12/16 Port Pedestal & Handhole MST | IP68 Hardened OptiTap® Terminal compatible
Maximize space in your underground network with the 12/16 Port Pedestal MST. This linear, IP68-rated hardened service terminal is designed to fit seamlessly into narrow pedestals and hand-holes. Featuring OptiTap® compatible ports and a robust, submersible housing, it delivers reliable high-density connectivity for FTTH drops in the most demanding OSP environments.
Overview
The 12/16 Port Pedestal & Handhole MST (Multiport Service Terminal) is specifically engineered for space-constrained fiber distribution in Outside Plant (OSP) networks. Unlike traditional square splice boxes, this unit features a slim, linear form factor tailored to fit inside narrow pedestals (e.g., BD4, BD5), small hand-holes, and crowded underground vaults.
Designed for extreme durability, this hardened fiber terminal is fully sealed (IP68) to withstand submersion in water, mud, and dust. It utilizes OptiTap® compatible hardened adapters to provide rapid, plug-and-play connectivity for up to 16 subscribers. This “skinny” MST is the preferred solution for FTTH providers looking to maximize port density in limited right-of-way spaces without sacrificing accessibility or performance.
Key Features
- Compact Linear Design: The elongated, narrow profile allows installation in congested pits and small diameter pedestals where standard terminals cannot fit.
- High Port Density: Available in 12-port and 16-port configurations, enabling high-capacity distribution from a single footprint.
- IP68 Submersible: Factory-sealed and tested to meet IEC 60529 standards, ensuring long-term reliability even when fully submerged in flooded manholes.
- Hardened Connectivity: Features standard OptiTap® (H-Connector) ports for tool-less subscriber drops, reducing installation time by up to 50%.
- Robust Construction: Built with high-impact, UV-stabilized hardened plastic to resist crushing forces, chemical corrosion, and extreme temperature fluctuations.
- Flexible Mounting: Includes universal brackets for mounting on channel struts in pedestals, walls in vaults, or direct burial applications.
Applications
This Pedestal/Handhole MST is critical for “last mile” connectivity in residential and rural broadband projects. Its primary applications include:
- Underground Hand-holes: The slim profile fits easily alongside existing copper or power infrastructure in composite or concrete vaults.
- Telecom Pedestals: Optimized for vertical mounting inside standard telecommunications pedestals (green domes), maximizing vertical space utilization.
- Direct Buried Networks: When equipped with appropriate protection, the rugged housing supports direct burial or semi-buried installations.
- FTTA/5G Backhaul: Used as a discrete, high-capacity aggregation point for small cell sites requiring multiple fiber drops.
Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Product Type | Linear Hardened MST |
| Port Capacity | 12 or 16 Ports |
| Connector Interface | OptiTap® SC/APC (Standard), LC Duplex, MPO |
| IP Rating | IP68 (2 meters, 7 days) |
| Stub Cable Type | Dielectric Flat Drop, Toneable Flat Drop, or Round Armor |
| Operating Temperature | $-40^\circ\text{C}$ to $+70^\circ\text{C}$ |
| Impact Resistance | IK10 |
| Crush Resistance | 1000N / 100mm |
| Return Loss | $\ge 60 \text{ dB}$ (APC) |
| Installation Environment | Manhole, Hand-hole, Pedestal, Aerial, Wall |
Cross-Platform Compatibility
Designed to integrate seamlessly into existing networks, this terminal serves as a direct equivalent to major OSP solutions, offering operators a flexible supply chain alternative.
| Manufacturer | Equivalent Series |
|---|---|
| Corning® | OptiSheath® MultiPort Terminal (Stubbed) |
| CommScope® | MST Hardened Service Terminal (Long/Linear) |
| Eaton / Tripp Lite | Pedestal Fiber Terminal |
Advantages
Space Efficiency: The most significant advantage is its shape. By arranging ports linearly, the terminal slides into spaces where wider boxes fail, avoiding the need for costly civil engineering work to enlarge hand-holes.
Deployment Speed: As a factory-terminated unit (typically supplied with a pre-connectorized stub tail), it eliminates the need for field splicing at the terminal. Technicians simply pull the stub to the splice closure and plug in subscribers at the terminal, streamlining the workflow.
FAQ
1. Will this fit inside a 6-inch pedestal?
Yes, the linear design of the 12 and 16-port models is specifically engineered to fit vertically inside standard 6-inch, 8-inch, and larger pedestals (such as BD4/BD5 styles), leaving room for cable management.
2. Is this unit compatible with Corning OptiTap® drop cables?
Absolutely. The ports utilize industry-standard hardened connector geometry, ensuring full mechanical and optical compatibility with existing OptiTap® drop cables and patch cords.
3. Can this terminal be submerged in water?
Yes, it carries an IP68 rating. It is designed to operate reliably even when the hand-hole or vault fills with water, provided the drop cables are also properly sealed hardened connectors.
4. Does it come with a cable stub?
Typically, these units are ordered with a factory-installed cable stub (tail) of varying lengths (e.g., 100ft, 500ft, 1000ft) to reach the nearest splice closure. Please specify the required cable type (dielectric or toneable) and length when ordering.
5. What is the difference between this and the standard box MST?
The primary difference is the form factor. The standard box is rectangular/square and better suited for poles or walls. This “Pedestal/Handhole” version is long and thin, optimized for narrow vertical or horizontal spaces underground.
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