Micro-sized terminal simplifies fiber deployment by fitting where others can’t—ideal for FTTx and 5G backhaul applications
MINNEAPOLIS – May 29, 2025 – Clearfield, Inc. (NASDAQ:CLFD), the leader in community broadband fiber connectivity, today announced the launch of the TetherSmart™ Multi-Fiber Terminal (MFT)—the industry’s smallest, fully sealed, 10 port access terminal for use in 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 optic connector (HFOC) options enable craft-friendly, plug-and-play connectivity. The flexible product design also allows for future portfolio expansion. As the smallest, sealed terminal in the market, the 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. "As our customers look to connect more homes and businesses, in rural, urban, and suburban environments, we’re seeing growing demand for smaller, faster, and smarter deployment options—and the TetherSmart MFT is Clearfield’s answer to that call,” said Anis Khemakhem, Chief Marketing Officer at Clearfield. "Its compact footprint gives network operators the flexibility to economically reach any customer, anywhere—without compromise on speed, performance, or durability.”
The TetherSmart MFT supports both centralized or distributed split architectures, and provides 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 to enable daisy chaining to other terminals deeper in the network. This modular configuration simplifies network scaling without added engineering complexity.
All terminals meet Clearfield’s FiberDeep® performance standards, achieving ultra-low insertion loss: 0.2dB max for single-fiber and 0.35 dB max for multi-fiber connectors. Designed for long-term outdoor use, the MFT is GR-771 compliant and features UV-resistant molded plastic, a uniquely designed ruggedized, no kink and high-crush-resistant spiral armored tubing, and environmental sealing to withstand harsh OSP conditions.
Attending Fiber Connect 2025? Stop by Clearfield’s booth #421 to see the TetherSmart Multi-Fiber Terminal, along with real-time BILT demos, the latest dust cap innovations, and live training sessions. Clearfield executives will be speaking at three sessions including Tribal Broadband: Key Considerations and Expectations, Fiber Deployment: Building Effective Efficient Networks and Streamlining the Outside Plant Deployment Process from Construction to Service Turnup. To learn more about the TetherSmart Multi-Fiber Terminal, see the data sheet and this introductory video. For more information about Clearfield’s complete fiber connectivity portfolio, visit www.SeeClearfield.com.
About Clearfield, Inc.
Clearfield, Inc. (NASDAQ: CLFD) designs, manufactures, and distributes fiber optic management, protection, and delivery solutions that play a critical role in enabling broadband operators to close the digital divide. Our labor lite, craft-friendly platform is leveraged by community broadband, MSOs, incumbent service providers, ISPs, data centers, military, municipalities, and coops - from homes passed to homes connected faster and more efficiently. Headquartered in Minneapolis, MN, Clearfield deploys more than a million fiber ports each year. For more information, visit www.SeeClearfield.com.