HPE QK731A Premier Flex MPO/MPO OM4 12-Fiber Trunk Cable
The HPE QK731A is a Premier Flex OM4 multimode fiber trunk cable terminated with MPO connectors on both ends, built for high-density data center and structured cabling links where a preterminated multi-fiber assembly saves rack time over field splicing. At 50 meters, the QK731A covers rack rows, cross-connect runs, and switch-to-patch-panel distances common in enterprise and data center topologies.
Overview
QK731A is part of HPE's Premier Flex cabling line, designed for direct plug-and-play deployment between MPO-equipped switches, transceivers, and patch panels. The 12-fiber (12F) count on an OM4 multimode fiber base supports parallel-optics applications and breakout configurations common in 40G and 100G network architectures, where a single MPO trunk replaces multiple duplex LC runs and cuts cable-management clutter in the rack.
Key Features
- MPO/MPO connectors: factory-terminated on both ends, so there's no field polishing or splicing labor — pull the cable, plug both ends, and move on to the next run.
- OM4 multimode fiber: higher modal bandwidth than OM3, giving more headroom for parallel-optics transceivers over longer link budgets within the same rack row or adjacent row.
- 12-fiber (12F) count: matches standard 12-fiber MPO transceiver and breakout module pinouts, so it drops into existing 40G/100G parallel-optics deployments without a fiber-count mismatch.
- 50M length: sized for longer intra-data-center runs — think switch-to-end-of-row patch panel — where shorter 1-5M jumpers won't reach.
Integration & Compatibility
As an MPO/MPO trunk, the QK731A is intended to connect MPO-terminated equipment directly — transceivers, breakout cassettes, or MPO patch panels — rather than terminating into LC or SC connectors on its own. Confirm the fiber count (12F) and mode (OM4 multimode) match on both ends of the link before ordering, since MPO trunks are not universally interchangeable across fiber types or polarity methods. For broader rack planning, this cable pairs with structured cabling in a network video recorder or switch deployment where MPO trunks feed network switches in a data center row. If you're scoping a larger fiber plant, a PoE and cabling planning guide can help confirm port counts and run lengths before you order trunk cables in bulk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What connector type does the QK731A use?
A: MPO connectors are factory-terminated on both ends of the cable.
Q: What length is the QK731A?
A: 50 meters.
Q: Is the QK731A multimode or single-mode fiber?
A: It is an OM4 multimode fiber cable with a 12-fiber count.
Q: Can the QK731A be used for 40G or 100G parallel-optics links?
A: The 12-fiber MPO/MPO OM4 configuration matches standard parallel-optics pinouts used in many 40G/100G deployments, though you should confirm compatibility with your specific transceiver.
The QK731A is a straightforward spec once you know what you're looking at: 12-fiber MPO/MPO OM4 trunk, 50 meters long. No surprises, no field termination — that's the whole value proposition.
Technical Highlights:
- MPO/MPO termination: both ends are factory-finished, which removes the single biggest labor and quality-control variable in fiber deployment — a bad field splice.
- OM4 multimode fiber: gives you more bandwidth headroom than OM3 for parallel-optics transceivers over the same link.
- 50M length: long enough for most intra-row or adjacent-row data center runs without needing a splice point.
Deployment Considerations:
- Verify fiber count and polarity method match on both ends of your link path — MPO trunks from different vendors or polarity types are not always drop-in compatible.
- At 50 meters, this is sized for data center or campus room-to-room runs, not short jumper patching — measure your actual run before ordering to avoid excess slack management.
Good fit for a data center fit-out standardizing on 12-fiber MPO trunks between MPO-ready switches and end-of-row patch panels, where QK731A's factory termination cuts installation time versus field-terminated alternatives.
