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Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 02-07-2025 Origin: Site
A Fiber Access Terminal (FAT), also known as a Fiber Access Terminal Box (ATB) or Fiber Distribution Terminal (FDT), is a key component found in optimized fiber optic access networks for FTTH implementations. It is the junction point between the distribution fiber cables and the drop cables that deliver fiber directly to user locations, like homes, offices, or multi-dwelling units (MDUs).
FATs especially make fiber termination, splicing, splitting, and distribution easy. They also offer strong protection against environmental and physical stresses simultaneously. This makes them central connection points ensuring secure, effective, and organized handling of optical fibers.
FATs providing a safe termination point for the launch and exit of fiber optic cables are then connected to drop cables leading to the customer premises.
FATs usually come with a compartment for PLC splitters (Planar Lightwave Circuit), devices that can divide one optical signal into many outputs. This becomes very important in PON (Passive Optical Network) architectures where one fiber might have multiple subscribers.
FAT enclosures are made of IP65 or IP68-rated weatherproof housing crafted from PC+ABS plastic or metal, which are resistant to water, dust, UV rays, temperature fluctuation, and impact. This will guarantee stable and reliable performance of the fiber network even in harsh environmental conditions.
Inside the fiber terminal network box, accessories such as fiber trays, cable routing guides, and splice holders help adhere to the minimum bend radius and avoid the force on the fiber. This enables the technicians to handle multiple fibers in compact space and maintain the effective protection preventing the fibers from being broken, allowing easy reparation in the future.
The design of fiber optic terminal box allows easy access for technicians, providing them capability to make fast addition, repairs, or reconfiguration without the service interruptions. Modular or expandable FAT designs furnish the network with the possibility of increasing the current capacity.
Type | Description | Use Case |
Fiber Access Terminal Box (ATB) | Compact, often wall-mounted box | Final fiber termination point inside or outside customer premises |
Fiber Distribution Terminal (FDT) | Larger outdoor enclosure | Aggregates feeder cables and splits them into multiple distribution lines |
Pre-connectorized FAT | Equipped with factory-installed connectors and drop cables | Enables plug-and-play installation with no on-site splicing |
Splice FAT | Designed for on-site fiber splicing and management | Ideal for custom splicing in high-density areas |
FATs not only give you the look with the enclosure but they also come with different internal accessories. These accessories, such as SPCs, EPCs, IPTs (inline splice trays), or pre-installed splitters, are essential to maintain high performance, easy installation, and durability.
Accessory | Description | Function |
Splice Tray / | A tray used to hold and protect fiber optic splices | Organizes and secures heat-shrink |
PLC Splitter | Passive optical splitter (1×2, 1×4, 1×8, 1×16, 1×32, etc.) | Used for splitting one optical signal into multiple outputs in PON networks |
Fiber Adapter Panel / | Panel pre-installed with SC/APC, SC/UPC, LC adapters | Provides interface for connecting patch cords or drop cables |
Fiber Optic Adapters | Typically SC, LC types installed in the adapter panel | Allow secure mating of two fiber connectors |
Pigtail Cables | Short fiber cables with connectors on one end | Used for fusion splicing with incoming distribution fibers |
Cable Entry Seals / Glands | Rubber or plastic port seals at cable entry points | Provide IP-rated protection against water and dust ingress |
Fiber Protection Sleeves | Heat-shrink sleeves used to protect spliced fibers | Ensure mechanical protection and alignment of bare fiber fusion points |
Cable Clamps / Fixing Brackets | Mounting and securing components for fiber cables | Prevent cable movement, tension, or pulling forces |
Routing Guides / Fiber Holders | Channels or clips for fiber cable routing | Maintain minimum bend radius and proper fiber layout |
Grounding Accessories | Grounding lugs, wires, or plates | For models with metallic enclosures to prevent electrical hazards |
Labeling Tags / | Used for labeling fiber cores or cable positions | Simplifies maintenance and troubleshooting |
Drop Cable Storage Ring / | Space or hooks for coiling extra length of drop cables | Helps store and manage slack cable without sharp bends or stress |
Pre-terminated patch cords
Built-in splitters with connectorized outputs
Locking mechanisms (padlock or tamper-proof)
Pressure valves (for high IP-rated enclosures)
Heat insulation padding or gel blocks for extreme environments
Integrated test ports or monitoring points
Note:
FATs not necessarily come with the same accessories as they come with the configuration varies based on:
Core capacity (e.g. 8, 16, 24, 48 cores)
Application (indoor/outdoor, aerial/pole/wall mounted)
Connector type (SC/APC, SC/UPC, LC, etc.)
Customer requirements (pre-terminated vs. field-spliced)
When ordering FATs, the manufacturers generally offer a configuration list (BOM) stating whether the splitter, pigtails, splice trays, and adapters are included or not.
Fibranches Access Terminals are extremely versatile and can be installed in almost any environment depending on the projects' requirements:
Wall-mounted: When needs only an indoor or protected outdoor wall for placement such as utility rooms or building exteriors.
Pole-mounted: Typically found in most outdoor FTTH networks, especially in suburban or rural areas.
Aerial-mounted: In overhead fiber routes, aerial-cables may be attached directly to the cables.
Underground or Manhole Installation: When wanting urban deployment, rugged models can be sunk into access vaults or handholes.
Usually the installation is simplest with pre-marked ports, seal grommets, and clearly marked cable routing diagrams to guide field technicians.
FATs are utilized in different fiber optic network configurations for the following:
FTTH (Fiber to the Home)
FTTB (Fiber to the Building)
FTTO (Fiber to the Office)
FTTC (Fiber to the Curb)
5G Backhaul and Small Cell Fiber Distribution
Smart city infrastructure
Security surveillance and IoT networks
Whether in a dense city environment or rural areas, FATs ensure a high level of service delivery to each customer.
✅ Cost-Efficient Deployment – In one node, the FAT enables the central splicing/connections and the distribution of signals, which is cost-efficient.
✅ Time-Saving Installation – The pre-terminated FATs offer a significant reduction in both installation time and labor costs on-site.
✅ High Reliability – The exact sealing and UV-resistant materials offer the durability and longevity, and allow for the operating under extreme conditions.
✅ Easy Maintenance – It allows for removable trays with clear fiber routing and modular design which prevents loss of time and complicated upgrades.
✅ Flexible Configurations – Available in a range of core capacities (e.g., 4, 8, 16, 24, 48, 96 cores) and SC/APC, SC/UPC, or LC connectors.
The Fiber Access Terminal is a cornerstone of modern fiber networks in last-mile connectivity. It enables the junction of separate fibers, which can then be split and distributed independently, conserving fiber count, improving scalability and reliability, and reducing capex in FTTH and other broadband networked environments.
Whether you are deploying a residential fiber rollout or a large-scale enterprise network, choosing a specific FAT type that would guarantee long-term network performance and reliable service-quality is the key.
✅ Need help selecting the right FAT for your project?
We can provide our experienced advice based on the size, installation environment, and the type of connectors. Reveal to us your goals!
James is a technical manager and associate at Zion Communication.
Specializes in Optical Fiber communications, FTTH Solutions,
Fiber optic cables, ADSS cable, and ODN networks.
james@zion-communication.com
+86 13777460328
