Fiber to the Premises (FTTP) is a form of fiber optic communication delivery in which an optical fiber is run directly onto customers' premises. This technology brings remarkable speed and an altogether enhanced broadband experience.
FTTP uses fiber optic cables and associated optical electronics instead of copper wire, to connect a customer to a network. A central office distributes an optical signal over an optical distribution network (ODN). At the end of this network, optical network terminals (ONTs) will convert the optical signal into an electrical signal.
The optical network terminals are located on private property for FTTP network architectures, and the signal usually travels electrically between the ONT and the end user’s device.
Direct fiber and shared fiber are optical distribution networks with competing technology.
DIRECT FIBER
Direct fiber is the simplest optical distribution network since each fiber leaving the central office only goes to one customer. Even though this network provides excellent bandwidth to the customer, the amount of fiber used and the central office machinery that is required are very costly. Because of this, the direct fiber is usually used close to a central office and in a small service area.
SHARED FIBER
It is more common for each fiber leaving the central office to be shared by many customers. This fiber is split into individual customer-specific fibers when it gets close to the customers. This split is achieved by either an active optical network (AON) or a passive optical network (PON).
ACTIVE OPTICAL NETWORK (AON)
An active optical network (AON) uses equipment such as a router, that is electrically powered to distribute a signal. Each signal that leaves the central office is directed only to the customer for whom it is intended.
PASSIVE OPTICAL NETWORK (PON)
A passive optical network (PON) is a point-to-multipoint network with a high bandwidth that brings optical fiber cabling and signals all or most of the way to the end user by non-powered optical splitters, which means less cost, longer reach, and no upgrade. PONs rely on light waves and are capable of delivering high volumes of upstream and downstream bandwidth that can be changed to suit the user's needs. An Optical Line Termination (OLT) at the service provider's central office and several Optical Network Units (ONUs) near end users are included in a PON.
ADVANTAGES OF FTTP
New products and services can be activated remotely with FTTP, either permanently or on demand, whichever the customer prefers. FTTP's performance can be monitored, and issues will be repaired before a customer realizes there is a problem. FTTP is easier to maintain and less susceptible to harsh weather. It also brings remarkable speed and higher bandwidth, along with a wide range of services at an affordable price for businesses and homeowners.
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