Multi-core fibre (MCF) has moved from university labs and proofs-of-concept into real-world networks. Squeezing four separate transmission cores into a strand no thicker than a single human hair unlocks massive bandwidth. But it also creates a brand-new challenge for field engineers: how do you reliably splice it, and how do you test what's happening between the cores?
Last week, our team delivered the Anritsu MT9100A to the engineers at Birch Technical Services, making them the first installation contractor in the EMEA region to own one. Andy Cole and Sophie Barc from Anritsu were there for the hands-on Anritsu training, whilst Paul Cattell and Mike Field from our team demonstrated Fibre End-View inspection on FITEL's 'Ring of Fire' arc technology.
"Our engineers have spent years getting fibre characterisation right on conventional networks, and multi-core is the next step. Being the first installation contractor in the EMEA region with the MT9100A puts us in a position to support customers as their multi-core requirements come through, rather than waiting for the market to arrive. Credit to Frame and Anritsu for the training, it was hands-on, well run, and the team got a lot out of it" - Matt Birch, Director, Birch Technical Services.
“Multi-core fibre has huge potential, but making it practical to deploy means giving engineers the right tools to test and troubleshoot it. That’s exactly where the MT9100A fits. Together with Frame, we can support customers not just with the technology but with the knowledge and training needed to use it effectively.
Great to see Birch investing early and developing the skills and capability to support customers as MCF moves towards wider deployment.” - Sophie Barc, UK & Ireland Sales Director, Anritsu.
What Makes the MT9100A Different?
If you’ve ever tested fibre, you know the drill: check one strand or core at a time, repeat, and log the results. With multi-core fibre, that traditional approach falls short. It's too slow, and it can't tell you if light is leaking between adjacent cores.
The Anritsu MT9100A changes that workflow entirely:
- Tests all four cores simultaneously from just one end of the cable.
- Measures loss and reflection across every channel in a single test cycle.
- Directly verifies crosstalk, proving whether optical signals are interfering with each other in real time.
Paired with their FITEL S185 series speciality fusion splicer (a Furukawa Brand), Birch can now align, splice, and certify multi-core fibre start to finish, completely in-house.
Equipping Telecom Teams Across the UK & Ireland
As an authorised distributor for both Anritsu and FITEL, Frame Communications goes well beyond simply supplying equipment. We help contractors, operators, and R&D labs de-risk their transition to next-generation optical technology.
Whether you are:
- Building an MCF testbed or proof-of-concept.
- Planning high-capacity data centre interconnects.
- Equipping field crews with speciality splicers, multi-channel testers, and the practical training to use them.
We provide the complete toolchain, hardware, calibration, and technical support.
Planning an MCF deployment or need to verify crosstalk on an active project? Contact the team at sales@frame.co.uk
Questions about anything here? Talk to an engineer.
