203/2006New product references and additional product information
311/2008Release of 4x3 MST and universal mounting bracket
405/2011Updated to include the Rapid MST and rebranding information
5July 2016Updated to CommScope format.
Rev D January 2018 Part number (MID) changed on front cover; customer support information replaced with URLs.
TRADEMARK INFORMATION
CommScope, CommScope (logo), ADC, ADC Telecommunications, Realflex, and OmniReach are trademarks.
OptiTap is a trademark of Corning Cable Systems Brands, Inc.
Channell is a trademark of Channell Commercial Corporation
Carson Industries is a trademark of Oldcastle Precast, Inc.
ProFORM is a trademark of Emerson Network Power, Energy Systems, North America, Inc.
Deltec is a trademark of Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
DISCLAIMER OF LIABILITY
Contents herein are current as of the date of publication. CommScope reserves the right to change the contents without prior notice.
In no event shall CommScope Inc. be liable for any damages resulting from loss of data, loss of use, or loss of profits and
CommScope Inc. further disclaims any and all liability for indirect, incidental, special, consequential or other similar
damages. This disclaimer of liability applies to all products, publications and services during and after the warranty period.
This publication may be verified at any time by contacting CommScope’s Technical Assistance Center using the following URL:
This publication provides user information for the OmniReach Multiport Service
Terminal (MST) which includes the models designated MST-2, MST-4, MST-6, MST-8
and MST-12. The topics covered include a basic description of the MST; installation
and mounting guidelines; and procedures for using and maintaining the hardened
connectors and adapters.
RELATED PUBLICATIONS
Listed below are related manuals and their publication numbers. Copies of these
publications can be ordered by contacting the CommScope Technical Assistance
Center using the following URL: http://www.commscope.com/SupportCenter
Important safety admonishments are used throughout this manual to warn of possible
hazards to persons or equipment. An admonishment identifies a possible hazard and
then explains what may happen if the hazard is not avoided. The admonishments — in
the form of Dangers, Warnings, and Cautions — must be followed at all times. These
warnings are flagged by use of the triangular alert icon (seen below) and are listed in
descending order of severity of injury or damage and likelihood of occurrence.
Danger: Danger is used to indicate the presence of a hazard that will cause severe personal
injury, death, or substantial property damage if the hazard is not avoided.
Warning: Warning is used to indicate the presence of a hazard that can cause severe personal
injury, death, or substantial property damage if the hazard is not avoided.
Caution: Caution is used to indicate the presence of a hazard that will or can cause minor
personal injury or property damage if the hazard is not avoided.
Warning: Wet conditions increase the potential for receiving an electrical shock when
installing or using electrically-powered equipment. To prevent electrical shock, never install or
use electrical equipment in a wet location or during a lightning storm.
Caution: Fiber optic cables may be damaged if bent or curved to a radius that is less than the
recommended minimum bend radius. Always observe the recommended bend radius limit when
installing fiber optic cables and patch cords.
Danger: Exposure to laser radiation can seriously damage the retina of the eye. Do not look
into the ends of any optical fiber. Do not assume the laser power is turned-off or that the fiber is
disconnected at the other end.
Warning: Contact with underground cables or pipes, especially electric power cables and gas
service lines, could interrupt local utility service and cause serious personal injury and
extensive property damage. Before digging, check with all local utilities for the presence of
buried cables or pipes.
STANDARDS CERTIFICATION
Telcordia: This equipment complies with the applicable sections of GR-771-CORE
(Test Plan for ADC Fiber Optic Splice Enclosures), GR-326-CORE, and GR-3120CORE.
LIST OF ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS
The acronyms and abbreviations used in this manual are detailed in the following list:
ATSAdvanced Termination System
AWGAmerican Wire Gauge
CCentigrade
FFahrenheit
FDHFiber Distribution Hub
FTTPFiber To The Premises
HMFOCHardened Multi-Fiber Optical Connector
MSTMultiport Service Terminal
OSPOutside Plant
RMAReturn Material Authorization
UMBUniversal Mounting Bracket
The OmniReach Multiport Service Terminal (MST) is an environmentally-sealed,
Outside Plant (OSP) fiber optic terminal that provides a point for connecting subscriber
drop cables to the network. Designed for Fiber To The Premises (FTTP) applications,
the MST consists of a two-piece plastic housing equipped with multiple optical ports.
An attached optical cable assembly is connected internally to the optical ports. The
MST may be ordered with two, four, six, eight, or twelve fiber ports and with a 2xN or
4x3 style housing. The four and eight port versions of the MST may also be ordered
with internal 1x4 and 1x8 splitters so that a single optical fiber input can feed all the
optical ports. Figure 1 shows the various types of MST’s that are available.
ADCP-96-040 • Rev D • January 2018
23158-A
4X3 SERIES
4/6/8/12 PORT
2XN SERIES
2/4 PORT
2XN SERIES
6/8 PORT
2XN SERIES
12 PORT
Figure 1. Typical Mulitport Service Terminals
The MST uses hardened adapters for the optical ports. A hardened adapter consists of
a standard SC adapter that is enclosed within a protective housing. The housing
provides sealed environmental protection for the adapter. The opening to each optical
port is sealed with a threaded dust cap that prevents the entry of dirt and moisture. A
standard 216B security tool (accessory) can be used to remove the dust cap.
The MST optical ports accept subscriber drop cables that are terminated with APC/SC
hardened connectors. The MST optical ports are also compatible with OptiTap®
connectors manufactured by Corning Cable Systems Brands, Inc. A hardened
connector consists of a standard SC connector that is enclosed within a protective
housing. The housing provides sealed environmental protection for the connector.
Within the MST enclosure, the MST optical cable assembly is connected internally to
the optical ports.The cable assembly exits the MST enclosure through a sealed
opening located at the bottom of the enclosure. A clamp is used to secure the cable to
the enclosure. The 2xN style MST may be ordered with either a flat dielectric cable
(toneable or non-toneable) or a round armored cable. The 4x3 style MST may be
ordered with flat dielectric cable (toneable or non-toneable) only. Depending on the
option ordered, the cable end may be stubbed for splicing or terminated with a
hardened multi-fiber optical connector (HMFOC).
The length of the MST cable may range from 50 to 2,000 feet (15.2 to 609.6 meters).
When the cable is over 250 feet in length, the cable is coiled on a spool and the MST
enclosure is secured to the top of the spool. The cable may be unreeled from the spool
using a roller reel with a vertical arbor . Normally, the cable is spooled so that the stub or
connector end of the cable must be unwound first. As an ordering option, the cable
may also be reverse spooled so that the MST end of the cable must be unwound first.
The specifications for the MST are provided in Table 1.
Table 1. Multiport Service Terminal Specifications
PARAMETERSPECIFICATION
2xN Dimensions (LxWxD) – See Figure 2
MST-2, MST-4
MST-6, MST-8
MST-12
Note: Includes universal mounting bracket
11.12 x 5.1 x 3.31 Inches (28.24 x 12.95 x 8.41 cm)
16.32 x 5.1 x 3.31 Inches (41.45 x 12.95 x 8.41 cm)
21.53 x 5.1 x 3.31 Inches (54.69 x 12.95 x 8.41 cm)
In a typical FTTP network, the MST is installed between the Fiber Distribution Hub
(FDH) and the subscribers as shown in Figure 3. Network feeder cables transport the
optical signals from the signal source to the FDH. At the FDH, optical splitters are used
to divide the optical signals for distribution to the subscribers. Distribution cables
transport the optical signals to the MST’s which are located at points that allow service
to be provided to several subscribers. Drop cables transport the optical signals from
each MST to the individual subscribers.
The MST is designed for outdoor applications and can be installed in a hand-hole or
pedestal; mounted on a utility pole or over-head cable; or secured to any flat surface. A
universal mounting bracket is included with each MST. The MST meets the
environmental criteria specified in the referenced specifications and can withstand
direct exposure to extreme temperatures and humidity, is resistant to water penetration
during flood conditions or heavy rains, and is also chemical and corrosion resistant.
Under normal conditions, the MST enclosure should never require disassembly.
However, a kit and instructions are available if it is necessary to open the enclosure to
replace a broken internal optical connector.
This section provides general installation considerations, lists the tools and materials
required for MST installation, and provides unpacking and inspection procedures.
2.1Installation Overview
Installation of the MST enclosure involves the following main tasks:
Mounting the MST – The MST must be mounted on or within a suitable support base
or enclosure. Each MST is shipped with a Universal Mounting Bracket (UMB) which
allows the MST to be mounted in a variety of applications including the following:
• Hand-Hole (below ground) – Secure UMB to mounting system provided with
hand-hole.
• Pole-Mount (aerial) – Secure UMB directly to pole.
• Strand-Mount (aerial) – Secure UMB to strand. Requires a strand-mount bracket
kit which must be ordered separately.
ADCP-96-040 • Rev D • January 2018
• Pedestal (at final grade) – Secure UMB to mounting system provided with
pedestal.
HMFOC Cable Installation – MST cables may be terminated with an HMFOC for
interconnection with the Rapid outside plant family of products. Refer to the appropria te
equipment manual for complete information about routing and connecting HMFOC
cables.
Stub Cable Installation and Splicing – Stubbed MST cables must be routed to a
separate splice enclosure (not provided) and spliced to the network distribution cable.
Refer to Section 3 for general cable pulling guidelines and cable installation
recommendations.
Drop Cable Installation – A drop cable must be installed between the subscriber and
the MST. Follow local practice for pulling and installing drop cables. Refer to the
instructions provided with the mounting system for drop cable entry and routing.
Drop Cable Connection – Service is enabled by connecting the drop cable connector
to the subscriber distribution port on the MST enclosure. Refer to Section 5 for
instructions.
2.2Tools and Materials Required for Installation
The following basic tools, auxiliary equipment, and materials are required for MST
installation:
• Vertical roller reel or carousel (if the MST is mounted on a cable spool)
• 216B key tool (used to open optical port dust cap)
• Appropriate fasteners to mount the UMB and tools to install the fasteners
• Note: If using an enclosure such as a hand-hole or pedestal, refer to the
instructions provided with the enclosure for any additional tools or equipment
required
2.3Unpacking and Inspection
This section provides instructions for opening the shipping boxes, verifying that all
parts have been received, and verifying that no shipping damage has occurred.
Use the following procedure to unpack and inspect the MST and all accessories:
1. Open the shipping carton(s) and carefully inspect the MST and the attached
cable.
2. If there are damages, contact CommScope (see Topic 8 on page 20) for an RMA
(Return Material Authorization) and to reorder if replacement is required.
3GENERAL INSTALLATION INFORMATION
This section provides general installation information for all versions of the MST.
3.1Cable Handling Recommendations
Each MST is equipped with a cable. Depending on the length of the cable and the
number of ports on the MST enclosure, the MST cable may be coiled up and placed in
box or it may be wound on a spool. Use the following cable handling procedures when
removing the cable from the packaging materials:
MST In a Box: If the MST is placed in a box with other MST’s, carefully remove the
packaging material to expose the cable coil and the MST as shown in Figure 4. Leave
the MST on top and in the center of the coil. If the MST was ordered with the standard
coiled cable option, uncoil the cable starting with the stub or connector. If the MST
was ordered with the reverse coiled cable option, uncoil the cable starting with the
MST.
MST on a Spool: If the MST is mounted on a spool, remove the spool assembly from
the box as shown in Figure 5. Leave the MST on top of the spool and place the spool
on a vertical arbor or carousel. If the MST was ordered with the standard coiled cable
option, uncoil the cable starting with the stub or connector. If the MST was ordered
with the reverse coiled cable option, uncoil the cable starting with the MST.
Note: If installing a Rapid MST, refer to the instruction sheet provided with the
spool for additional procedures for unwinding and routing the cable, removing the
MST from the spool, and storing the excess cable slack.
Figure 4. MST Cable Coiled and MST Placed in a Box
The MST may be equipped with standard flat drop cable, armored round drop cable,
or Realflex flat drop cable (Rapid MST). Observe the following minimum bend radius
limits and pull force limit when routing and installing the MST cable:
Figure 5. Distribution Cable on a Spool
Standard Flat Drop Cable: Maintain a minimum bend radius of 15 cm (6 inches)
during installation and 10 cm (4 inches) when installed.
Armored Round Drop Cable: Maintain a minimum bend radius of 18.2 cm (7.2inches) during installation and 9.1 cm (3.6 inches) when installed.
Realflex Flat Drop Cable: Maintain a minimum bend radius of 5.0 mm (0.2 inches)
during installation and 7.5 mm (0.3 inches) when installed.
Pulling the Cable: When pulling the MST cable through conduit, do not exceed a
pulling force of 100 pounds.
Caution: Do not pull the MST through conduit by applying pulling force to the attached
cable. Internal damage to the MST may result.
3.2Fiber and Port Configuration
Depending on the option ordered, the MST is equipped with two, four, six, eight, or
twelve optical ports. The number of each port is molded into the MST enclosure. The
fibers in the distribution cable are color-coded to correspond to the optical ports.
Table 2 lists the port number and the color of the associated optical fiber for the various
versions of the MST.
Table 2. Typical Fiber Color Code
PORT FIBER COLORPORT FIBER COLORPORT FIBER COLOR
1Blue5Slate9Yellow
2Orange6White10Violet
3Green7 Red 11Rose
4Brown8Black12Aqua
4MOUNTING THE MULTIPORT SERVICE TERMINAL
The following sections describe the MST mounting options and provide the installation
procedures for the MST.
4.1MST Mounting Options
The MST may be mounted using anyone of several standard OSP enclosures.
However, the MST does not require any type of OSP enclosure and may be mounted in
the open from a pole or strand. The following describes the various mounting options
for the MST:
• Hand-Hole Mounting (below ground) – A hand-hole enclosure (examples shown
in Figure 6) is an OSP below-ground mounting system that may be used for the
MST and other similar products. When installed, the top of the hand-hole
enclosure is flush with the top of the ground. Hand-hole enclosures consist of a
base unit and a top cover. The base unit mounts in the ground. Cables and
conduit enter the base unit from the bottom.
• Strand-Mounting (aerial) – A strand-mount bracket kit (MST-ACC-M02) is
available for aerial mounting the MST from an overhead strand as shown in
Figure 9. The brackets mount on the UMB and are then clamped to the strand.
The MST snaps into the UMB.
23165-A
Figure 8. Pole-Mount Installation
4.2Installing the UMB and MST
The Universal Mounting Bracket (UMB) is included with each MST and is used for
mounting the MST. The UMB may be attached to various mounting surfaces using a
variety of fasteners as shown in Figure 10. Multiple holes and slots are provided in the
UMB to accommodate different fasteners including screws, nails, and cable ties.
Secure the UMB to the selected mounting surface using whatever fastening method is
preferred.
Figure 10. Installing the Universal Mounting Bracket (UMB)
After the UMB is mounted, install the MST in the UMB as shown in Figure 11. Insert the
cable end of the MST into the UMB first and then push the front of the MST into the
UMB until the latch snaps closed.
Figure 12. Securing Front of Strand-Mounted MST With Cable Ties
5USING HARDENED CONNECTORS AND ADAPTERS
Hardened connectors and adapters provide sealed environmental protection for the
subscriber drop cable connector and the SC adapter mounted within the MST optical
port. The following sections provide a description of the connector and adapter
components and provide instructions for connecting or disconnecting the drop cable to/
from the optical ports.
5.1Connector Components
The basic components of the drop cable connector are shown in Figure 13. The dust
cap threads onto the connector coupling nut. A pair of O-rings on the connector body
provide a tight seal when the dust cap is in place. A pulling eye is provided in the end of
the dust cap for pulling the drop cable through conduit.
ADCP-96-040 • Rev D • January 2018
DUST CAP
CONNECTOR
BODY
O-RINGS
COUPLING NUT
20403-B
Figure 13. Drop Cable Connector Components
The basic components of the MST optical port hardened adapter are shown in
Figure 14. The dust cap threads into the adapter housing. An O-ring on the dust cap
provides a tight seal when the dust cap is in place. The 216B key tool is required to
remove the dust cap.
Danger: Exposure to laser radiation can seriously damage the retina of the eye. Do not look
into the ends of any optical fiber. Do not assume the laser power is turned-off or that the fiber is
disconnected at the other end.
Use the following procedure to connect a drop cable to an optical port on the MST
enclosure:
1. Unscrew the dust cap from the drop cable connector (see Figure 13).
2. Inspect the drop cable connector O-rings for dryness and apply O-ring lubricant
(MST-ACC-LUBE1) to each O-ring if dry. Refer to Section 7 for the procedure.
Note: The connector O-rings are pre-lubricated by the factory and should not
require additional lubrication for the initial assembly.
3. Use the 216B key tool (accessory) to unscrew the dust cap (see Figure 14) from
the MST optical port.
4. Clean both the optical port adapter and the drop cable connector (requires
accessory kit FHD-ACC-CLNKIT1) as specified in ADCP-96-067.
5. Align the drop cable connector with the optical port as shown in Figure 15. The
pointer on the drop cable connector should line up with the notch on the optical
port.
Figure 15. Connecting Drop Cable To MST Optical Port
6. Insert the drop cable connector into the optical port. If the drop cable connector
does not insert all the way to the bottom of the port, rotate drop cable connector
slightly to either side until it slides freely into place.
7. Thread the drop cable connector coupling nut into the optical port and tighten
coupling nut until finger tight.
8. Inspect the optical port dust cap O-ring (see Figure 16) for dryness and apply Oring lubricant (MST-ACC-LUBE1) to the O-ring if dry. Refer to Section 7 for the
procedure.
Note: The optical port dust cap O-ring is pre-lubricated by the factory and should
not require additional lubrication for the initial assembly.
9. Thread the optical port dust cap into the drop cable dust cap as shown in
Figure 16 and then tighten both dust caps finger tight. This ensures that both dust
caps will stay clean when not in use.
Figure 16. Dust Caps
5.3Disconnecting Drop Cable From MST Optical Port
Danger: Exposure to laser radiation can seriously damage the retina of the eye. Do not look
into the ends of any optical fiber. Do not assume the laser power is turned-off or that the fiber is
disconnected at the other end.
Use the following procedure to disconnect a drop cable from an optical port on the MST
enclosure:
1. Unscrew the optical port dust cap from the drop cable dust cap (see Figure 16).
2. Unscrew the drop cable connector coupling nut from the optical port (see
Figure 15).
3. Inspect the optical port dust cap O-ring for dryness and apply O-ring lubricant
(MST-ACC-LUBE1) to the O-ring if dry. Refer to Section 7 for the required
procedure.
4. Thread the optical port dust cap into the optical port and tighten using the 216B
key tool (see Figure 14).
5. Inspect the drop cable connector O-rings for dryness and apply O-ring lubricant
(MST-ACC-LUBE1) to each O-ring if dry. Refer to Section 7 for the required
procedure.
6. Thread the drop cable dust cap onto the drop cable connector coupling nut and
tighten until finger tight (see Figure 13).
MST’s that are equipped with an armored distribution cab le a re a lso equ ipped with a 1/
4-20 copper grounding stud. Within the MST, the grounding stud is connected to the
distribution cable’s metallic strength members and metal sheath. The grounding stud
must be connected to a grounding system (not provided). Install a grounding system
that meets all local electrical codes. Check local codes for grounding system
installation, use of clamps, wire size, and any other grounding requirements. Typically,
#6 AWG stranded copper wire is used for the grounding wire. Leave sufficient slack in
the grounding wire to allow it to be routed to the MST following installation and
mounting.
Use the following procedure to connect a grounding wire to the MST grounding stud:
1. Obtain a compression-type single-hole ring terminal (not provided) to use for
terminating the grounding wire. The ring terminal must be the appropriate size for
the gauge of the grounding wire and the hole must be at least 1/4-inch in
diameter.
2. Trim the grounding wire to the appropriate length and terminate it with the ring
terminal (requires crimper).
3. Remove the nut with captive locking washer from the grounding stud.
4. Assemble the nut and grounding wire on the grounding stud as shown in
Figure 17.
NOTE: USE A TORQUE WRENCH WITH
7/16-INCH SOCKET TO TIGHTEN NUT TO
30 POUND-FORCE INCHES OF TORQUE.
HOLD STUD FLATS WITH A
1/2-INCH OPEN-ENDED WRENCH
WHILE TIGHTENING STUD NUT
COMPRESSION-TYPE
RING TERMINAL
GROUNDING WIRE
(TYPICALLY #6 STRANDED
COPPER WIRE)
Figure 17. Grounding Lug Connection
20504-B
5. Use a torque wrench (with a 7/16-inch socket) to tighten the grounding stud nut to
30 pound-force inches (3.4 Newton meters) of torque.
Note: When tightening the grounding stud nu t, use a 1/2-inch ope n-ended wrench
to hold the flat spots on the base of the grounding stud. This prevents the
grounding stud from turning when the nut is tightened,
7MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES
Maintenance for the MST enclosure is limited to cleaning the hardened adapters as
needed to maintain optimal performance, lubricating O-rings that may become dry, or
replacing a damaged optical connector.
7.1Drop Cable Connector Cleaning Procedure
Cleaning kit (FHD-ACC-CLNKIT1) is required for this procedure. Use the following
procedure to clean the drop cable connector:
1. Unscrew the drop cable connector dust cap from the end of the drop cable
connector.
ADCP-96-040 • Rev D • January 2018
2. Examine the end of the drop cable connector and determine which is the high side
which is the low side of the connector end-face as shown in Figure 18.
WIPE
LOW SIDE
OF END-FACE
OF END-FACE
ANGLED CONNECTOR
DETAIL DRAWING
DIRECTION
OF CLEANING
HIGH SIDE
20399-A
3. Locate the cleaning tape cassette that is provided with the cleaning kit.
4. Open the tape shutter by squeezing the lever on the underside of the cassette and
then keep the shutter open by continuing to squeeze the lever.
REPEAT CLEANING PROCEDURE
THREE TIMES USING A CLEAN
TAPE FOR EACH PASS. RELEASE
AND RE-SQUEEZE LEVER TO
ADVANCE THE TAPE
LEVER
5. Hold the end-face of the drop cable connector perpendicular to the cleaning tape
and with the high side of the connector pointing in the direction of cleaning as
shown in Figure 19.
Note: The drop cable connector uses angled SC type connectors. Make sure the
high side of the connector end-face is pointing in the direction of the cleaning
motion.
Figure 19. Cleaning Drop Cable Connector
6. With light pressure, slide the connector end-face once across the tape in the
direction shown using a smooth linear motion. Do not press too hard and do not
repeat the cleaning motion with the same tape.
7. Release the lever on the underside of the cassette to close the tape shutter.
8. Repeat steps 3 through 6 until the connector has been cleaned three times.
9. When the connector is clean, reinstall the drop cable dust cap and tighten until
finger tight.
7.2MST Adapter/Connector Cleaning Procedure
Cleaning kit (FHD-ACC-CLNKIT1) is required for this procedure. Use the following
procedure to clean the MST optical port adapters and the internal connectors:
1. Using a 216B key tool, unthread the optical port dust cap from the optical port
adapter.
2. Locate the dry swabs that are provided with the connector/adapter cleaning kit.
3. Insert a dry swab into the adapter as shown in Figure 20. Note: Do not apply alcohol to the swab or the adapter.
4. While applying light pressure against the connector end-face, rotate the dry
swab 360º three times.
5. Dispose of the dry swab after use.
6. When the connector end-face and adapter ferrule are clean, reinstall the optical
port dust cap and tighten using the 216B key tool.
ROTATE SWAB
THREE TIMES
Figure 20. Cleaning Optical Port Connector and Adapter
7.3O-Ring Lubrication
The O-rings used on the hardened connector and on the optical port dust cap are
lubricated when shipped from the factory to prevent damage during installation. If the
O-rings become excessively dry, they may require additional lubrication to prevent
damage. Remove the O-rings from the connector or dust cap and apply a small
amount of lubricant directly to each ring. Then reinstall the O-rings on the connector or
dust cap. Apply only the recommended O-ring lubricant (MST-ACC-LUBE1).
7.4Internal Connector Replacement - 2xN Style MST
Opening the MST enclosure is not recommended except to replace a damaged optical
connector. If an internal repair is requir ed to a 2xN style MST, order the MST Connector