FTTx

FTTx, or fiber to the x, is a family of broadband access architectures in which a high-capacity fiber-optic link extends deep into the access network toward the subscriber, with the final segment using another medium. The “x” denotes the last destination, such as the home, building, curb, or distribution point. The approach aims to provide high-bandwidth, low-latency connectivity and scalable capacity for current and future services.

Common variants include FTTH (fiber to the home), FTTP (fiber to the premises, encompassing FTTH and FTTB), FTTC (fiber to the curb or cabinet, with the final leg over copper or wireless), FTTN (fiber to the node), and FTTdp (fiber to the distribution point). In these layouts, the fiber typically ends at a network element near the customer and the last segment uses a different medium.

FTTx networks commonly deploy passive optical networks (PON) or active Ethernet (point-to-point). PON uses a single fiber shared among multiple users with optical splitters, reducing cost but preserving a shared medium. Standards include GPON and XG-PON (XGS-PON), with higher-bandwidth variants and NG-PON2 enabling multiple wavelengths to increase capacity. Active Ethernet provides dedicated fiber to each customer, offering straightforward symmetry at the cost of higher capital expenditure and maintenance.

Advantages of FTTx include high potential bandwidth, lower latency, energy efficiency, and suitability for converged services and smart-city applications. Challenges involve upfront capital costs, civil works for fiber deployment, availability in certain areas, and the need for skilled planning and installation. Adoption is typically staged, expanding from high-demand or dense areas to wider regions as demand grows.