What is fiber to the home (FTTH)?

In this article, we will explore the inner workings of fiber internet, its advantages, and its potential applications in modern society.

Fiber to the Home (FTTH) is a cutting-edge technology that delivers high-speed internet connectivity directly to residences and businesses. It replaces traditional copper-based networks with faster and more efficient optical fiber cables.

FTTH, Fiber to the Premises (FTTP), and Fiber to the Building (FTTB) are often used interchangeably. They all refer to the installation of optical fiber cables directly to individual homes or businesses, providing high-speed internet connectivity.

However, there are subtle differences in their scope and application.

• FTTH specifically refers to the installation of fiber internet to residential homes.
• FTTP is a broader term that encompasses the installation of optical fiber cables to residential and commercial buildings, including homes, offices, factories, and other types of establishments.
• FTTB is the installation of optical fiber cables to a multi-dwelling unit (MDU), such as an apartment building, office building, or a complex with multiple buildings. The fiber connection is terminated at a central point within the building, typically in a communications room or basement.

There are two primary architectures employed in FTTH networks: Passive Optical Networks (PON) and Active Optical Networks (AON).

PONs utilize passive optical components, such as splitters and combiners, to distribute the signal from the provider’s equipment location to multiple end users. They are cost-effective and easy to maintain, making them an attractive option for many service providers.

There are several types of PONs, including:

• Gigabit Passive Optical Network (GPON): A widely used standard that supports up to 2.5 Gbps downstream and 1.25 Gbps upstream speeds.
• Ethernet Passive Optical Network (EPON): An Ethernet-based standard that supports symmetrical speeds of up to 10 Gbps.
• 10-Gigabit Symmetric Passive Optical Network (XGS-PON): A higher-capacity PON standard that provides symmetrical speeds of up to 10 Gbps.

AONs rely on active components, such as switches and routers, to manage the distribution of data between the CO and end users.

These networks offer greater flexibility and control, but they come with higher initial costs and increased maintenance requirements.

• Cost: The initial installation and deployment of FTTH networks can be expensive, especially in rural or remote areas where extensive infrastructure work is required.
• Availability: FTTH is not yet universally available, particularly in rural or remote areas, where the cost of deployment can be prohibitive. As a result, not all users have access to FTTH services.
• Installation: The process of installing FTTH infrastructure can be disruptive, as it may involve digging up streets or yards, installing new cables, and setting up new equipment in homes or businesses.
• Compatibility: Some older devices or equipment may not be compatible with the high-speed FTTH connections and may require upgrades or replacements to take full advantage of the increased bandwidth.

Fiber is connected to the home through a series of steps that involve laying optical fiber cables from the provider’s equipment location to the end-user’s premises.
 
Here’s an overview of the process:

1. Fiber Distribution: Optical fiber cables are installed from the provider’s equipment location to a distribution point near the target neighborhood. This is usually achieved through underground ducts, aerial lines, or existing utility poles.
2. Local Distribution: Smaller fiber cables are routed from the distribution point towards individual homes or buildings. This stage may involve installing additional infrastructure, such as cabinets, splitters, or closures to manage and protect the fiber connections.
3. Drop Cable: A drop cable is then used to connect the local distribution point to the end-user’s premises. This cable can be installed underground, through micro-trenching, or aerially along utility poles or building facades.
4. Network Interface Device (NID): The drop cable terminates at a network interface device (NID) installed on the exterior wall of the home or building. The NID serves as the demarcation point between the service provider’s network and the customer’s premises.
5. Indoor Wiring: From the NID, a fiber cable is routed inside the building to an Optical Network Terminal (ONT) or an Optical Network Unit (ONU), which is typically installed near the end-user’s primary telecommunications equipment (e.g., modem, router, or gateway).
6. ONT/ONU: The ONT or ONU converts the optical signals from the fiber into electrical signals that can be transmitted over the customer’s in-home wiring (Ethernet, coaxial, or phone lines) and used by their devices.

Once these steps are complete, the FTTH connection is established, providing the end-user with high-speed internet access. The entire process may vary slightly based on factors such as network architecture (PON or AON), local regulations, and the specific needs of the customer.

FTTH requires a specialized device called an ONT or ONU to convert the optical signals from the fiber into electrical signals that can be used by your devices. The ONT/ONU essentially performs the function of a modem in a traditional copper-based network, so a modem isn’t necessary with FTTH.

You will need a router in addition to the ONT/ONU to distribute the internet connection to your devices via Wi-Fi or Ethernet.

Some ONT/ONUs may include a built-in router, serving as a combination device that performs both functions. These combination devices are sometimes referred to as “gateway” devices or “residential gateways.”

It’s essential to ensure that the router or combination device you use is compatible with the FTTH service and supports the speeds offered by your service provider.

The cost of deploying FTTH per home can vary significantly based on several factors, including location, network architecture, labor costs, materials, and existing infrastructure.

In most cases these costs are absorbed by the internet provider when building out new fiber lines.
 
These are the costs generally associated with FTTH deployment:

• Infrastructure: The cost of installing fiber optic cables, cabinets, splitters, and other necessary infrastructure can range from $500 to $1,500 or more per home. The availability of existing ducts or utility poles and the use of aerial or underground installation methods can affect these costs.
• Equipment: ONTs or ONUs are required to convert optical signals into electrical signals for use within the home. These devices can cost anywhere from $100 to $300 per unit.
• Labor: The cost of labor for installation can vary widely based on local wages, project complexity, and the need for specialized skills or equipment. Labor costs can account for a significant portion of the overall FTTH deployment cost.
• Permits and Rights-of-Way: Obtaining permits and rights-of-way for fiber installation can add to the total cost. These expenses can vary depending on local regulations and the specific project requirements.
• Maintenance and Operational Costs: Ongoing costs for maintenance, network monitoring, and customer support also factor into the overall FTTH deployment cost.

 
These factors can cause the total cost of deploying FTTH to range from $1,000 to $3,000 or more per home. It is important to note that these figures are only rough estimates and can vary greatly based on the circumstances of each project.
 
Economies of scale can also play a role in reducing costs when deploying FTTH on a large scale or in densely populated areas.

The cost of FTTH installation is typically shared between the service provider and the customer.

The service provider is generally responsible for the costs associated with deploying the fiber optic infrastructure, which includes laying the fiber cables, installing junction boxes or distribution points, and setting up network equipment.

Some providers may also cover the cost of extending the fiber connection from the distribution point to the customer’s premises and installing the necessary equipment, such as the NID or ONT.

The customer may be responsible for some of the installation costs, particularly for the equipment and setup within their home or business. This can include the purchase or rental of the ONT or ONU, as well as any required indoor wiring, routers, or other networking equipment.

In some cases, the customer may also be required to pay an installation or activation fee to cover the service provider’s costs for the final connection and setup.
 

It’s important to note that cost-sharing arrangements can vary between service providers and may be influenced by factors such as promotional offers, customer contracts, or regional regulations. It’s always a good idea to check with your specific service provider for detailed information about the costs associated with FTTH installation and any available discounts or incentives.

As the demand for high-speed internet continues to grow, FTTH will play an increasingly important role in meeting the connectivity needs of individuals and businesses worldwide.
 

Emerging technologies, such as 5G and Li-Fi, will likely complement and enhance FTTH networks rather than replace them, ensuring that optical fiber remains the backbone of our digital future.

FTTH is revolutionizing the way we connect to the internet by providing unparalleled speed, reliability, and scalability.
 
From enhancing residential broadband services to enabling smart city applications, FTTH technology is set to transform the digital landscape and empower the next generation of connected experiences.
 

Now that you understand the differences between fiber vs cable internet, fiber’s deployment challenges, and its potential applications, find out if Astound Broadband’s high speed internet is right for you.