fibertothehome

Fiber to the home (FTTH) is a broadband network architecture in which optical fiber runs directly from the service provider to the customer’s residence or business. By delivering a fiber path end-to-end, FTTH can support very high bandwidth with low latency compared with copper-based technologies. It is contrasted with configurations where fiber terminates at a street cabinet or building entry instead of inside the premises.

In typical FTTH deployments the access network terminates at the customer premises. The fiber reaches the building, and an optical network terminal (ONT) or optical network unit (ONU) is installed at or near the site. The provider operates an optical line terminal (OLT) that serves multiple homes using a passive optical network (PON) or a point-to-point Ethernet connection.

Common PON technologies include GPON and 10G-PON, while some networks use dedicated point-to-point ethernet. FTTH enables high, often symmetric, download and upload speeds and supports advanced services such as high-definition video, cloud applications, telepresence and gaming with lower latency than many alternatives.

Deployment considerations include higher upfront capital costs, access to rights-of-way, and construction work to lay fiber into individual residences or buildings. Operating costs may be lower over time due to simpler copper replacement and reduced maintenance. Inside homes, an Optical Network Terminal connects to the customer’s internal network.

Global FTTH adoption varies by region but has progressed most rapidly in parts of Asia and Europe, with ongoing rollout in North America and other regions as demand for bandwidth grows. See also GPON, PON, FTTP, fiber optic communication.