Fiber to the Home (FTTH) is the best known and most widely used variant of fiber optic access infrastructure within the wider Fiber to x classification (FTTx). Nevertheless, there are a number of other terminologies and architectures, including Fiber to the Premises (FTTP), Fiber to the Node (FTTN), Fiber to the Curb (FTTC) and Fiber to the Building (FTTB), which are important to compare as opposed to Fiber to the Home (FTTH).
Fiber to the home (FTTH) is the use of fiber optic cables to connect directly to customers' homes or premises. FTTH provides an end-to-end fiber optic connection, meaning that wired copper infrastructure is not required to carry voice, video and data traffic.
Dgtl Infra provides a detailed overview of the Fiber-to-the-Home Access Network (FTTH) architecture. In addition, we explain the differences between FTTH and broadband, FTTx, FTTP, FTTN, FTTC, FTTB and the family of DSL broadband technologies. Finally, Dgtl Infra explores why Fiber to the Home (FTTH) is better than cable, which uses a hybrid fiber-coax (HFC) network as well as copper-based technologies such as DSL.
Var bedeutet Fiber to the Home (FTTH)?
Fiber to the home (FTTH) is the use of fiber optic cables to reach the perimeter of a home or property, such as a box installed on the exterior wall of a home or business. This fiber optic cable consists of the bundle,hair-thin glass strawsIt uses light pulses to transmit large amounts of information (including voice, video and data) between locations at high download and upload speeds.
FTTH is predominantly delivered over a networkend to endpassive optical network (PON), which is the total distance from the telecommunications provider's head office (CO) to the customer's home. At a distribution hub, the bandwidth of a single fiber is split via optical splitters to serve 32, 64, 128 or more than 256 customers.
Fiber to the home (FTTH) diagram

The FTTH standard, which uses passive optical network transmission technology (PON), has two key network components, known as "optical line terminal (OLT)Andoptical network terminal (ONT).
Fiber to the home (FTTH) with FTTC, FTTN, FTTB, VDSL

- Optical Line Terminal (OLT):Typically, they reside in communications switches and other network centers (COs) within multiple Service Access Nodes (MSANs). This device acts as a telco endpoint for a passive optical network (PON). OLT provides shared or dedicated multi-gigabit bandwidth to thousands of customers, enabling the delivery of services such as broadband internet and IPTV
- Optical Network Terminal (ONT):At the other end of the FTTH network, all services are generally delivered to a home by a telecommunications provider via an optical network terminal (ONT), which are transceivers located on the customer's premises. ONTs terminate the fiber optic line from the OLT and convert light/optical signals into electrical signals, enabling the home network to provide voice, video and data services. As shown above, an optical network terminal (ONT) can also be referred to asoptical network unit (ONU)
Fiber to the Home (FTTH) has become the industry standard for fixed line operator access network architectures because it provides a superior customer experience for voice, video and data services. The bandwidth capacity of fiber optic cables is much greater than that of copper wire and light can travel relatively long distances through glass without the need for amplification.
To this end, fiber broadband service is reported to be available to approximately 50 million homes in the United States, accounting for 35% of total residential units in the countryUnited States Census Bureau.
What is PON in FTTH?
Passive Optical Network (PON)is a fiber optic transmission technology to provide access to broadband networks. PON uses powerless fiber splitters to allow a single fiber to serve multiple endpoints (e.g. premises) without the need to install individual fibers between the distribution hub and the customer.
during onePassive Optical Gigabit Network (GPON)offers faster data transfer speeds of nearly 2.5 gigabits per second (Gbps) and upload speeds of up to 1.2 Gbps. Finally, a10-gigabit symmetric passive optical network (XGS-PON)offers the highest data download and upload speeds of up to 10 Gbps.
CONTINUE READING: XGS-PON – 10Gbps fiber optic based technology
Collectively, GPON and XGS-PON fiber access technologies can generally be referred to asxPON, as both are types of passive optical networks. Other standards include NG-PON2 and 25G PON, a fiber broadband technology currently being tested in North America and Europe.
What is the difference between broadband and FTTH?
Broadband is a communications service that enables the simultaneous high-speed transmission of voice, video and data at speeds of 1.544 megabits per second (Mbps) and faster. As far as cable technology is concerned, broadband is offeredGlas fiber, coaxial and hybrid fiber optic coaxial (HFC) lines, which offer more capacity than a voice telephone (dial) line. For this reason,FTTH (Fiber to the Home)Architecture is oneTypa broadband access network.
CONTINUE READING: Fiber optic broadband internet is the future for your home
Is FTTH better than broadband?
Based on the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) official speed definition, FTTH is better than broadband. SpecificallyFCC defines broadbandFor speed reasons, at least 25 Mbit/s must be specified for downloads and 3 Mbit/s for uploads. While FTTH uses a fiber optic-based transmission technology that enables download speeds of several gigabits per second. per second and upload speeds of more than 1 Gbps.
CONTINUE READING: Investments and expansion of broadband technologies are increasing
Is FTTH faster than cable?
Faster than cable FTTH refers to Hybrid Fiber-Coaxial (HFC), a distribution system that uses fiber optic cable and coaxial cable in different parts of a network to carry video, voice and data traffic from a distribution facility to a customer premises.
Currently, cable communications use DOCSIS 3.1 technology, which enables broadband services with download speeds of up to 1 gigabit per second (Gbps) but only 35 to 50 megabits per second (Mbps) upload speed. In contrast, currently offering FTTH servicessymmetricalDownload and upload speeds of 2+ Gbps.
CONTINUE READING: DOCSIS 4.0 – next generation cable network
Next Generation Network (NGN)
As a general rule, Next Generation Networks (NGN) will provide high-speed broadband services in excess of 30 megabits per second (Mbps), giving rise to both next-generation fiber optic networks and cable networks.
What is the difference between FTTH and FTTx?
Fiber til x (FTTx)is a collective term for any broadband network architecture that uses fiber optic cables to replace all or part of the existing copper cabling. FTTH is a more specific broadband network architecture that discretely refers to fiber to the home. To this end, Fiber to the x (FTTx) includes many other varieties of fiber access infrastructure beyond FTTH, including:
- FTTP:fiber tothe company's premises
- FTTN:fiber tonodeorquarter
- FTTC:fiber tocurbstoneorCabinet
- FTTB:fiber toBuildingorBusiness
- FTTdp:fiber todistributionssted
FTTH, FTTC, FTTB – fiber optic access infrastructure

Typically, these fiber optic based broadband network architectures differ from each other due to their characteristicsfiberslutpunkt. In other words, these network architectures are differentiated according to the point on the distribution network where the fiber connection is made in relation to the customer's location.
Use many of these variationsHybridAccess architectures, meaning they connectcopperAndPhases. Disse hybridsystemer omfatter for eksempel FTTC (Fiber to the Curb), FTTN (Fiber to the Node) og FTTB (Fiber to the Building).
Overall, the length of the copper line shortens as telecom providers bring fiber closer to the customer.
What is the difference between FTTH and FTTP?
FTTH (Fiber to the Home) is synonymous with FTTP (Fiber to the Premises). Both are fiber optic cables that reach the boundary of a home or premises, such as a box installed on the outside wall of a home or business. Often FTTH can denote connection servicesresidencecustomers, while FTTP can mean connection services forBusinessCustomers.
CONTINUE READING: Installation process of fiber optic cables - connecting houses
Geographically, FTTH or Fiber to the Home is a more commonly used term in the US. While FTTP or fiber to location (spelled "Phases") is the preferred terminology in Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the United Kingdom.
What is the difference between FTTH and FTTN?
Fiber to the Node (FTTN) uses fiber optic cables that originate from the central office (CO) of a telecommunications provider and terminate at a "Fiber to the Node" (FTTN).node” in the field, such asstreet cupboard. From this node, a digital subscriber line (DSL) then provides services to customerscopperwired infrastructure. In contrast, the fiber endpoint for FTTH (Fiber to the Home) is physically located at the customer's home.
Often the street's FTTN hub is located several blocks from the customer's premises. This architecture enables a node to connect up to several hundred customer homes, thus serving a specific geographic area with a radius of typically less than a mile, for example a neighborhood –hence the comparable term "fiber" to itquarter.
Is FTTH better than FTTN?
FTTH is better than FTTN because it offers aend to endfiber optic connection, i.e. the transmission of voice, video and data traffic is not limited by FTTN's use of copper cable infrastructure. Fiber offers higher throughput, symmetrical bandwidth and better signal strength than copper.
What is the difference between FTTH and FTTC?
fiberglass forcurbstone(FTTC) uses fiber optic cables that originate from a telecommunications provider's head office (CO) and terminate in a small box or pole near the customer's premises, typically within about 1,000 feet. A synonymous term, Fiber toCabinet(FTTC) further states that this small cabinet is a wiring closet located next to a road or "curb".
Corresponding toFTTN, ofFTTC extensionB. in a small house, mast or distribution cabinet, a digital subscriber line (DSL) then makes services available to the customercopperwired infrastructure. In comparison, the fiber termination point forFTTH(Fiber to the Home) is physically located at the customer's home.
What is the difference between FTTH and FTTB?
Fiber to the building (FTTB) uses fiber optics, where the termination point is a junction box at the bottom just outside a large building. From this point on, all voice, video and data traffic is "changed” on a verticalcopperConnection. In contrast, the fiber endpoint for FTTH (Fiber to the Home) is within a customer's premise and relies on an end-to-end fiber connection.
FTTB includes FTTO (Fiber to the Office) and FTTA (Fiber to the Apartment) and can therefore also be referred to as Fiber to the Business.
G.fast
G.fast is a fixed broadband technology (DSL standard) that can deliver speeds of up to 1 gigabit per second (Gbps) over very short distances (ie up to 165 feet). Because G.fast is optimized for very short distances, network devices must be placed in close proximity to customers, such as in junction boxes at the foot of buildings. That is why it is used forFiber to the building (FTTB).
What is the difference between FTTH and DSL, ADSL, VDSL?
DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) is a family of broadband technologies that carry voice, video and data traffic over an existing twisted pair cablecoppertelephone line. The most common types of DSL technology offerings are ADSL and VDSL (including VDSL2), which together can be referred to as xDSL. Each DSL version differs in terms of the maximum download and upload speeds it can offer.
In contrast, FTTH offers an end-to-end solutionPhasesoptical link, i.e. the total distance from the telecommunications provider's head office (CO) to the customer's location.
Which is better: FTTH or DSL, ADSL, VDSL?
For this reason, FTTH is better than DSL, ADSL and VDSLPhasesoffers higher throughput, balanced bandwidth and superior signal strength thancopper. For example, FTTH can deliver download speeds of several gigabits per second and upload speeds of over 1 Gbit/s. While ADSL and VDSL technologies (unbundled and vectored) typically offer download speeds as low as 3 Mbps to 100 Mbps and upload speeds as low as 512 Kbps to 10 Mbps.
Er Fiber to the Home besser?
Fiber broadband delivered to the home is significantly better than copper-based technologies and offers a number of advantages over cable, which uses hybrid fiber-coaxial (HFC) technology. According to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), fiber offers 34% faster download speeds, 17.6 times faster upload speeds and 42% lower latency compared to cable.
What are the advantages of FTTH?
Fiber to the Home (FTTH) benefits include higher throughput, symmetrical bandwidth and superior signal strength. In addition, FTTH copper and HFC are superior in terms of network performance, quality and reliability.
throughput and latency
FTTH services currently offer download speeds of 3+ Gbit/s compared to cable/HFC with download speeds of up to 1 Gbit/s and copper-based DSL technologies that typically have maximum download speeds of 100 Mbit/s. In addition, FTTH offers lower latency than cable and copper-based DSL technologies.
Together, higher throughput and lower latency are essential for gaming (especially cloud-based), using multiple streaming devices simultaneously, and consuming higher resolution content (e.g. 4K and 8K).
Symmetrical bandwidth
FTTH technology deliverssymmetricalDownload and upload speeds –This means they are just as fast. In comparison, it is copper-based cable and DSL servicesasymmetrical, offers fast download speeds but significantly slower upload speeds. For example, cable can provide broadband services at up to 1 GbpsPick upspeeds, but only 35 to 50 Mbit/suploadspeeds.
HairsymmetricalDownload and upload speeds are important to enable high-quality real-time communication, such as through video conferencing, telemedicine, distance learning and collaboration tools. In addition, the symmetrical bandwidth makes it easy to upload and share large files to the cloud.
CONTINUE READING: Upload speed – Demand grows as new use cases are developed
signal strength
FTTH provides an end-to-end fiber optic connection that results in the delivery of bandwidth without loss of signal strength in the fiber optic cable, regardless of cable length. In contrast, copper wire cable experiences a signal strength loss that limits the length of each copper wire cable segment to a range of 3,000 to 6,000 feet between gain points.
As a result, hybrid fiber-coax (HFC) and DSL copper networks experience signal degradation, especially when transmitting signals beyond 10,000 feet (1.9 miles). In addition, these networks are subject to a number of factors, such as B. electrical interference, which increases with distance, fluctuates significantly.
CONTINUE READING: Building a fiber optic network - process and construction costs