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12.8T XPO Supporting Trunk Cables

The XPO optical transceiver, with a single-module bandwidth of 12.8 Tbps, increases the front-panel density of switches to 4 times that of OSFP solutions. While high-density switch ports boost computing power, they also introduce new challenges for fiber optic cabling. This article briefly introduces the MPO pre-terminated trunk cables that support XPO optical modules.

  1. What is XPO?

XPO (eXtra-dense Pluggable Optics) is a new-generation optical module specifically designed for high-density interconnect in AI data centers. A single module delivers 12.8 Tbps bandwidth (64 lanes × 200 Gbps PAM4), which is 8 times that of a traditional OSFP module. In a 1RU space, it achieves 204.8 Tbps switching capacity, with a front-panel density 4 times that of OSFP.

  1. MPO Pre-terminated Trunk Cable

The XPO module’s front panel is equipped with 8 MPO optical ports, each corresponding to a 1.6 Tbps bandwidth channel. XPO uses MPO-16 connectors (8 transmit / 8 receive) to match the 64 internal 200 Gbps high-speed lanes. Based on this interface design, a single 128-fiber MPO pre-terminated trunk cable (8x MPO-16/APC/Female) is sufficient to complete a centralized connection between the module and external equipment.

  1. Specifications of the 128-Fiber MPO Pre-terminated Trunk Cable

Parameter

Specification

Connector A

8x MPO-16/APC/Female

Connector B

8x MPO-16/APC/Female

Fiber type

SM G.657.A1

Fiber count

128

Jacket color

Yellow
Trunk outer diameter

13.5 mm

Breakout outer diameter

3.0 mm

Connector housing color

Green

Connector boot color

Black

Boot type

Push-pull boot

Polarity

A / B / Custom

Sheath material

LSZH

Min. bend radius (dynamic)

20D

Min. bend radius (static)

10D

Operating temperature

–20°C ~ +70°C

Storage temperature

–20°C ~ +70°C

Cable Structure Diagram

MPO16/APC/Female Connector Parameters

Parameter

Specification

Polish type

APC

Fiber count

16
Insertion loss

Max. 0.35 dB

Typical 0.25 dB

Return loss

≥60 dB (APC)

  1. Advantages of MPO Preterminated Trunk Cables

Space saving: The trunk cable integrates 8 MPO-16 interfaces into a compact 128-fiber structure, significantly reducing cabling footprint at the front and rear of racks and improving airflow management.

Neat and manageable: Cabling inside the rack is more orderly, reducing tangling and simplifying daily maintenance.

Fast deployment: Pre-terminated trunk cables are plug-and-play, greatly reducing on-site cabling and installation time.

  1. Ordering Information

Buying Guide, Cabling Guide, Data Center, Fiber Optic Cable
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