The Direct Connection That Delivers PoE++ Performance
2026/05/06 HCIStructured cabling has long been the reliable foundation of every network — organized, scalable, and built for the long run. But as Power over Ethernet (PoE) technology advanced, it changed how networks are designed. Today, a single cable can deliver both data and up to 90 watts of power to devices, making installations cleaner and faster.
At the same time, devices such as Wi-Fi 6/6E access points, PTZ cameras, and smart lighting systems have grown more power-hungry and more widely distributed throughout buildings. Running a traditional outlet box and patch cord to each one isn’t always practical.
This is where the Modular Plug Terminated Link (MPTL) comes in. Defined in ANSI/TIA-568.2-D, MPTL replaces the typical outlet and patch cord setup with a direct link from a jack to a field-terminable plug that connects straight to the device. The result is a cleaner link that’s faster to install and easier to test.
Of course, the performance of an MPTL comes down largely to the quality of the field-terminable plug.
To achieve Cat 6A performance, the cable used is often solid 23 AWG, chosen for its lower signal loss and ability to support 10-gigabit transmission over long runs. But terminating a cable this thick into a standard modular connector is one of the least enjoyable jobs in cabling. The thicker conductors and limited interior space make alignment difficult, and even small inconsistencies can cause signal imbalance or poor contact under PoE++ load.
Our Solution
That’s why we developed the 88TK Series field-terminable plug, designed specifically to make MPTL installation both reliable and repeatable. It assembles much like a toolless keystone jack — no crimping, no guesswork, and done in about a minute.
To verify its performance, the 88TK plug was tested as part of a 0.5-meter MPTL link against Category 6A specifications at 500 MHz, the full bandwidth required for 10-gigabit transmission:
The results showed clear headroom, 4.3 dB for near-end crosstalk and 4.0 dB for return loss, and over 40 dB of signal-to-noise margin ACR-N and PS ACR-F. In other words, the link doesn’t just meet TIA limits, it comfortably exceeds them even under PoE++ current load. That margin translates directly into network stability and long-term reliability.
The 88TK is also ETL Certified and complies with IEC 60512-99-002, supporting IEEE 802.3 Type 4 remote powering applications (PoE++) over all four pairs. This ensures that performance remains stable and safe, even under the highest power levels defined for modern Ethernet networks.
Its 42.95 mm compact body fits neatly into tight spaces such as ceiling corners or device housings, with straight or angled routing options for flexible cable management. Inside, 50 µ-inch gold-plated contacts maintain signal integrity under sustained current, ensuring consistent data and power delivery across the life of the link.
Today, MPTL has become a practical standard for connecting devices directly without sacrificing structured cabling performance. It’s a simple, reliable way to combine data and power in one clean link — from patch panel to powered device.
To see how easily this works in the field, watch our short demo of the 88TK unshielded field terminable plug being assembled and connected directly to a device: