Fiber Connect 2025 Product Roundup: Highlighting MDU broadband, PON, network powering and terminals
NASHVILLE—During this week’s Fiber Connect show, several Fiber Broadband Association members showcased new product developments.
These products highlighted various aspects of fiber broadband deployments, MDU broadband, PON, network powering, and terminals.
Fiber terminals
Given the various deployment scenarios service providers are implementing with their fiber broadband builds, the need for flexible terminals is crucial.
One vendor that’s responding to that call is Clearfield.
Clearfield launches TetherSmart Multi-Fiber terminal
Clearfield’s TetherSmart Multi-Fiber Terminal (MFT)—a 10-port access terminal — offers a compact platform for Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH), Fiber-to-the-Business (FTTB), and 5G backhaul network applications. The TetherSmart MFT’s configurability and industry-standard SC, MPO, and hardened fiber connector (HFOC) options enable craft-friendly, plug-and-play connectivity. MFT is optimized for deployment in pedestals as small as 6 inches, as well as below-grade and aerial mounting options—ideal for dense neighborhoods, business parks, and decorative 5G small cell poles. The TetherSmart MFT supports both centralized and distributed split architectures, providing capabilities for a shifted, pass-through architecture. A single or multi-fiber input feeds up to eight single-fiber drop ports, with an optional multi-fiber express output port, allowing for daisy chaining to other terminals located deeper in the network.
Accelerating MDUs
With large cable operators such as Altice USA and Verizon introducing new plans, it’s clear that broadband operators are seeking ways to simplify and accelerate the delivery of broadband in multi-dwelling units (MDUs).
A group of vendors this week served up a mix of software and optical node devices.
Airties unveils "Airties Multi" MDU experience software
Airties has launched Airties Multi, a platform designed to provide converged managed Wi-Fi connectivity across multifamily dwelling units (MDUs). Airties Multi was created to meet the increasing demand from ISPs for enhanced end-to-end connectivity and services in the expansive multi-dwelling unit (MDU) market. Unlike traditional systems, the company’s hardware-agnostic software solution allows ISPs to manage both in-unit and common area connectivity centrally. It leverages ISPs' existing residential hardware or other hardware of their choice, providing a scalable, low-cost solution for all MDU stakeholders, including ISPs, property managers, homeowners' associations, and residents.
Harmonic’s SeaStar Node accelerates coax-based MDU broadband
Harmonic has launched its SeaStar™ Optical Node, enabling broadband connectivity for lower-density multi-dwelling units (MDUs). The SeaStar node offers broadband operators an innovative solution that addresses one of the most challenging use cases: providing rapid deployment of fiber-grade connectivity in brownfield, lower-density multi-dwelling unit (MDU) environments. The node converts existing in-building coax cabling into a high-speed broadband conduit. It streamlines the delivery of multigigabit broadband connectivity by eliminating the need for costly and time-consuming rewiring, thereby preventing service disruptions for subscribers during upgrades. Powered by Harmonic's cOS™ virtualized broadband platform, the SeaStar node reduces capital expenses and enables revenue expansion for operators by accelerating the delivery of multigigabit broadband services to up to 16 multi-dwelling units (MDUs) from a single node.
Vecima establishes XGS-PON MDU pact with Incognito, Entra and Hitron
Vecima Networks is showcasing its Entra vPON Manager, a cloud-based XGS-PON platform supporting multi-dwelling unit (MDU) solutions, at Fiber Connect this week. Entra vPON Manager provides operators with XGS-PON subscriber management and service provisioning capabilities, along with back-office management integration that supports MDU subscribers. Through integration with the Service Activation Center (SAC) from Incognito Software, subscriber service activation with the Vecima All-PON solution now includes MDU multi-tenant ONU port activation and provisioning. The Entra Open Network Ecosystem supports the Hitron NOVA2208 ONU device, designed for MDU and business service subscribers. With up to eight subscriber service ports, the NOVA2208 is well-suited for managed demarcation points in multi-dwelling units (MDUs) with in-building service distribution and in-premises TR-069/USP-369 customer gateways.
Multi-PON networks
While GPON has been a dominant technology for fiber to the home (FTTH), the growing demand for higher bandwidth has led to the ever-increasing demand for 10G PON (XGS-PON) and even higher speeds of 25G and 50G PON.
To help service providers transition while not stranding existing investments, there has been a clear need for solutions that allow the coexistence of various PON flavors, which was driven by Nokia this week.
Nokia enables 10G, 25G, and 50G PON coexistence
Nokia is giving service providers the option to run 10G, 25G and 50G PON technologies on the same fiber broadband network with its new PON coexistence solution. Giving operators the flexibility to run multiple flavors of PON on the same fiber and seamlessly evolve from 10G and 25G today to 50G and beyond, it can deliver unmatched bandwidth, speed, and scalability to meet future broadband needs. Nokia’s new co-existence network enables operators to easily integrate different PON technologies operating on different wavelengths within a single fiber, without disrupting existing services. This can help operators maximize their existing fiber and serve a diverse set of customer needs without requiring infrastructure replacement.
Network powering
Networking power might not be the sexiest topic, but it remains a key issue for service providers expanding fiber broadband and ATX is responding to this call.
ATX Areca hybrid supercapacitor Group 31 modules offer new FTTH power options
ATX Networks is offering fiber broadband providers what it claims to be a more efficient powering method through its Areca™ Hybrid Supercapacitor Group 31 Energy Storage Modules. The latest Areca energy modules offer a compact alternative to lead-acid and lithium-ion batteries. Purpose-built for space-limited installations, such as underground cabinets, vaults and other environmentally exposed enclosures, the Group 31 modules deliver durability in a weather-resistant, IP65-rated enclosure. The Areca Group 31 modules are available in 12V, 24V, 36V and 48V versions, enabling flexible deployment across a range of voltage requirements. Weighing less than 30 pounds, these lightweight modules are approximately one-third the weight of VRLA batteries, making them easier to transport and install in confined or elevated environments. Unlike traditional batteries that require routine replacement and are prone to steep performance declines, Areca modules offer an operational lifespan of 20 years or more. ATX’s end-to-end certified replacement services also include site audits, removal of existing batteries, installation of Areca modules, and complete recycling.
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Sean Buckley
Sean is responsible for establishing and executing the editorial strategies of Lightwave and Broadband Technology Report across their websites, email newsletters, events, and other information products.