In this article, Svelol explains the key differences between male and female MPO connectors and their proper use. Visually, male and female MPO connectors are easy to distinguish: male connectors feature two alignment pins (PIN pins), while female connectors have corresponding holes. There are many types of MPO connectors, but we can distinguish them based on the number of fiber cores (number of fiber arrays), polarity, male and female connectors, and end face type (PC or APC). In fact. In MPO and MTP fiber connector systems, Male vs Female and Pin vs No-Pin describe the same core engineering attribute: the presence or absence of alignment pins on the MT ferrule. If you only remember one thing: MPO is a multi-fiber. MPO patch cords are available in many varieties and can be categorized by fiber count, connector gender (male/female), polarity, and more.
[PDF Version]