fibertothedistributionpoint

Fiber to the distribution point (FTTdp) is a broadband access architecture in which fiber optic cable extends from a service provider’s central office to a distribution point located near the customer, such as a street cabinet, pole, or the basement of a multi-dwelling building. The final connection from the distribution point to the premises is carried over existing copper or coax cabling. The distribution point is typically placed within a short distance of multiple subscribers to enable higher-speed access.

In FTTdp deployments the core fiber network terminates at the distribution point, while the last mile uses copper or coax delivered from that point. The local loop technologies commonly employed include VDSL2 enhanced with vectoring and G.fast, sometimes with bonding or other improvements to maximize bandwidth. Speeds in the hundreds of megabits per second to around 1 gigabit per second are often targeted, though actual performance depends on distance to the DP, copper quality, and prevailing line technology.

FTTdp is seen as a middle ground between fiber to the home (FTTP) and fiber to the cabinet or node approaches (FTTC/FTTN). It can reduce capital expenditure and deployment time by limiting fiber reach into the premises while still delivering higher speeds than traditional copper-based solutions. However, it requires new distribution points, upgrades to copper plant, and careful planning to manage interference and crosstalk in the shared last mile.

FTTdp has been explored and deployed in various markets as part of broader strategies to expand high-speed access, with definitions and implementations differing among operators.