In your opinion. Are multifiber connector systems the key technology in the passive fiber-optic infrastructure?
Christian Hahn: Of course! Since data rates are continuing to increase exponentially, we will need reliable multifiber applications in the future. With EBO, Rosenberger is offering an extremely innovative solution here.
About the term EBO. As we know, this stands for Expanded Beam Technology. Can you give us a brief outline of what it is?
Christian Hahn: Of course. The EBO ferrule contains integrated lenses that enlarge the light surface and consequently make it less susceptible to interference.
What advantages does Expanded Beam Technology have for optical fiber cabling?
Christian Hahn: One great advantage is the total reflection of the light signal, which leaves the connector at an angle of 90 degrees, that is say it is not linear. This is also an important advantage for users. The EBO connector system does not need any physical contact and is therefore insensitive to contamination.
MTP® and MPO applications are the best known in data centers but bearing in mind the advantages we’ve just heard about, is MPE and Expanded Beam Technology a genuine alternative to these?
Christian Hahn: MPE has the same footprint as MPO and will be available in 12- and 16-fiber variants in the future. The performance values of an MPE in multimode and singlemode solutions are absolutely comparable to those of MPO; and as far as singlemode is concerned, that is something unique on the market.
Bearing in mind these advantages. What potential applications are there for MPE technology in data centers?
Christian Hahn: In principle, all multifiber applications can be mapped in the form of a complete EBO link. In some cases, this will be as far as the transceiver in future.
The EBO has a hermaphroditic structure. What are the benefits of this design?
Christian Hahn: EBO plug connections are very easy to install and maintain. We save a whole load of time, don’t need to worry about male and female components, and no special know-how is needed to handle the connectors.
With all these advantages, the technology sounds very promising. What do customers have to think about if they are intending to replace their MTP® technology with MPE?
Christian Hahn: There’s no problem migrating from MPO to MPE. The hardware such as the racks, panels, modules and sometimes even the couplers can be reused one-to-one, which is very positive in terms of sustainability.
