Fiber Optics

Fiber optic internet is an internet service, transmitting data through fiber optic cables, as opposed to traditional copper cables. Unlike cable internet, fiber optic internet is much faster and more reliable. In order to learn more about fiber optic internet, check out our FAQs.

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Fiber optic cables transmit data through light, relying on active optical networks (AONs) or passive optical networks (PONs) to make FTTU (fiber-to-the-user) possible. While AONs use electrically powered switching equipment to direct signals actively to specific users, PONs utilize optical splitters to direct signals, which simplifies the need for powered switches and only requires electrically powered equipment at the receiving point. Both systems have their benefits, but for cost-effectiveness and high performance, PONs are widely preferred. As for their topology, PONs consist of an Optical Line Terminal (OLT) at the provider’s central office, Optical Network Units (ONUs) closer to the end user’s premises, and an Optical Distribution Network (ODN) between the OLT and ONU to split and distribute the signal along the PON.

Fiber to the home (FTTH) has emerged as a promising technology for the coming decades, as it provides significantly higher bandwidth and delivers superior network performance. Unlike older methods that rely on coaxial cables, twisted pair conductors, and DSL, FTTH offers substantial benefits, such as faster speeds over long distances, higher capacity, and assured future-readiness. With direct fiber connections to homes, it eliminates the need for costly upgrades or replacements, making it an economical and sustainable solution in the long run.

FTTU’s advantages aren’t limited to superior bandwidth alone. It also enhances high-definition video streaming, enabling seamless enjoyment of applications like YouTube and Roku. Moreover, FTTH provides immense flexibility and scalability. The fiber infrastructure can rapidly adapt to accommodate new or upgraded services without altering the fiber itself, making FTTH a wise choice for anyone seeking hassle-free and future-proof networking.

FTTU stands for Fiber to the Unit, and it is a term that refers to a specific type of fiber optic network format as we indicated previously. In a fiber to the x (FTTx) set up, FTTU denotes the point at which a fiber optic cable connects to a network and then funnels service to buildings in the surrounding area. Each FTTx variant shifts from fiber optics to metallic cable at a different point, but together they are the backbone of next-generation access (NGA) that brings faster, higher quality broadband networks to users.

FTTU/FTTH (Fiber to the Home) derives its name from the fact that the optical fiber link connects to a user’s house directly or Condo/Apartment Unit, while FTTB (Fiber to the Building) and FTTP (Fiber to the Premises) are interchangeable and are used to describe the same network architecture. FTTU connects fiber optics directly to the users’ residences, often shared inside a building, while FTTB uses fiber optics that connect to the building, then metallic cables that reach individual units such as homes or offices.

FTTC (Fiber to the Curb) describes an architecture in which the fiber optic cable runs to the curb near homes or businesses. Then, a twisted pair cable connects to transfer the signal from the curb into the building to the network equipment that ultimately delivers service to users. Fiber to the Node (FTTN) occurs when optical fiber connects to a network cabinet, node, or hub where it passes the signal to copper wire.

Several other variations of FTTx converge, such as Fiber to the Terminal (FTTT), Fiber to the Office (FTTO), Fiber to the Street (FTTS), Fiber to the Distribution Point (FTTdp) and Fixed Wireless. These acronyms describe differing points at which the fiber cabling ends and metallic wiring takes over. For instance, FTTT applies to fiber optic cables that connect directly to desktop equipment in an office, while FTTS falls between FTTB and FTTC. FTTdp is a hybrid of FTTC and FTTN, where the fiber link terminates onto the last possible distribution point before the user’s premises.

While Fixed Wireless shares some similarities with FTTU/FTTU, it transmits signals wirelessly without any physical cables connecting the endpoint in the network. This eliminates costs and installation efforts incurred from laying out cables on that segment of the network.