FTTP

FTTP, or fiber to the premises, is a broadband access architecture in which optical fiber runs all the way to the boundary of the end-user’s property, such as a residence, business, or multi-dwelling unit. The final link inside the building may be fiber or copper, depending on the building’s wiring and the service model. In broader usage FTTP is often used interchangeably with FTTH (fiber to the home), but it also covers fiber to the building (FTTB) and other cases where the last segment is copper.

Technology and deployment: FTTP networks typically use either passive optical networks (PON) or active Ethernet. In PON, a single optical fiber is shared among multiple subscribers through optical splitters; common standards include GPON and 10-Gigabit variants (XG-PON, NG-PON2). In active Ethernet, each subscriber has a dedicated fiber link. The choice affects cost, scalability, and equipment requirements.

Benefits and limitations: FTTP provides high bandwidth potential, with symmetric upload and download speeds in many service offerings, low latency, and strong future upgradability. Typical consumer services range from 1 Gbps to 10 Gbps or higher. Deployment requires significant capital expenditure for fiber construction, rights-of-way, and building access, and is more complex in dense urban or multi-tenant environments.

Relation to other FTTx: FTTP is the umbrella term for fiber reaching the premises; in practice, FTTH refers to fiber directly to a dwelling unit, while FTTB or FTTC bring copper closer to the customer premises. Availability varies by country and urban policy, with FTTP networks often deployed as part of national broadband initiatives.