Fiber to the "x"
Fiber to the “x” (FTTx) is a collective term used to describe various broadband network architecture options that utilize fiber for some or all of the last mile. With the “x” representing the fiber termination point, FTTx technology encompasses fiber deployments such as FTTH, FTTA, FTTB, and FTTC.
Fiber to the x is a core component of Next Generation Access (NGA), a feature of broadband infrastructure evolution toward increased speeds and quality of service (QoS).
HDTV, virtual reality (VR), and other bandwidth-hungry applications have pushed the boundaries of this technology. As high-speed, low-latency applications for FTTx continue to increase, IoT, 5G, smart cities, and blockchain technologies are rapidly gaining ground.
With a comprehensive FTTx offering, including versatile test and monitoring equipment and software, VIAVI has created an optimized toolkit for designing, building, and maintaining high-quality and reliable FTTx networks.
FTTx Applications
The various options included under the FTTx umbrella have advantages and features that make them suitable for certain applications and less suitable for others. The list of potential configurations is extensive, and some have become increasingly common solutions for FTTx architectures.
FTTH: Fiber to the Home establishes a direct fiber connection to the resident’s junction box, providing the highest possible bandwidth option to individual home users. Because this option is also expensive to install, it is more common in new construction areas. One potential disadvantage of FTTH is the placement of power lines. Because power cannot be transmitted over fiber optic cables, these deployments may require the installation of completely separate power lines. Despite these challenges, FTTH has become one of the most popular applications worldwide.
FTTA: Fiber to the Antenna is a network architecture that utilizes optical fiber to distribute signals from a base station (BBU) to a remote radio head (RRH) near the top of a cell tower. FTTA technology is an essential element of 5G, as massive MIMO means more antennas and more cabling. Fiber is lighter and has less wind resistance, making it a logical replacement for coaxial cable in this application. FTTA also allows for more flexible placement of base stations, as the fiber link to the RRH may span long distances.
FTTB and FTTP: Fiber to the Building is similar to FTTH, except that the fiber termination is done outside of a private residence. The “B” can also stand for “business” or “basement.” In a multi-tenant residence, there will usually be a basement termination where the fiber will run into a designated electrical room. Fiber to the Premises is an umbrella term that includes both FTTH and FTTB. The commonality between all FTTP configurations is that the fiber is delivered beyond the boundaries of a property, whether that property is a home, apartment building, small business, or school.
FTTN: Fiber to the Node combines fiber links that terminate at a central node close to the end user’s business or home. From the node location, connections are made over existing coaxial or copper infrastructure. A typical FTTN configuration might serve hundreds of customers from a single node location. The node is typically no more than a mile from all customer locations, as longer coaxial cable segments can more significantly affect speeds.
FTTC: Fiber to the Curb is a somewhat misleading acronym because the term “curb” is used to describe the enclosure or pole where the network hardware is mounted. Fiber to the Curb is similar to FTTN, but fewer customers are served from each location and the coaxial cable distance is typically shorter. This configuration is useful because it comes close to providing a direct fiber link but does not require fiber connections within the property boundary.
The Future of FTTx
The increase in cloud applications, the emergence of smart cities, and the arrival of 5G are just a few of the notable reasons why low-latency, high-bandwidth fiber networks are becoming the medium of choice for operators and consumers. FTTx provides the infrastructure through which all current modes of communication can achieve adequate capacity and consistent connectivity. The extension of fiber networks brings the added benefits of long-distance signal transmission, lightweight form factors, and resistance to electromagnetic interference.
It’s no surprise that network deployments for FTTx are expected to continue to accelerate over the next decade. With the extreme flexibility that the “x” brings, the possibilities for future FTTx options are endless.