THE AMP NETCONNECT MT-RJ OPTICAL FIBER SYSTEM

THE AMP NETCONNECT MT-RJ OPTICAL FIBER SYSTEM The Most Significant Development In Fiber Optic Connectivity Is Now The Connectivity Choice For The Networks Of Today And Tomorrow

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TABLE OF CONTENTS The MT-RJ Principles...5 Features, Advantages and Benefits of MT-RJ...5 The MT-RJ Consortium...8 The AMP NETCONNECT MT-RJ System...8 AMP NETCONNECT MT-RJ Field-installable Jack Design...9 Field Installation...9 Comparing AMP NETCONNECT MT-RJ to Traditional Fiber Optic Connection...10 Comparing AMP NETCONNECT MT-RJ to Other Small Form Factor Connection...11 Ease of Termination...11 Re-termination...11 Individual Fiber Termination...12 Fibers Per Ferrule...12 Standards Acceptance...12 Conclusion...13 Summary Of The AMP NETCONNECT MT-RJ Fiber Optic Interconnection System...14 LIST OF FIGURES Figure 1. Multimode Performance Testing to TIA/EIA-568-B...15 Figure 2. Singlemode Performance Testing to TIA/EIA-568-B...16 3

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THE MT-RJ PRINCIPLES The MT-RJ Optical Fiber System was designed through a cooperative effort of representatives from all segments of the enterprise network transceiver manufacturers, end equipment manufacturers, optical fiber cablers, optical fiber connector manufacturers and end users. It is the industry s first multi-source, end-to-end system designed to offer the well-known benefits of a high density, easy-to-use and costeffective optical fiber solution to both customers and installers. At the heart of the system is the two-fiber, single-ferrule MT-RJ connector. The ferrule is based on multifiber MT ferrules designed to hold up to twelve multimode or singlemode fibers. These ferrules have the precise tolerances necessary for indoor, outdoor and mission-critical data center applications. Borrowing the familiar RJ latch common in copper plugs, the MT-RJ combines robust fiber technologies in a familiar form easy to engage and disengage. Before MT-RJ, fiber was considered tedious to handle, craft-sensitive and expensive. Accordingly, fiber termination was often labor-intensive, and the costs of the associated network electronics, specialized connecting hardware, and installation tooling, were higher than that of copper installations. Today, the MT- RJ system solves these issues and is the key to deployment of fiber optic technology in both the passive cabling infrastructure and the active LAN electronics. MT-RJ is a true end-to-end solution with broad-based industry support among the world s leading LAN electronics manufacturers. According to industry reports published by Electronicast, the MT-RJ is the most popular and fastest growing of all small form factor (SFF) connectors, with over 6 million installed (June 2001). A complete line of MT-RJ products is available today, so networks can be installed using MT-RJ end to end. FEATURES, ADVANTAGES AND BENEFITS OF MT-RJ Smallest Size Means Highest Density The size of the MT-RJ is smaller than the RJ-45 (the eight-position, modular copper wire plug) and less than half the height, width, and depth of a duplex SC optical fiber connector. The MT-RJ is small enough to fit into a modular jack overmold, or into a single-gang outlet with existing copper ports, and is just as easy to connect and disconnect as the RJ-45. The MT-RJ transceiver package is the same size as a RJ-45 port, so a 203mm (8") hub card can hold 12 MT-RJ ports compared to the six traditional fiber ports that s twice the density! Half as many MT-RJ cards are needed to implement fiber that s half the cost and half the rack space! Through this team development effort, customers can now realize a lower cost of optical fiber implementation, increased bandwidth and extended distances. 5

Duplex Design Two fibers, one for the transmit path and one for the receive path, are in one ferrule. Mated ferrules align the fibers automatically. Polarity is simplified! Pre-polished Interface The small, two-fiber ferrule makes factory polishing twice as efficient. MT-RJ offers a higher quality end face finish and eliminates polishing in the field with little effect on product cost. Higher quality end face polishing means better return loss performance, which is difficult to obtain or measure in the field. MT-RJ cable assemblies are factory terminated and tested. The field-installable (no-epoxy, no-polish) MT-RJs allow simple and quick field termination for work areas and patch panels without sacrificing the high performance of a factory installed connector. Singlemode & Multimode Performance MT-RJ works with all fiber types: singlemode, 50/125µm, 62.5/12µm and the new 850nm laser-optimized 50/125µm. The basic MT ferrule has been used for singlemode and multimode applications for over ten years. Performance that meets or exceeds the requirements for applications to 10Gb/s is assured. The MT- RJ system features a complete range of multimode and singlemode pre-terminated cable assemblies, prepolished no-epoxy field-installable jacks, fiber optic patch panels, and transceiver devices. Latching The latch on the MT-RJ plug is an inherently tangle-proof version of the familiar RJ latch with the same feel. The MT-RJ, with a reverse latch attached to the back of the connector, dresses forward and won t snag cables as it is pulled, even without anti-tangle boots. Backward Compatibility with Copper-based Connecting Hardware The MT-RJ will drop into existing copper-based connecting hardware - fitting directly into standard faceplate knockouts without the need for obtrusive, surface-mount boxes. At the distribution point, hardware that accommodates 24 copper ports in one rack space of height can now hold 24 MT-RJ ports - 48 fibers in one rack space unit (1U)! Fiber systems employing MT-RJ technology enjoy the highest density and eliminate the need to add rack space during a copper to fiber transition. Transceiver/Electronics Design In the field of fiber optic technology, the end-to-end solution applies to the installed cost of the entire physical layer, including the electronics. The MT-RJ transceiver design utilizes the greater density and 6

associated smaller size to reduce component costs. Lower transceiver costs and smaller size mean lower circuit board costs for hub cards. MT-RJ transceivers offer high performance, dependability and a costeffective alternative to the traditional fiber optic interface. For these reasons, LAN electronic manufacturers throughout the world including companies like Cisco, Agilent, 3Com, Allied Telesyn International, Extreme Networks, IBM, Nortel Networks, and Transition Networks, are now using MT-RJ active components. Numerous LAN electronics manufacturers have shown their commitment to MT-RJ by designing their next generation products with MT-RJ interface as the standard offering. These LAN electronics manufacturers are global leaders in their own field and are leading the way in fiber optic networking. Testing & Test Equipment Testing can be completed with one test set (power meter and source), or with two sets for even faster results. Some test kits can actually test both channels in the correct direction at the same time that means even faster testing and lower testing costs! OTDR testing and troubleshooting is also possible using OTDR test cords. Test equipment is now available with MT-RJ ports. Testing with older test equipment (with ST or SC ports) is easily accomplished using hybrid test cords. These test cords are also readily available and should be ordered based on the interface on your current test equipment. Special test cords are needed for testing the network once installed. These test cords are used to correctly set the reference measurement. All test cords are readily available and can be purchased as a complete test kit. These test kit assemblies, along with more detailed information on testing MT-RJ networks, can be found in the AMP NETCONNECT white paper entitled MT-RJ Optical Fiber System Testing (literature number 1307540). Performance MT-RJ complies with all ISO/IEC, CENELEC, and TIA/EIA-568-B specifications for LAN multimode and singlemode connector performance (see Figures 1 and 2). MT-RJ has undergone complete system testing in all configurations with transceiver manufacturers, network electronics at the hub in the equipment room, on media converters and on the network cards at the workstation PC. Gigabit Ethernet & 10 Gigabit Ethernet As the MT-RJ was developing, so was the IEEE 802.3z Gigabit Ethernet standard. Now, the 10 Gigabit Ethernet Standard (IEEE 802.3ae) is being developed. Due to the extremely high data rates, limited loss budget and the laser sources, connector performance becomes critical. Fortunately, the MT-RJ provides performance compliant with these Standards. Additionally, the low loss characteristic of MT-RJ means 7

more than two mated pairs in the links. Even though these Standards have slim margins under the worstcase assumptions, typical MT-RJ insertion loss is much lower than the 0.75 db maximum in TIA. THE MT-RJ CONSORTIUM A system this innovative and comprehensive had to have some brainpower behind it. A consortium of world-class electronic and connector companies (AMP, Hewlett-Packard, Siecor, Fujikura and USConec) formed to develop the solution for overall network applications. The consortium pooled a wealth of expertise together for all segments of the network ferrules, cables, assemblies, and active electronics. Building a system from the ground up enabled some simple agreements up front. For example, alignment pin management. Some MT-RJ connectors have two alignment pins and others do not. Two alignment pins in each mated pair of MT-RJ position the fibers for good coupling. Two simple rules prevent the inadvertent mating of two pinned connectors (which might result in damage to the ferrule end face) or two unpinned connectors (which will result in higher loss and unstable connections). The first rule is that electronic components (transmitters, receivers and transceivers) will ALWAYS have pins. Therefore, never insert a pinned plug directly into a piece of electronic equipment. Similarly, MT-RJ connectors in patch panels and workstation outlets will have pins, and the same guidelines apply. The second rule: cable assemblies and jumpers will be unpinned. These rules are easily understood and followed. Since then, several other established companies have joined the MT-RJ Alliance, ensuring multi-vendor compatibility and sourcing for all network components. The most complete and up-to-date list can be found on the MT-RJ Alliance website at www.mtrj.com. End users and installers can feel confident buying and installing MT-RJ products. THE AMP NETCONNECT MT-RJ SYSTEM The advantages of the MT-RJ system are clear. AMP NETCONNECT wanted it to be even more. Drawing on our decades of experience in optical fiber and connector technology, AMP NETCONNECT developed a complete MT-RJ product set with advantages beyond that of the basic MT-RJ. The AMP NETCONNECT MT-RJ System is a complete optical fiber cabling system for high-speed networking applications. All existing LED-based horizontal and backbone fiber optic applications (such as Ethernet, Token Ring, Fast Ethernet, FDDI and 155 Mbps ATM, etc.) are supported in addition to new, laser-based networking technologies (such as Gigabit Ethernet, 1.2Gbps ATM, 10 Gigabit Ethernet and 10 Gigabit Fibre Channel). Installations employing either AMP Centralized Network Administration (CNA), other centralized fiber optic cabling architectures, and Distributed Network Administration (DNA) architectures are ideal applications for 8

the AMP NETCONNECT MT-RJ System. All AMP NETCONNECT MT-RJ products are eligible for the 25- year warranty program. You can have confidence in your installation today and in the future. AMP NETCONNECT MT-RJ Field-installable Jack Design The AMP NETCONNECT MT-RJ jack contains a two-fiber MT ferrule, with two short fiber stubs that are placed and polished in the factory. The fiber stubs are housed in a mechanical splice containing a stable index matching gel (compliant to the Telcordia, formerly Bellcore, TR-TSY-000765 specification Splicing Systems for Singlemode Optical Fibers extended life stability test). The workstation jack package contains one MT-RJ pre-polished, no-epoxy, re-terminateable jack; one disposable actuator key, one strain relief boot, one fiber guide and one dust plug. The depth of the workstation jack is 1.5" (39mm), roughly the same depth as its copper counterpart, so it can fit into both straight and angled faceplates. The patch panel jacks come in a package, each with six jacks, two fiber guides, two actuator keys and an icon wheel. FIELD INSTALLATION Tooling No special tools have to be purchased to terminate fiber with AMP NETCONECT MT-RJ jacks. The same tools required for any fiber termination (a standard fiber strip tool and a fiber cleaver) are used to prepare the fiber. The actuator key (affectionately referred to as a mouse putter due to the size and shape) is included with the jack and is the only tool specifically needed for operating the AMP NETCONNECT MT-RJ jack. Fiber Types Accommodated Since each MT-RJ has pre-polished fiber stubs, it is important to match the AMP NETCONNECT MT-RJ jack to the fiber type in the cabling plant. AMP NETCONNECT offers MT-RJ products for 50/125µm, 62.5/125µm, singlemode and 850nm laser-optimized 50/125µm ( XG ) installations. Method Installation is a simple as preparing the fiber (strip, clean, cleave), sliding the fiber through the fiber guide, actuating the key, pushing the fiber into the connector, and releasing the key. If the fiber needs to be reterminated, the key can be actuated to release the fiber, which can then be inserted again or removed and cut back. For additional details, see the instruction sheet, 408-4555. 9

Time The AMP NETCONNECT MT-RJ field-termination is incredibly simple and quick. Experienced installers can terminate MT-RJs in an average of one to two minutes, total, for both fibers. Testing is simplified too. The connector enables termination of one fiber at a time - each termination is independent of the other. That means there is no need to disrupt or re-test a good channel to fix the other. Polarity The AMP NETCONNECT MT-RJ connectors simplify polarity in two ways. First, the two fiber positions on the jacks are clearly marked A and B to indicate the channel. Second, in the event that the fibers are installed improperly (reversed), the MT-RJ jacks allow the fibers to be removed and switched easily. For more information, please see the white paper MT-RJ Polarity Installation Guide (literature number 1357937). COMPARING AMP NETCONNECT MT-RJ TO TRADITIONAL FIBER OPTIC CONNECTION The most commonly used fiber optic connectors in networking applications were the single-fiber SC type and ST style connectors. While they perform well, both types of connectors have limitations with respect to cost-effective, high-speed networking. Fortunately, the AMP NETCONNECT MT-RJ provides an attractive solution for end-users and electronics manufacturers from a space saving and cost-effectiveness perspective. Accordingly, the MT-RJ is fast becoming the number one choice for interconnection technology in both passive and active components for high speed networking applications. ST-style Connectors The ST-style connector is a simplex connector that terminates each fiber separately in a bayonet-style coupling device. Each plug is pushed and twisted onto an in-line coupler. The bayonet coupling requires adequate spacing to allow fingers to grip the bayonet for mating or de-mating. The spacing between results in high electronics costs since ST style interfaces have half the density of copper ports and take two port spaces where copper only requires one. Additionally, ST style connectors are too deep to fit in most singlegang outlets, the transmit and receive fibers can be easily confused with ST style connectors (as there is no mechanical means of differentiating between the two separate connectors) and a single duplex optical fiber outlet, requires four ST style connectors and two ST-style adapters. This is much more complicated than the AMP NETCONNECT MT-RJ plug and jack system. 10

SC Duplex Connectors The 568SC connector, a duplex design, overcomes some of the issues associated with ST-style connectors. As a polarized connector, the SC duplex connector locks two connectors side-by-side to take the guesswork out of transmit and receive, and the push-pull design of an SC type connector eliminates some of the finger space requirements. However, the SC still has a long body that can be too deep for typical workstation outlets and has the same space problem - it s twice as big as the eight-position modular copper connector port. The AMP NETCONNECT MT-RJ offers the same polarity and push-pull advantages of the SC duplex at half the size. COMPARING AMP NETCONNECT MT-RJ TO OTHER SMALL FORM FACTOR CONNECTION Today, there are basically three small form factor connectors other than the MT-RJ. The LC is a simplex connector, which looks like a mini-sc connector with a mini, single-fiber ferrule. The SG is a no-ferrule, duplex connector using a plug-and-jack model. The FJ is a duplex connector using two standard, singlefiber ferrules. Ease of Termination The MT-RJ terminates without the use of epoxy, polishing steps, complex tools or connector-specific tools, unlike the LC, the FJ or SG connectors. The epoxy process required for the LC and FJ means higher consumable costs, messier installation, cure time delays and limited shelf life. The polishing steps required for the LC, the FJ and SG mean higher consumable costs (for polishing papers, etc.), specialized polishing kits and higher sensitivity to workmanship at the installation site. Specialized tools, such as polishing stations or cam tools required for all other small form factor connectors, require locating a flat and stable surface - just try using these tools under a desk in a dark work area! Because it is a strip-clean-and-cleave termination, the AMP NETCONNECT MT-RJ can be installed with the least amount of fiber slack compared to the other small form factor connectors so there is less congestion in the work area outlet and lower risk of high attenuation from bending losses. Re-termination One of the most significant competitive advantages of the AMP NETCONNECT MT-RJ is the inherent ability to re-terminate one or both fibers. The same simple actuator key is used to release the fibers and reuse the jack. This means that the AMP NETCONNECT MT-RJ will have higher installed yields because jacks can be adjusted instead of thrown away and replaced. Other small form factor connectors use a crimp eyelet - once crimped, the connector must be cut off and thrown away if it does not test satisfactorily. 11

There is no mechanism for un-crimping the fibers. Once the epoxy cures in the LC or FJ ferrules, the ferrules must test well or be cut off and thrown away. Individual Fiber Termination Some small form factor connectors like the SG seat and hold both fibers with the same mechanism. If only one fiber of the two tests with a high loss, both fibers must be disturbed if an effort to correct the problem. After the adjustment, both fibers have to be tested again. If the originally good fiber may now test high, you start over again. In many cases, even if only one fiber tests high, the whole connector must be cut off and replaced. These connectors double the odds of failure and disposing the connector. The AMP NETCONNECT MT-RJ allows adjustments to the one fiber which tests high - the good fiber does not need to be disturbed and there is no need to retest both fibers. Each fiber can be placed to have positive contact with the fiber stub (for lowest loss). In situations where lowest loss is required, only a connector that seats and holds each fiber separately, like the AMP NETCONNECT MT-RJ can be optimized for loss using an OTDR. Further, coupled fibers (such as two- or four-fiber ribbons) are not required. Fibers Per Ferrule The LC and the FJ terminate one fiber in one ferrule. This means there are more parts (ferrules, boots, etc.) and a larger size for the LC and FJ duplex versions than for the MT-RJ. The MT-RJ terminates two fibers in a single ferrule and, in fact, has the smallest size of all the small form factor connectors smaller than an LC duplex and much smaller than a FJ or SG. This means the MT-RJ has the greater flexibility in retrofits, since the MT-RJ can fit in any slot designed for an RJ-45 jack, and greatest density in patch panels. STANDARDS ACCEPTANCE MT-RJ is an approved connector per ANSI/TIA/EIA-568-B.3. This Standard requires compliance to a TIA Fiber Optic Connector Intermateability Standard (FOCIS 12 in the case of MT-RJ) and performance compliant to the environmental and mechanical testing listed in Annex A (see figures 1 and 2). Further, the MT-RJ can be used throughout the cabling infrastructure horizontal, backbone and electronics. End users have already demonstrated a preference for MT-RJ commonality throughout the fiber infrastructure. All other major LAN cabling Standards recognize, allow or recommend the MT-RJ connector. 12

CONCLUSION The MT-RJ System simplifies and reduces the costs of optical fiber cabling. Developed as a true end-toend optical fiber solution, the MT-RJ System provides the performance required for current as well as next generation applications. Its size and backward compatibility to copper-based connecting hardware make it the most significant development in fiber optic connectivity to date. The familiar latch design enables any user to accept the transition to fiber without a formal training program. The AMP NETCONNECT MT-RJ System offers features and benefits beyond that of the basic MT-RJ System, and is fast becoming the future of fiber connectivity for design and installation today and for use in the networks of today and tomorrow. 13

SUMMARY OF THE AMP NETCONNECT MT-RJ FIBER OPTIC SYSTEM Connecting Hardware MT-RJ Modular Workstation and Patch Panel Jacks Pre-polished, no-epoxy, reusable Jacks fit into existing faceplates Multimode (50/125µm, 62.5/125µm, 850nm laser-optimized 50/125µm) and singlemode Disposable actuator keys, fiber guides and dust plugs Workstation jacks include a bend relief boot Modular Patch Panels 24 duplex-port Slimline Optical Patch Panel Enclosure (48 fibers in 1U) Integrated cable management and strain relief Higher capacity enclosures available using MT-RJ snap-in adapter plates Wall-mount and rack-mount versions available Provide highest port density of any duplex connector Patch Cord Assemblies Readily available cable assemblies are supplied in various lengths Standard lengths are: 1, 2, 3, 5, and 10 meter Singlemode and multimode (50/125µm, 62.5/125µm, 850nm laser-optimized 50/125µm) cables MT-RJ to MT-RJ, MT-RJ to simplex or duplex 568SC, MT-RJ to two ST, and others Complete line of test cords and supporting products 14

Figure 1. Multimode MT-RJ Performance Testing to TIA/EIA-568-B Multimode Testing FOTP-171 Insertion Loss Method B1 Req.: <0.75 db Max Delta Change N/A Final Measurement 0.11 db typical 0.19 db maximum FOTP 107 FOTP-2 FOTP-1 FOTP-36 FOTP-6 FOTP-6 FOTP-185 FOTP-21 FOTP-4 FOTP-5 FOTP-188 Return Loss Req.: <-20 db Impact 8 drops / 1.5 m Flex 0.5 kg Twist 15 N at 0º Cable Retention 66 N at 0º Cable Retention 19.4 N at 90º Coupling Mechanism 33 N at 0º Durability 500 cycles Temperature Life 60ºC/14 days Humidity 4 days @ 95% Low Temperature -10ºC/4 days N/A -42.5 db typical -36.3 db minimum N/A 0.14 db IL -41.3 db RL N/A 0.18 db IL -41.3 db RL N/A 0.20 db IL -41.2 db RL 0.06 db 0.20 db IL -41.2 db RL 0.06 db 0.19 db IL -41.2 db RL N/A 0.13 db IL -41.5 db RL N/A 0.11 db IL -36.3 db RL 0.01 db 0.08 db IL -39.0 db RL 0.15 db.09 db IL -38.9 db RL 0.22 db 0.13 db IL -42.3 db RL 15

Figure 2. Singlemode MT-RJ Performance Testing to TIA/EIA-568-B Test Max Delta Final Measurement Change FOTP-171 Method B1 Insertion Loss Req.: <0.75 db N/A.14 db typical 0.22 db maximum FOTP 107 Return Loss Req.: <-20 db N/A -50.4 db typical -47.7 db minimum FOTP-2 Impact 8 drops / 1.5 m N/A 0.20 db IL -50.2 db RL FOTP-1 Flex 0.5 kg N/A 0.17 db IL -52.0 db RL FOTP-36 Twist 15 N at 0º N/A 0.18 db IL -50.6 db RL FOTP-6 Cable Retention 66 N at 90º 0.20 db 0.26 db IL -44.7 db RL FOTP-6 Cable Retention 19.4 N at 90º 0.11 db 0.34 db IL -43.2 db RL FOTP-185 Coupling Mechanism N/A 0.37 db IL -45.0 db RL 33 N at 0º FOTP-21 Durability 500 cycles N/A 0.35 db IL -40.5 db RL FOTP-4 Temperature Life 60ºC / 14 days 0.24 db 0.29 db IL -44.2 db RL FOTP-5 Humidity 4 days @ 95% 0.10 db 0.30 db IL -43.9 db RL FOTP-188 Low Temperature -10ºC 0.18 db 0.29 db IL -44.1 db RL 16

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20 In the U.S.1-800-553-0938 Canada 905-475-6222 Mexico 525-729-0400 South and Central Americas 54-11-4733-2200 www.amp.com/networking E-mail: networking.help@tycoelectronics.com Copyright 2003 Tyco Electronics Corporation. All rights reserved. AMP, AMP NETCONNECT, NETCONNECT and Tyco are trademarks. 1307078E-5M-Tyco-Tyco-1/03 Printed in USA