​​Fiber Connect 2025 Focus: New Fiber Broadband Products Aid MDU And Multi-Rate PON Deployment​

 

At the Fiber Connect 2025 exhibition, multiple vendors showcased their latest achievements in the fiber broadband field, covering Multi-Dwelling Unit (MDU) broadband solutions, Passive Optical Network (PON) technology evolution, network powering innovations, and flexible fiber terminal equipment. New products launched by companies like Clearfield, Airties, Harmonic, Vecima, Nokia, and ATX aim to help operators simplify deployment, increase bandwidth, and reduce operational costs.

 

Fiber Terminals​​
Considering service providers' needs for deploying fiber broadband in diverse scenarios, flexible terminal equipment is particularly important. Clearfield launched the TetherSmart Multi-Fiber Terminal (MFT), a 10-port access terminal suitable for Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH), Fiber-to-the-Business (FTTB), and 5G backhaul network applications. The TetherSmart MFT is highly configurable and supports industry-standard fiber connectors like SC, MPO, and HFOC, facilitating plug-and-play operations for installers. Optimized for deployment in above-ground pedestals of 6 inches and larger, it is also suitable for underground and aerial installations, making it ideal for dense residential areas, business parks, and 5G small cells. The TetherSmart MFT supports both centralized and distributed splitter architectures and offers an offset pass-through architecture solution. Single or multi-fiber inputs can support up to 8 single-fiber drop ports and include an optional multi-fiber pass-through output port for daisy-chaining to other terminals deeper in the network. 

 

 

​​Accelerating MDU Deployment​​
With major cable operators like Altice USA and Verizon launching new initiatives, it's clear that broadband providers are seeking ways to simplify broadband delivery to Multi-Dwelling Units (MDUs). Vendors such as Airties, Harmonic, and Vecima brought combinations of software and optical node equipment.

 

• Airties​​ introduced "Airties Multi," a unified managed Wi-Fi connectivity platform for multi-tenant buildings. Designed to meet Internet Service Providers' (ISPs) demand for enhanced end-to-end connectivity and services, this hardware-agnostic software solution allows ISPs to centrally manage network connectivity in both individual units and common areas. Leveraging the ISP's existing home hardware or any other chosen hardware, it provides a scalable and low-cost solution for all MDU stakeholders, including ISPs, property managers, homeowner associations, and residents.

 

• ​​Harmonic​​ launched the SeaStar Optical Node for accelerating coaxial-based MDU broadband. The SeaStar Node offers broadband operators an innovative solution for rapidly deploying fiber-grade connectivity in low-density MDU environments. It converts existing coaxial cables within buildings into high-speed broadband conduits, eliminating the need for expensive and time-consuming rewiring and avoiding service disruption during upgrades. Based on Harmonic's cOS virtualized broadband platform, the SeaStar Node reduces capital expenditures (CapEx), enabling operators to deliver gigabit broadband services faster to up to 16 MDU units, thereby expanding revenue streams.

 

• ​​Vecima​​, in collaboration with Incognito, Entra, and Hitron, showcased its Entra vPON Manager cloud-native XGS-PON platform at Fiber Connect, designed specifically for MDU solutions. The Entra vPON Manager provides operators with XGS-PON subscriber management and service activation capabilities, integrated with back-office systems to support MDU subscribers. Through integration with Incognito Software's SAC (Service Activation Center), user service activation for Vecima's All-PON solution now includes the activation and configuration of MDU multi-tenant ONU ports. The Entra open networking ecosystem supports the Hitron NOVA2208 ONU device, designed to serve MDU and enterprise users with up to eight user service ports, suitable for in-building service distribution and premises with TR-069/USP-369 protocol gateways.

 

​​Multi-PON Network Support​​
While GPON has been the dominant technology for Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH), demand for higher bandwidth is driving the need for 10G PON (XGS-PON) and even 25G and 50G PON. Solutions enabling the coexistence of multiple PON technologies are crucial to help service providers transition smoothly and protect existing investments.

 

​​• Nokia​​ introduced a new PON coexistence solution that allows service providers to run 10G, 25G, and 50G PON technologies on the same fiber network. This solution empowers operators to run multiple PON technologies on the same fiber and seamlessly evolve from current 10G and 25G to future 50G and beyond, delivering unprecedented bandwidth, speed, and scalability. Nokia's new coexistence network allows operators to consolidate multiple PON technologies at different wavelengths onto a single fiber without disrupting existing services. This helps operators maximize the use of their existing fiber assets to meet diverse customer demands without replacing infrastructure.

 

• ​​Network Powering Solutions​​
While network powering might not be the most glamorous topic, it is critical for service providers expanding fiber broadband. ATX Networks addressed this by launching the Areca Hybrid Supercapacitor Group 31 Energy Storage Module. This module offers fiber broadband providers a more efficient powering solution than lead-acid or lithium batteries. Designed for space-constrained installations like underground cabinets, vaults, and other outdoor enclosures, the Group 31 module features a rugged IP65-rated enclosure for durability. It is available in 12V, 24V, 36V, and 48V versions to suit different deployment needs. Weighing less than 30 pounds-only one-third the weight of traditional VRLA batteries-it facilitates transportation and installation in tight or elevated spaces. Unlike traditional batteries that require periodic replacement and suffer significant performance degradation over time, the Areca module is designed for a service life exceeding 20 years. ATX also offers a certified end-to-end replacement service, including site surveys, removal of old batteries, installation of Areca modules, and a complete recycling process.