12 or US Conec MTP®; male (pinned) / female (unpinned); PC polish
Insertion loss	≤0.35dB (low loss) / ≤0.70dB (standard)
Return loss	≥25dB (multimode)
Polarity	Type A / Type B / Type C per TIA-568.3-D
Jacket & color	LSZH / OFNP / OFNR; Aqua or Violet; ribbon, flat or 3.0mm round
Length	0.5m–100m+ custom cut, tolerance L ± 0.05m
Typical reach	40GBASE-SR4: 150m; 100GBASE-SR4: 100m; 10GBASE-SR: up to 400m
Temperature	Operating −10 to +70°C; storage −40 to +85°C
Compliance	TIA-568.3-D, IEC 61754-7; RoHS / REACH compliant

 

MPO-12 OM4 fiber optic patch cord drawing and dimensions

 

 

Notes:
1. Length tolerance: L ± 0.05m.
2. The connector type in the figure is for reference only; MTP/MPO male (pinned) or female (unpinned) connectors are available. Most 40G/100G SR4 transceiver ports are pinned, so patch cords that plug directly into optics are normally ordered as female.
3. Customized polarity, length, labeling and packaging are available.

 

12-core MPO OM4 patch cord polarity: Type A vs Type B vs Type C

 

Polarity defines how fiber positions 1–12 on one connector map to positions on the other connector, so that every transmitter lands on a receiver. TIA-568.3-D defines three methods:

1. Type A (straight-through): Key Up to Key Down

Fiber 1 maps to fiber 1, fiber 2 to fiber 2 … fiber 12 to fiber 12. Used in Method A structured systems, where the polarity flip is handled by an A-to-B duplex patch cord at one end.

2. Type B (reversed): Key Up to Key Up

Fiber 1 maps to fiber 12, fiber 2 to fiber 11 … fiber 12 to fiber 1. Type B is the most common choice for direct transceiver-to-transceiver 40G/100G SR4 links and for Base-8/Base-12 parallel-optics trunks.

3. Type C (pair-flipped): Key Up to Key Down

Each adjacent fiber pair is crossed: fiber 1 maps to fiber 2, fiber 2 to fiber 1, fiber 3 to fiber 4, and so on. Type C performs the transmit/receive flip inside the trunk itself and is used in Method C duplex systems.

Not sure which polarity your link needs? Mixing methods in one channel breaks the Tx→Rx path. Send us a simple connection diagram (transceiver – trunk – cassette/panel) and our engineers will confirm the correct polarity type and connector gender before you order. Ask an engineer →

 

MPO-MPO optical properties

Parameters	Units	Specifications
Test Wavelength	nm	Multi-Mode	850/1300
		Single Mode	1310/1550
Fiber Type	/	G657A1/OM3/OM4/OM5
Cable Outside Diameter	/	Ribbon/Flat cable/3.0mm etc
Cable Jacket	/	LSZH/OFNP/OFNR
Jacket Color	/	G657A1	Yellow
		OM3	Aqua
		OM4	Aqua/Violet
		OM5	Lime Green
Insertion Loss	dB	Standard Loss	≤0.70
		Low Loss	≤0.35
Return Loss	dB	Multi-Mode	≥25
		Single Mode	≥50(PC) ≥60(APC)
Polarity	/	TIA-568.3 Type A, Type B, Type C
Operating Temperature	℃	-10~+70
Storage Temperature		-40~+85

 

Where is the MPO-12 OM4 patch cord used?

With an effective modal bandwidth of 4700 MHz·km at 850nm, an MPO-12 OM4 trunk cable for 40G/100G data centers covers the vast majority of in-row and row-to-row links. Typical deployment scenarios for procurement and cabling engineers:

• 40G port-to-port links - direct connection between two 40GBASE-SR4 QSFP+ transceivers, up to 150m over OM4 (vs 100m over OM3).
• 100G port-to-port links - 100GBASE-SR4 QSFP28 connections up to 100m, the workhorse of leaf–spine fabrics.
• High-density backbone trunks - pre-terminated links between MPO cassettes, adapter panels and patch frames in MDA/HDA/EDA areas, replacing 6 duplex LC cables with one connector.
• Breakout & migration - pair with MPO-to-LC cassettes or harnesses to split 40G/100G ports into 4×10G/4×25G channels; see our breakout cable guide for parallel fiber applications.
• Riser and plenum runs - OFNR/OFNP-rated versions for vertical and air-handling spaces in enterprise buildings.

 

Why source from our MPO fiber patch cord factory

As a direct MPO patch cord manufacturer, we control every step in-house - from ribbon fiber preparation and MT ferrule termination to polishing, end-face inspection and final testing - which is how we hold low-loss performance at factory-direct prices. If you are comparing MPO patch cord suppliers, here is what every shipment from us includes:

• 100% factory testing - 3D interferometer end-face geometry inspection plus per-channel insertion-loss and return-loss measurement; an individual test report ships with each cable.
• Low loss without the brand markup - ≤0.35dB connectors as a standard option; genuine US Conec MTP® ferrules available on request for elite-performance links.
• Standards-built - polarity per TIA-568.3-D, connector interface per IEC 61754-7; RoHS/REACH-compliant materials throughout.
• Consistent quality at scale - assembled in a dust-controlled workshop with traceable batch records, eliminating the variability of field termination.
• Engineer-to-engineer support - free polarity planning, link-loss budget review and connector gender checks before you commit to a PO.

 

Custom MPO-12 OM4 patch cord (OEM/ODM) options

Most B2B cabling projects need more than a standard SKU. We build each custom MPO-12 OM4 patch cord to your exact drawing or BOM - and if your project calls for an MPO single mode patch cord instead, the same production line covers OS2 assemblies with identical QC.

Parameter	Available options
Fiber count	8 / 12 / 16 / 24 / 32 fibers
Fiber grade	OM3 / OM4 / OM5 multimode; OS2 single mode
Connector & gender	MPO or MTP®; male (pinned) / female (unpinned); pulling-eye option for conduit installation
Polarity	Type A / B / C, or project-specific fiber mapping
Length & marking	Any length 0.5m–100m+ (L ± 0.05m); meter marks and custom labels on request
Cable construction	Ribbon, flat or 3.0mm round; LSZH / OFNP / OFNR; armored MPO jumpers with G.657.A1 bend-insensitive fiber for harsh routing paths
Breakout versions	MPO-12 to LC duplex harness; MPO-12 to 4-pair breakout assemblies for 4×10G/4×25G channels
Branding & packaging	OEM labels, serial numbers, custom test-report format, individual bags or bulk cartons to your warehouse spec

Custom order process (4 steps):

• Send your requirements (fiber count, length, polarity, gender, jacket, quantity) or a drawing/BOM.
• Receive a production drawing for confirmation plus a quotation within 24 hours.
• Approve a pre-production sample (available for most configurations).
• Volume production ships with per-cable IL/RL test reports and your labeling.

 

MOQ, lead time, packaging and worldwide shipping

We supply both project buyers and distributors. Wholesale MPO patch cord orders qualify for tiered volume pricing, while evaluation samples ship from a one-piece MOQ. If you are shortlisting an MPO cable supplier in China, we welcome factory audits and third-party pre-shipment inspection.

MOQ	1 pc for samples; flexible MOQ for custom builds
Lead time	Standard lengths: 1–3 working days; custom assemblies: 5–10 working days (typical)
Packaging	Each cable individually bagged with dust caps and its IL/RL test report; export cartons labeled to your warehouse requirements
Shipping	As an experienced MPO patch cord exporter, we ship worldwide via DHL/FedEx/UPS air express or sea freight, with full export documentation
Quality assurance	12-month warranty against manufacturing defects; non-conforming cables replaced free of charge
Payment	Flexible B2B terms - confirm preferred method with our sales team

 

How to properly use a 12-core MPO fiber optic patch cord?

I. Pre-installation Preparation

• Check patch cord quality: ensure the cable is undamaged and the fiber end face is clean and free of stains.
• Prepare tools: fiber optic cleaning pens, dust caps, and inspection scope.
• Clean connectors: always clean end faces with a dedicated MPO cleaner before mating to avoid signal degradation.

II. Installation Steps

• Connect equipment: align the key, insert the cord into the optical module or adapter gently and axially.
• Secure the patch cord: use hook-and-loop ties or fiber clamps to relieve stress and prevent loosening.
• Test and verify: after installation, verify the link with an OTDR and optical power meter to confirm insertion loss is within budget.

III. Precautions

• Avoid end-face contamination: do not remove dust caps until the moment of connection; never touch the ferrule end face.
• Proper cleaning: if the end face is dirty, use a dedicated MPO cleaning tool or lint-free wipes - never paper towels or cotton swabs.
• Proper insertion and removal: confirm key orientation, insert axially, and avoid repeated mating cycles.
• Holding position: hold the boot when inserting and the connector housing when removing, to avoid stressing the ferrule.
• Bending radius: keep the bend radius at least 20× the cable outer diameter; never kink the cable.
• Proper bundling: keep cable ties snug but not tight enough to deform the jacket.
• Conduit installation: use the pulling-eye option and push-pull technique when routing through conduit; never drag by the connector.

 

MPO-12 OM4 patch cord FAQ

What is an MPO-12 OM4 patch cord used for?

It connects 40GBASE-SR4 and 100GBASE-SR4 transceivers, MPO cassettes and adapter panels in data centers and enterprise networks. One MPO-12 connector replaces six duplex LC links, supporting 40G up to 150m and 100G up to 100m over OM4 fiber, and serves as pre-terminated trunk cabling for 10G-to-400G migration.

Which polarity should I choose: Type A, B or C?

Use Type B (key up to key up, reversed) for direct SR4 transceiver-to-transceiver links - the most common case. Type A (straight-through) suits Method A structured systems where duplex patch cords handle the flip; Type C (pair-flipped) suits Method C duplex systems. Keep one method consistent across the whole channel, and send us your link diagram if unsure.

Do I need male (pinned) or female (unpinned) connectors?

Every MPO mating pairs one pinned with one unpinned connector. Since 40G/100G SR4 transceiver ports are pinned, patch cords that plug directly into optics should be female. When connecting two cables through an adapter, one side must be male. Check your cassette/panel gender before ordering - we can confirm it from your equipment model.

What is the difference between MPO and MTP®?

MTP® is US Conec's enhanced version of the MPO connector, fully compliant with the IEC 61754-7 interface, with tighter mechanical tolerances and removable housing features. MPO and MTP® connectors intermate. We supply both: standard MPO for cost-driven projects, MTP® ferrules for elite low-loss links.

How far can 40G/100G run over this OM4 cable?

Per IEEE 802.3 specifications at 850nm, 40GBASE-SR4 reaches 150m and 100GBASE-SR4 reaches 100m over OM4; 10GBASE-SR reaches up to 400m. OM4 gives roughly 50% more 40G/100G reach than OM3, which is why it is the default choice for new builds.

What are your MOQ and lead time for bulk orders?

As an MPO multimode patch cord supplier serving system integrators and distributors, our sample MOQ is 1 piece. Standard lengths typically ship in 1–3 working days and custom assemblies in 5–10 working days, each with its own test report. Volume orders receive tiered pricing - send your quantity breakdown for a same-day quotation.

 

Related products and resources

• MPO/MTP fiber optic patch cord (full series) - 8–32F, single mode & multimode configurations
• LC fiber optic patch cord - duplex patching for cassette front ports
• Data center cabling best practices - planning guide for high-density fiber deployments

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