A slack storage receptacle for storing an excess length of a
pre-connectorized fiber optic drop cable extending between an optical
connection terminal and a network interface device (NID) includes a
housing and a storage means disposed within the housing for receiving the
drop cable such that the drop cable slack is stored external to the NID.
The slack storage receptacle may be secured to an exterior wall of a
subscriber premises and the NID mounted thereon. Alternatively, the slack
storage receptacle may be positioned around and formed to the NID.
Alternatively, the slack storage receptacle may be buried in the ground
adjacent the NID. The drop cable slack may be wound onto the storage
means after deployment. Alternatively, the slack storage receptacle may
be pre-assembled, shipped to the subscriber premises, and the drop cable
unwound from the storage means with the drop cable slack remaining wound
on the storage means.