1. Quality. Your system’s performance depends on the quality of your SCSI cables. Without high-quality cables specifically designed for SCSI applications, you could be jeopardizing your SCSI lifeline. Inferior cables, adapters, and terminators can cause random errors, data corruption, or even a system crash! Black Box® SCSI Cables and components are the absolute best-quality products. And they’re guaranteed for life.

2. Length. For peak network performance, make sure your cables are the right length. As cable runs get longer, signals weaken and are more susceptible to noise. Always use the shortest cable for the task. And stay within the SCSI-1 and SCSI-2 standards of six meters or three meters for Fast SCSI. Remember, this is the total length of the bus, including all internal and external cables.

MTP® is a connector for multifiber ribbon cable that generally contains 6, 8, or 12 fibers, although some newer MTP connectors support up to 24 fibers. The MTP connector, combined with lightweight ribbon cable, represents a huge technological advance over traditional multifiber cables. It’s lighter, more compact, easier to install, and less expensive.

The MTP connector is similar to the MT-RJ connector, but supports from 6 to 24 fibers. The MTP’s ferrule surface of 2.45 x 6.40 mm is slightly bigger than the MT-RJ’s, and the latching mechanism works with a sliding sleeve latch rather than a push-in latch.

The MTP connector can be either male or female. You can tell the male connector by the two alignment pins protruding from the end of the ferrule. The MTP ferrule is generally flat for multimode applications and angled for single-mode applications.

Space-saving!
A single MTP connector replaces up to 24 standard connectors. This very high density means lower space requirements and reduced costs for your installation.

Time- and money-saving, too!
Traditional, tight-buffered multifiber cable needs to have each fiber individually terminated by a skilled technician. This is, of course, both expensive and time consuming.

But MTP fiber optic cable, which carries multiple fibers, comes preterminated. Just plug it in and you’re ready to go!

So easy to use.
MTP connectors feature an intuitive push-pull latching sleeve mechanism with an audible click upon connection—they’re as easy to use as MT-RJ connectors. And having a single connector makes it easier for you to pull high-fiber-count cables.

Type 1 Cable is made of solid wire, typically 22 AWG bare copper. It has braided shielding around each pair. It’s recommended for long runs in walls, conduits, etc.

Type 6 Cable is typically made of 26 AWG stranded copper and has one shield around both pairs. It’s lighter and more flexible than Type 1 Cable and has a better “look.” It’s recommended for use in office environments.

Small Computer Systems Interface (SCSI), pronounced “scuzzy,” has been the dominant technology used to connect computers and high-speed peripherals since the 1980s. SCSI technology is constantly evolving to accommodate increased bandwidth needs. One of the more recent developments is Ultra2 SCSI.

Because Ultra2 SCSI is backward compatible, it works with all legacy equipment. Ultra2 doubles the possible bandwidth on the bus from 40 to 80 MBps! Just as importantly, Ultra2 supports distances up to 12 meters (39.3 ft.) for a multiple-device configuration. Ultra2 uses Low-voltage Differential (LVD) techniques to transfer data at faster rates with fewer errors. Don’t confuse Ultra2 with LVD. Ultra2 is a data-transfer method; LVD is the signaling technique used to transfer the data.

Cables are very important when designing or upgrading a system to take advantage of Ultra2 SCSI. Cables and connectors must be of high quality and they should come from a reputable manufacturer to prevent crosstalk and minimize signal radiation. BLACK BOX® Ultra2 LVD cables are constructed of the finest-quality components to provide your system with the maximum protection and highest possible data-transfer rates.