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The RapidConnect 24 Fibre MTP/MPO to LC Cassette provides up to 24 LC fibre connections within the compatible E196P enclosure. Its pre-terminated, factory-tested design supports fast installation and organised high-density fibre management.
Choose either two 12-fibre MTP/MPO rear interfaces or one 24-fibre MTP/MPO rear interface. OS2 singlemode, OM3 multimode and OM4 multimode configurations are available.
The RapidConnect 24 Fibre MTP MPO to LC Cassette provides a compact, pre-terminated transition between high-density MTP/MPO trunk cabling and individual LC fibre connections. Designed specifically for the RapidConnect E196P enclosure platform, each cassette supports up to 24 fibres while simplifying installation, patching and future network changes.
Instead of terminating individual fibres inside the enclosure, installers connect the factory-terminated MTP/MPO interface at the rear of the cassette. The corresponding LC connections then become available at the front. Consequently, the cassette can reduce installation time, improve connection consistency and support a cleaner high-density cabling environment.
The cassette is available with either two 12-fibre MTP/MPO rear interfaces or one 24-fibre MTP/MPO rear interface. Furthermore, Anderson Corporation can supply configurations for OS2 singlemode, OM3 multimode and OM4 multimode networks.
Modern data centres and communications networks often require more fibre connections within a limited amount of rack space. However, increasing density can also make fibre management more complex. Individual cable routing, field termination and polarity control may become increasingly difficult as the number of connections grows.
The RapidConnect cassette provides a modular way to manage this challenge. Each cassette consolidates up to 24 fibres into a protected module that fits directly into the compatible 96 Fibre MTP/MPO Enclosure.
As a result, installers can deploy up to four 24-fibre cassettes within the 1RU enclosure. The completed system can therefore provide as many as 96 LC fibre connections while maintaining organised front and rear access.
This modular approach is particularly suitable for:
An MTP/MPO to LC cassette is a modular fibre transition device. At the rear, one or more multi-fibre MTP or MPO interfaces connect to the incoming trunk cable. At the front, LC connections provide access to the individual fibre channels.
Inside the cassette, factory-terminated fibre assemblies connect the rear multi-fibre interface to the front LC adapters. Therefore, the cassette performs the optical transition without requiring installers to splice or terminate individual fibres during the rack installation.
The cassette also protects the internal fibre routing. Moreover, its enclosure helps maintain controlled bend radii and keeps the internal connections separated from routine patching activity.
An installed system generally includes three principal components:
Together, these components create a structured, scalable fibre distribution system.
Each cassette supports up to 24 fibres. Therefore, it provides significantly greater connection density than conventional modules designed around smaller fibre counts.
The front of the cassette presents the individual LC fibre connections required for equipment patching. Meanwhile, the rear provides the high-density MTP/MPO connection used by the trunk cable.
This arrangement reduces the number of separate cables that must enter the enclosure. In addition, it keeps the high-density backbone connection away from the front patching area.
The cassette can be configured as either:
Both options provide access to the corresponding LC connections at the front. However, the correct configuration must match the fibre count, connector format and polarity of the connected trunk cable.
The two-input configuration uses two separate 12-fibre MTP/MPO connections at the rear of the cassette. Together, these interfaces support the cassette’s complete 24-fibre capacity.
This arrangement can be suitable when the network uses 12-fibre trunk architecture. For example, each 12-fibre trunk connection can serve a separate group of LC fibres at the front of the cassette.
The two-input design may also provide additional flexibility during staged network deployment. Initially, a customer may connect one 12-fibre trunk. Later, the second connection can support an additional 12 fibres, provided the cassette design and network configuration have been specified accordingly.
However, both rear interfaces must be documented clearly. Therefore, technicians should confirm the relationship between each MTP/MPO port and its corresponding LC connections before commissioning the link.
Alternatively, the cassette can be supplied with one 24-fibre MTP/MPO interface at the rear. This configuration brings all 24 fibres into the cassette through a single high-density connection.
A 24-fibre interface can reduce the number of trunk connectors required at the cassette. Consequently, it may support a streamlined rear cabling arrangement where the network architecture already uses 24-fibre MTP/MPO connectivity.
However, a 24-fibre connector must not be confused with a 12-fibre connector. Although both belong to the wider MTP/MPO connector family, their physical and optical configurations differ. Therefore, the trunk cable and cassette must use matching connector formats.
Before ordering, confirm:
MPO describes the recognised multi-fibre push-on connector format. MTP®, meanwhile, is a precision-engineered MPO connector manufactured under the US Conec brand.
Although an MTP connector belongs to the MPO connector family, not every MPO connector is an MTP connector. Therefore, the terms should not be treated as different names for an identical product.
Anderson Corporation supports cassette solutions for networks using either connector platform. However, the specified cassette must match the connector system used by the associated trunk cable.
For networks based on MTP® Elite connectivity, the cassette can be paired with an appropriate RapidConnect MTP Trunk Cable. Alternatively, networks using low-loss MPO connectivity can use the corresponding MPO Trunk Cable.
Selecting the connector platform at the design stage helps maintain consistency throughout the channel. Furthermore, it prevents an installation from becoming an undocumented mixture of different connector grades and performance levels.
LC connectors are widely used on switches, transceivers, patch leads and other optical equipment. Therefore, an MTP/MPO-to-LC cassette creates a practical interface between a high-density fibre backbone and conventional equipment connections.
At the front of the cassette, LC adapters provide accessible patching points. Installers can then use suitable LC patch leads to connect each fibre channel to the required equipment port.
The LC interface offers several practical advantages:
Nevertheless, connector colour alone should never be used as the only method of identifying a network. Always verify the fibre type, connector polish, port mapping and polarity from the project documentation.
The cassette can be configured for OS2 singlemode networks. These systems commonly support telecommunications, campus backbones, data centre interconnections and other applications requiring longer transmission distances.
Singlemode cassette assemblies must use compatible connector polish across the optical channel. For instance, an LC/UPC connection should mate with LC/UPC equipment or patching. Likewise, an APC connection requires a compatible APC interface.
UPC and APC connectors should never be mated together. Their end-face geometries differ, so mismatching them can create excessive loss and potentially damage the connector surfaces.
Therefore, Anderson Corporation should confirm the following requirements before manufacture:
The cassette is also available for OM3 and OM4 multimode networks. These fibre types commonly support short-reach Ethernet and other high-speed links within data centres, equipment rooms and enterprise environments.
Although OM3 and OM4 are both laser-optimised multimode fibre types, they do not provide identical performance at every speed and distance. Therefore, the cassette fibre must match the intended network design and associated cabling.
OM4 generally offers greater modal bandwidth than OM3. As a result, it may support longer distances for some high-speed applications. However, actual reach depends on the complete channel, the transmission standard and the loss contributed by every connection.
For this reason, cassette selection should form part of the overall optical channel design rather than an isolated product decision.
Each cassette uses factory-terminated internal fibre assemblies. Consequently, installers do not need to terminate the individual LC connections inside the rack enclosure.
Factory assembly provides a controlled environment for connector preparation, fibre routing and testing. Moreover, it reduces reliance on field termination quality at the installation site.
The cassette offers several installation advantages:
Nevertheless, pre-terminated does not mean that the completed channel requires no verification. Installers should still inspect and clean every accessible connector before mating. In addition, the completed link should be tested against the project’s acceptance criteria.
The cassette is designed specifically for the RapidConnect E196P enclosure platform. Therefore, mechanical compatibility should be confirmed before attempting to install it into another enclosure system.
The compatible 1RU E196P enclosure accepts up to four 24-fibre cassettes. When fully populated, the enclosure can provide up to 96 LC fibre connections.
This cassette-based system separates the network into manageable modules. Consequently, technicians can install, identify or replace one cassette without reorganising the entire enclosure.
The wider enclosure platform also provides:
For complete rack-level specifications, visit the 96 Fibre MTP/MPO Enclosure Authority Hub.
A modular enclosure does not need to be fully populated at the initial installation. Instead, a customer can install the number of cassettes required for the current network capacity.
Additional compatible cassettes can then be introduced as the network grows. Therefore, the enclosure platform supports staged deployment without requiring immediate investment in all 96 fibre connections.
This approach can offer several benefits:
However, future cassette availability should not replace proper network planning. The enclosure, trunk capacity and pathway space must still support the expected final fibre count.
MTP/MPO polarity determines how transmit and receive paths connect between equipment at opposite ends of the channel. Because multiple fibres sit within a single connector, polarity cannot be treated in the same way as a basic duplex patch lead.
Common structured cabling architectures may use Method A, Method B or Method C. However, the correct method depends on the complete channel design. The trunk cable, cassette pinning, adapters and equipment-side patch leads must operate as one coordinated system.
An incorrect polarity combination can produce a physically complete link that does not transmit correctly. Therefore, changing one component without reviewing the complete channel can introduce faults.
Before manufacture, confirm:
Anderson Corporation can help review these requirements before quotation. Consequently, customers can order the cassette as part of a coordinated connectivity system rather than as an isolated component.
MTP/MPO connections use a pinned connector and an unpinned connector to achieve accurate fibre alignment. These are commonly described as male and female connectors.
A male connector contains alignment pins. In contrast, a female connector contains the corresponding guide holes. A functional connection normally requires one pinned and one unpinned connector.
Two male connectors cannot mate correctly because both contain pins. Likewise, two female connectors do not provide the required pinned alignment interface.
Therefore, the cassette connector gender must complement the trunk cable connector. Gender should always be specified alongside polarity and key orientation.
The cassette is designed to provide low insertion loss and high return loss when supplied in the correct configuration and maintained properly. However, every mated connector pair still contributes to the total channel loss.
A complete optical loss budget may include:
High-speed and high-density links may have limited loss margins. Therefore, connector quality and cleanliness become increasingly important.
The exact acceptance criteria should come from the network design, equipment requirements and applicable cabling standard. Moreover, installers should retain the final test results for future maintenance and fault investigation.
| Specification | Available configuration |
|---|---|
| Product type | Pre-terminated MTP/MPO-to-LC fibre cassette |
| Maximum fibre capacity | 24 fibres per cassette |
| Rear configuration 1 | 2 × 12-fibre MTP/MPO interfaces |
| Rear configuration 2 | 1 × 24-fibre MTP/MPO interface |
| Front connection | LC fibre connections |
| Fibre types | OS2 singlemode, OM3 multimode or OM4 multimode |
| Connector platform | MTP or MPO, as specified |
| Installation format | Modular cassette |
| Compatible enclosure | RapidConnect E196P |
| Enclosure capacity | Up to four 24-fibre cassettes |
| Maximum enclosure density | Up to 96 LC fibre connections in 1RU |
| Assembly | Factory terminated and tested |
| Primary applications | Data centres, telecommunications and enterprise networks |
Final specifications depend on the ordered connector type, fibre count, fibre category, polarity, gender and optical performance requirement.
The cassette’s plug-and-play construction simplifies physical deployment. However, technicians must still follow the approved project design and fibre-handling procedures.
A typical installation includes the following steps:
Because MTP/MPO connectors contain multiple fibres, one contaminated end face can affect several channels. Therefore, inspection and cleaning should occur before every connection.
Dust, skin oils and other contamination can increase insertion loss or damage connector end faces. Moreover, contamination can transfer from one connector to another during mating.
Never assume that a new or capped connector is clean. Instead, follow an inspect-clean-inspect process before making the connection.
For compatible multi-fibre connector maintenance, the RapidConnect MTP/MPO One Click Cleaner provides a purpose-designed cleaning option. However, technicians should still inspect the end face whenever suitable inspection equipment is available.
For demonstrations and additional fibre connectivity guidance, visit the Anderson Fibre Products YouTube channel.
Clear labelling is essential in any high-density installation. Without accurate identification, technicians may disconnect the wrong service or connect equipment to an incorrect fibre channel.
Each cassette should be labelled according to the project’s network documentation. In addition, the labels should remain readable after the enclosure has been fully populated.
Useful identification details may include:
The physical labels and digital network records should use the same naming convention. Consequently, future maintenance becomes faster and less dependent on individual staff knowledge.
Data centres require dense, structured and scalable cabling. Therefore, pre-terminated cassettes can help reduce rack installation time while maintaining accessible LC equipment connections.
Telecommunications networks often need reliable fibre distribution within controlled equipment environments. The cassette provides a modular interface between multi-fibre trunks and LC-connected equipment.
Larger enterprise networks may use MTP/MPO trunks between communications rooms, floors or buildings. Consequently, the cassette can provide a consistent equipment-side transition at each endpoint.
Broadcast environments often require numerous optical services within limited rack space. A labelled cassette system can therefore support organised deployment and faster identification of individual channels.
The modular design also supports capacity expansion. Customers can add another compatible cassette when additional fibres are required, provided the enclosure, trunk system and pathway have sufficient capacity.
The 24-fibre cassette provides a combination of density, modularity and installation efficiency.
Key benefits include:
The cassette must be configured for the intended optical system. Therefore, a complete enquiry should include more than the required fibre count.
Please provide:
If the polarity or connector gender is uncertain, provide the details of the trunk cable and equipment interfaces. Anderson Corporation can then help identify the required cassette configuration.
It transitions up to 24 fibres from one or more rear MTP/MPO connections to individual LC connections at the front. Therefore, equipment can use familiar LC patching while the backbone retains high-density multi-fibre connectivity.
Yes. The cassette is supplied with its internal fibre assemblies, rear MTP/MPO interface and front LC connectivity installed. It is also factory terminated and tested before supply.
Yes. One available configuration uses two 12-fibre MTP/MPO rear interfaces to support a total of 24 fibres.
Yes. The cassette can also use one 24-fibre MTP/MPO rear interface. However, the connected trunk must use the matching 24-fibre connector format.
Each fully configured cassette supports up to 24 LC fibre connections at the front.
The cassette is designed for the RapidConnect E196P enclosure platform. The compatible 1RU enclosure accepts up to four 24-fibre cassettes.
Four fully populated 24-fibre cassettes provide up to 96 LC fibre connections within the compatible 1RU enclosure.
Yes. The cassette can be configured for OS2 singlemode fibre. Connector polish and other interface requirements must be confirmed when ordering.
Yes. Both OM3 and OM4 multimode configurations are available.
MTP connectors belong to the wider MPO connector format. However, connector construction, gender, polarity and optical performance still need to match the system design. Therefore, Anderson Corporation recommends specifying one coordinated connector platform throughout the channel.
No. The cassette forms only one part of the channel. Correct polarity depends on the combined configuration of the trunk, cassette, adapters, patch leads and connected equipment.
Yes. Factory testing confirms the cassette assembly before supply. However, installers should still inspect, clean and test the completed links after installation.
Yes. The modular enclosure can be populated according to current requirements. Additional compatible cassettes can then be installed when more capacity is needed.
The cassette is designed specifically for the RapidConnect E196P platform. Therefore, compatibility with an unrelated enclosure should not be assumed.
One MTP/MPO connector contains multiple fibre end faces. Consequently, contamination on a single connector can affect several optical channels at the same time.
The 24 Fibre MTP/MPO to LC Cassette Knowledge Centre will provide focused guidance about cassette selection, configuration, installation, testing and maintenance. As the Knowledge Centre expands, each section will help customers manage the complete cassette lifecycle without duplicating the broader MTP/MPO trunk cable or enclosure resources.
First, this section will explain how a fibre cassette transitions a high-density multi-fibre connection into accessible LC equipment connections.
Articles coming soon.
Next, this section will compare two 12-fibre rear interfaces with one 24-fibre rear interface. In particular, it will explain how the selected configuration affects trunk cable compatibility.
Articles coming soon.
This section will explain polarity, connector gender, key orientation and the relationship between rear MTP/MPO fibres and front LC ports.
Articles coming soon.
Furthermore, this section will cover OS2, OM3 and OM4 cassette selection. It will also examine insertion loss, return loss and complete channel loss budgets.
Articles coming soon.
This section will provide practical guidance for installing, routing, securing and labelling cassettes within the E196P enclosure platform.
Articles coming soon.
Finally, this section will address connector inspection, MTP/MPO cleaning, LC cleaning, acceptance testing and ongoing cassette maintenance.
Articles coming soon.
The RapidConnect 24 Fibre MTP/MPO to LC Cassette provides a compact and scalable transition between high-density trunk cabling and individual LC equipment connections. Moreover, its factory-terminated modular design can reduce installation time while supporting up to 96 LC fibre connections within the compatible 1RU E196P enclosure.
Anderson Corporation can configure the cassette for OS2, OM3 or OM4 fibre and either MTP or MPO connectivity. In addition, customers can select two 12-fibre rear interfaces or one 24-fibre rear interface to suit their network architecture.
Request a Quote for a cassette configuration matched to your trunk cable, polarity, connector gender and fibre requirements.
