Side-by-Side Comparison
Fiber Connectors
MPO / MTP vs. ST
Comparing 2 standards across 13 specifications. 13 key differences identified.
Comparing:
MPO / MTP
ST
The MPO connector (Multi-fiber Push On, TIA-604-5 / FOCIS-5; US Conec MTP) is a high-density parallel optical connector utilizing a precision molded rectangular MT ferrule that houses 8, 12, 16, 24, 32, or 72 optical fibers in a single push-pull housing, standard for 40G, 100G, 400G, and 800G multi-lane transceivers.
The ST connector (Straight Tip, TIA-604-2 / FOCIS-2) is a legacy fiber optic connector developed by AT&T Bell Laboratories. Featuring a 2.5 mm spring-loaded ceramic ferrule with a BNC-style twist-and-lock metal bayonet coupling, it remains common in industrial networks and campus multi-mode backbones.
Specification Comparison Table
13 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Standard / FOCIS
|
TIA-604-5-D (FOCIS-5) / IEC 61754-7 | TIA-604-2-B (FOCIS-2) / IEC 61754-2 |
|
Latching Mechanism
|
Push-pull sliding sleeve | Bayonet twist-lock (BNC-style keying) |
|
Typical Insertion Loss
|
0.15–0.35 dB | 0.25–0.40 dB |
|
Ferrule Type
|
Rectangular MT (Mechanically Transferable) polymer | — |
|
Standard Fiber Counts
|
8, 12, 16, 24, 32, or 72 fibers | — |
|
Alignment Mechanism
|
Stainless guide pins (Male) / guide holes (Female) | — |
|
Polish Types Available
|
Flat (Multi-Mode UPC) and 8-degree Angled (Single-Mode APC) | — |
|
Polarity Methods (TIA-568.3)
|
Method A (Straight), Method B (Cross), Method C (Pair-flipped) | — |
|
Ferrule Diameter
|
— | 2.5 mm |
|
Ferrule Material
|
— | Zirconia ceramic or stainless alloy |
|
Fiber Modes Supported
|
— | Multi-Mode (OM1/OM2 primarily) and Single-Mode |
|
Polish Type
|
— | PC / UPC (Round metal housing) |
|
Mating Cycles
|
— | 500+ cycles |