MTP connectors are available as a male (with guide pins) and female (without guide pins). A male MTP connector must always be mated to a female MTP connector so that light transfers from one fiber to another. Failure to follow this rule will result in a dark connection and result potential permanent connector endface damage.
MTP transceivers of any form factor (QSFP, QSFP28, CFP, CFP2, CXP, etc) are typically supplied with a male interface, ensuring the final equipment connection shall be with a female connector. Transceiver damage can occur if this is not adhered to. If in doubt, please consult the relevant manufacturer and/or visually inspect the interface before designing the cabling system.
- Venders generally supply 8 core modules, fiber trays and short fan-outs (less than 5 m) with female connectors, and backbone trunk cables such as link assemblies, trunk harnesses with a male connector.
- Venders generally supply 12 core modules, fiber trays and short fan-outs (less than 5 m) with male connectors, and backbone trunk cables such as link assemblies with a female connector.
- Venders generally supply 24 core short fan-outs and equipment cords (less than 5 m) with female connectors, and backbone trunk cables such as link assemblies with a male connector.
Gender matching requires careful design and planning, particularly when a customised link design is implemented. In some cases (such as links to SAN switches), it may be necessary to eliminate one of the MTP connections and route long fan-outs directly from the switch back to the MDA. In the case of an 8F system, a fan-out with a male connector should be used because it will be connected directly with a female connector at the fiber tray.
It should be noted that it is possible with the use of a specialized shroud removal tool to convert a male connector to a female connector and vice versa. However, this can- not be carried out in a field environment. All gender re-works must be carried out in a HUBER+SUHNER factory to reduce the risk of fiber breakage or connector damage.
