Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH) is one of the most used fiber optic network supply types. However, it’s not the only infrastructure used for delivering internet to homes. Throughout this article, we’ll tell you what FTTH is and how it compares to other network types.
What IS FTTH?
FTTH supplies fiber optic broadband as far as the boundary of the premises (to a box affixed to a wall). These cables use small strands of glass or plastic, which are used to pass data held in light that is sent in pulses along the hair-thin strands. Typically, FTTH is facilitated by a passive optical network (PON), which covers the full distance between the home and the supplier.
FTTH Vs. FTTN
Fiber-to-the-Node (FTTN) is the name given to fiber cabling that travels from the exchange and stops at a cabinet (node). From there, DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) takes care of the rest by sending internet data to properties using copper wires. The benefit of using FTTN over FTTH is that hundreds of homes can be connected. To learn more about how FTTN works, this article will define fiber to the node.
FTTH VS FTTP
If understanding FTTH and other networking solutions wasn’t complicated enough, you’ll be glad to know that FTTH is used synonymously with FTTP (Fiber-to-the-Premises). These are exactly the same infrastructures, meaning they both travel directly from the exchange to the home (property).
The main difference between the two is usually locational. For example, in the US, internet service providers (ISPs) favor FTTH. Whereas, in the UK, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada, FTTP is used – and fiber is spelled “fibre”.
FTTH Vs FTTB
FTTB, which stands for Fiber-to-the-Building, is used to supply large complexes – think blocks of flats or office buildings. This infrastructure uses fiber cabling to send data from the exchange to a hub located at the bottom of larger buildings. Then, DSL copper wiring is used to supply each room in the office or block of flats.
In some cases, you may find FTTB written down as FTTA or FTTO, which means Fiber-to-the-Apartment or Office retrospectively.
FTTH Vs FTTC
FTTC stands for Fiber-to-the-Curb, which is where cables travel from the exchange to an enclosure close to the property. Typically, these enclosures are found within 1,000 feet and are mounted to poles. AS with FTTN, DSL utilizes copper wires to send data to homes. This type of infrastructure is useful for supplying small villages, business parks, and isolated neighborhoods.
FTTH Vs FTTx
After making it this far, you’ll be glad to know that you’ve almost reached the end. The final abbreviation is FTTx, which is an all-encompassing abbreviation that can be used instead of any other networking type. As with algebra in mathematics, you simply need to replace x with H, P, B, C, A, or O.
Fiber broadband allows data to be sent to properties at much faster speeds than traditional ADSL. Even though FTTH is the fastest cabling option, as it’s true fiber, any other option will be better than using the old infrastructure.
