Hydra Assemblies VS Patch Cords

With today’s stringent loss budgets and space constraints, some data centers choose to deploy MPO-to-LC hydra cable assemblies rather than LC duplex patch cords. However, there are some key factors to consider.

Why Use Hydra in the First Place?

Hydra assemblies typically feature one 12-fiber MPO connector on one end that fans out to 6 duplex LC connectors (or 4 for 40G) on the other. They allow for connecting directly from MPO patch panel systems to the LC interface on active networking or SAN equipment. This essentially eliminates the need to use MPO-to-LC cassettes, which removes an LC connection point from the channel for reduced loss.

Hydra assemblies can also help alleviate space constraints in dense fixed environments, enable fast deployment at the switch and enable easier upgradability from 10G to 40G or 100G with no need to replace MPO-to-LC cassettes with MPO frames. All that would be needed to upgrade from a cabling standpoint are MPO patch cords.

FTTH Patch Cords

What are the Primary Concerns?

Patch cords are supposed to be the most sacrificial components in the channel, and due to constant manipulation, they are also the component most apt to need replacing.

The biggest concern with using hydra assemblies is downtime. If one of the duplex LC fan-outs fails or gets damaged, the entire hydra assembly needs to be replaced. And then instead of taking down just one switch port, all 4 or 6 switch ports will be down during maintenance.

On the contrary, if MPO-to-LC cassettes and LC duplex patch cords are deployed for switch connections and a patch cord fails, only one switch port goes down during maintenance.

What about Cost and Loss Savings?

First of all, the difference in cost between using MPO frames with hydra cables and MPO-to-LC cassettes with duplex LC patch cords is negligible. However, the cost of taking down 4 or 6 switch ports could mean the potential for plenty of money lost in downtime, depending on the application.

And the concern about loss is really a nonissue with today’s low loss fiber connectivity. While downtime is a consideration with hydra cable assemblies, and today’s lower loss values means you likely don’t need them, there are still always going to be those data center managers that prefer the look and space savings of the hydra.

The good news is that Belden’s experts are ready to support your specific needs. We offer low-loss LC duplex patch cords and low-loss hydra cable assemblies, as well as low-loss MPO patch cords for when it is truly is time to migrate to 40 or 100 gig.

The good news is that Sopto’s experts are ready to support your specific needs. We offer low-loss LC duplex patch cords and low-loss hydra cable assemblies, as well as low-loss MPO patch cords for when it is truly is time to migrate to 40 or 100 gig. For more info, please contact a Sopto representative by calling 86-755-36946668, or by sending an email to info@sopto.com.