N10-009 Question 102
Single answerA network technician is upgrading a data center link from several individual duplex fiber patch cables to a high-density backbone between two top-of-rack patch panels. The new hardware is designed to carry multiple fiber strands in a single connector to reduce cable bulk and speed deployment. Which connector type should the technician choose?
- A
LC
- B
SC
- C
ST
- D
MPO
- E
RJ45
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: D
Explanation
The key phrase in the scenario is that the technician needs to carry multiple fiber strands in a single connector for a high-density backbone. That requirement points to MPO, which is widely used in modern data centers for structured fiber trunking and breakout/cassette systems. By contrast, LC, SC, and ST are all fiber connector types, but they are used for individual fiber terminations rather than bundling many fibers into one connector body. RJ45 is a copper connector and is not relevant for fiber backbones. This aligns with common industry cabling practices and structured cabling guidance, such as TIA-568 family standards and manufacturer documentation for data center fiber cabling systems, where MPO is identified for multi-fiber, high-density applications.
- A. Incorrect.
LC is incorrect. LC (Local Connector) is a small form-factor fiber connector commonly used for duplex fiber connections in switches, SFP/SFP+ transceivers, and patch panels. It is popular in high-density environments because of its small size, but each LC connector typically terminates a single fiber, with duplex links commonly using a paired LC arrangement. It does not provide the multi-fiber trunk capability described in the scenario.
- B. Incorrect.
SC is incorrect. SC (Subscriber Connector or sometimes referred to as Standard Connector) is a fiber connector with a push-pull design and is commonly used for single-fiber terminations, often in duplex pairs. While reliable and widely deployed, SC is larger than LC and is not the connector typically selected when the goal is to carry many fiber strands through one physical connector for backbone density.
- C. Incorrect.
ST is incorrect. ST (Straight Tip) is a fiber connector that uses a bayonet-style twist lock. It is more commonly associated with older fiber installations. Like SC and LC, ST is used for individual fiber terminations rather than consolidating many fibers into one connector body. A candidate might choose ST because it is a known fiber connector, but it does not match the high-density multi-fiber requirement.
- D. Correct.
MPO is correct. MPO (Multi-fiber Push On) is specifically designed to terminate multiple fiber strands in a single connector, making it well suited for data center backbones, cassette-based deployments, and high-density trunk cabling. This directly matches the requirement to replace multiple duplex patch cables with a connector that reduces cable bulk and speeds deployment.
- E. Incorrect.
RJ45 is incorrect. RJ45 is an 8P8C modular connector commonly used for twisted-pair Ethernet cabling, not fiber-optic trunk connections. It would be appropriate for copper Ethernet links, but it cannot carry the multi-strand fiber backbone described in the scenario.