European Trunk Optical Cable

European trunk optical cables are high-performance fibre optic assemblies used for backbone connectivity in data centres, enterprise networks, and campus infrastructures, available in pre-terminated and high-fibre-count configurations.Overview

Trunk optical cables serve as the backbone of fibre optic networks, combining multiple fibres into a single cable to enable high-speed, high-bandwidth connections over long distances. They are essential for connecting cabinets, data centre racks, and different areas of buildings while maintaining reliability and low signal loss .

Types and Designs

1. Loose Tube Trunk Cables: Designed for indoor, universal, and outdoor applications, these cables protect fibres in a loose tube structure, offering mechanical and thermal robustness. They are often used in data centres, office buildings, and campuses .
2. Breakout and Microbreakout Cables: These are compact indoor cables where each fibre is individually reinforced, allowing easy deployment and tool-free connection to panels .
3. MPO/MTP Trunk Cables: High-density cables with MPO or MTP connectors support 40G, 100G, and 400G networks. They are ideal for cabinet-to-cabinet connections and long-distance backbone links, offering low insertion loss and easy polarity management .
4. High-Fibre-Count Trunks: European suppliers offer cables with up to 288 fibres, supporting Base-8, Base-12, or Base-24 infrastructures. These are lightweight, compact, and suitable for hyperscale or enterprise data centres .

Connectors and Termination

• LC Connectors: Compact, high-density connectors suitable for single-mode and multimode fibres, ideal for narrow server cabinets .
• SC Connectors: Larger push-pull connectors with ceramic ferrules, used for both single-mode and multimode applications .
• MTP/MPO Connectors: Multi-fibre connectors that allow rapid deployment and flexible polarity/gender changes in the field .

Applications

• Data Centres: Backbone connectivity, high-speed inter-rack links, and modular plug-and-play systems.
• Enterprise Networks: Campus and office building fibre distribution.
• Industrial and Outdoor Deployments: Outdoor-rated trunk cables with LSZH, CPR-rated, riser, plenum, or OSP jackets for duct, ceiling, or underground installations .

Advantages

• High Bandwidth and Scalability: Supports multiple physical links in a single trunk, enabling higher transmission speeds and network resiliency .
• Pre-Terminated Options: Reduce on-site splicing, accelerate deployment, and ensure consistent performance .
• Mechanical and Thermal Robustness: Designed to withstand tension, torsion, and environmental stress . European trunk optical cables are widely available from suppliers such as Rosenberger OSI, EFB-Elektronik, FS Europe, ScaleFibre Europe, and HUBER+SUHNER, offering configurable fibre counts, connector types, and cable lengths to meet specific network requirements .