What Is the Purpose of the MST Multiport Service Terminal?

Author: Hayden

Spring Optical Multiport Service Terminal manufacturer

What Is Multiport Service Terminal

Core Purpose and Engineering Functions of the Multiport Service Terminal (MST)

The MST serves four mission-critical functions in every FTTx optical distribution network (ODN). It:

Serves as the only hardened outdoor breakout point between the feeder cable and individual drop cables;

Provides factory-terminated SuperTap, Mini-SC, or full-size SC/APC ports for direct plug-and-play connectivity;

Provides complete environmental sealing against water, dust, UV exposure, ice loading, and temperature cycling from –40 °C to +70 °C; and Enables pay-as-you-grow deployment utilizing dust-capped ports that are only activated when a new subscriber is connected.

Together, these functions make MST the backbone for FTTH, FTTB, FTTA, 5G small-cell backhaul, and rural broadband networks around the globe.

MST Multiport Service Terminal IP68 Pre-terminated FTTH Plug and Play Solution

MST Multiport Service Terminal IP68 Pre-terminated FTTB Plug and Play Solution

MST Multiport Service Terminal IP68 Pre-terminated FTTA Plug and Play Solution

Technical Advantages of a Pre-terminated Multiport Service Terminal (MST)

Every MST leaves the factory 100% pre-terminated, optically tested, and end-face inspected at 400× magnification, providing a reliable pre-terminated fiber solution for FTTx deployments. Typical performance per port includes:

Insertion Loss ≤ 0.3–0.5 dB

Return Loss ≥ 60 dB (APC), ≥ 55 dB (UPC)

OTDR and VFL continuity verified on all fibers

Mechanical crimp and double O-ring seals provide elimination of water ingress risk that is common with field spliced closures. The housing is made from UV-stabilized flame retardant PC+ABS material formulated against long-term anti-aging.

Port Configurations and Connectivity Options in MST

Within the MST there are flexible pre-terminated fiber options and port configurations. Standard MST models are typically 2-24 output ports. Supported hardened interfaces include:

SuperTap

Huawei Mini-SC (H-connector)

Senko IP-SC

Full-sized SC/APC hardened adapters

MPO/MTP® hardened breakout

Cable entry is allowed for stubbed tail (single-end), mid-span access window or dual-end pass-through routing with re-enterable sealing glands.

Key Specification Data for Multiport Service Terminals (MST)

These specifications will ensure that MST provide the reliability for high-performance connectivity for the modern FTTx networks as well as maintaining long-term optical integrity.

Deployment Case: Verizon Fios Expansion – Pennsylvania 2022–2024

Verizon executed a large-scale deployment consisting of over 62,000 8-port and 12-port MST units during Fios greenfield expansion in suburban and semi-rural counties in Pennsylvania. With pre-terminated MST solutions, technicians established an average drop installation time of 7 minutes per home, compared with a traditional splice closure time of 42 minutes per home.

Following the deployment, performance monitoring during winter 2023–2024 (multiple single, multiple, and consecutive events in temperatures below –25 °C) revealed zero incidents of moisture-ingress, and average port excess loss of < 0.09 dB performance 18 months post commissioning.

Environmental and Mechanical Certifications

Each MST was successfully tested and meets the following standards:

Telcordia GR-771-CORE & GR-3120

IEC 61753-1 Category E (extended outdoor)

UL 94 V-0 flame rating

IP67/IP68 tested for submersion protection

IK10 impact protection rating

Drop-port tensile strength ≥ 300 N

Compression resistance ≥ 2000 N over 100 mm²

This testing confirmed the reliability of the MST product especially in harsh outdoor FTTx environments.

Role in 5G Small-Cell and FTTA Deployments

AT&T, T-Mobile, and Dish Network attach thousands of 4-port and 6-port MST box directly to streetlight poles or building facades for 5G small-cell backhaul. Their compact design (8-port variant is typically 240 × 190 × 85 mm), and succession chain mid-span option reduce the need for handholes by as much as 70% compared to traditional closures.

Installation Versatility

Each unit comes with a universal stainless-steel bracket designed to accommodate:

Pole-mount (Ø 40–300 mm)

Strand-mount

Wall-mount

Pedestal

Handhole installations

Additionally, the cable ports allow express routing of the cable without needing to cut feeder fibers, making the MST plug-and-play installation fast and reliable.

Long-Term Reliability Impact

Once buried in duct, risers, or lashed aerially, MST units can be expected to remain in service for 15–30 years. Deploying lower-quality terminals can increase the likelihood of moisture ingress, degraded connection, and internal optical drift. Factory-sealed and pre-terminated MST routinely achieve MTBF > 25 years, leading to decreased operating costs and truck rolls in FTTx networks.

Future Progression for 5G/6G and XGS-PON Networks

Next-generation MST are already being designed for the following attributes:

Higher Density (24-port) version as category options for the standard variants

Integrate WDM couplers for XGS-PON/25G-PON coexistence in a single enclosure

Eliminate all tools for activation in a service turn-up time of < 60 minutes

These features will enable MST to continue to provide the next-generation technology of 6G fronthaul and fixed-wireless convergence networks, and maintain their position as the best component for reducing deployment costs and assuring long-term optical performance in contemporary FTTx networks.