The Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA--www.tiaonline.org) has published a FOCIS (Fiber Optic Connector Intermateability Standard) document for the MPO-style fiber-optic connector. FOCIS 5 - Type Multi-Fiber Push On (MPO) is officially TIA's 604-5B standard. The document is a revision of TIA/EIA-604-5A.

"FOCIS 5 presents the intermateability standard for connectors with the commercial designation of MPO and is used as an addendum to TIA/EIA-604," the TIA said in announcing the new document. "The provisions of TIA/EIA-604 apply to this document."

The publication of a FOCIS document for the MPO connector means that the TIA officially recognizes this connector type for use at any point in a horizontal fiber-optic cabling system. According to TIA/EIA-568-B.3 Optical Fiber Cabling Components Standard, any fiber-optic interface with a published FOCIS document is approved for use within horizontal cabling systems.

FOCIS 5 was created by TIA FO-6.3 Subcommittee on Interconnecting Devices and Passive Components.