What are FTTX networks and what are their architectures?

Optical fibre is continuously used in broadband networks, basically to bring internet to any corner we want. To bring that broadband to homes and offices, different network architectures are needed. That is precisely what we are going to talk about today.

When we talk about FTTX networks, we are using a generic term. It is an acronym that stands for “”Fiber to the X””, i.e. fibre to x place. The x determines the termination point of the fibre, which can be a house, an office or a building in general.

In the actual creation of these types of networks that carry fibre to different locations, there are a number of architectures that are designed precisely to make it all work. Today we’re going to talk about what all those possible architectures are, and some other interesting facts about FTTx networks.

Without further ado… Let’s start finding out more about FTTx networks!

WHAT IS THERE TO KNOW ABOUT FTTX NETWORKS?

The whole evolution of broadband improvement has always been related to moving fibre closer and closer to the place where it is going to be used. In this sense, FTTx networks, all of them, have meant a huge advantage and progress. This is that the transmission speed of the connection has been improving a lot, due to the proximity. And much less energy is consumed in the process.

But in order for FTTx networks to work properly, and to fulfil their function for different users, it has been necessary to be very meticulous about the whole journey they make from their place of origin to the end, which is the space where the internet is going to be contracted.

Most of the elements that are part of the whole process of FTTx networks come directly from the factories, where they have in fact been tested to be perfect and work as a whole. However, it is still important today to check the entire route when installing fibre into any building, and it is in fact by far the most time-consuming job.

Within this it is important to stress that all types of fibre optic cables that fall under the generic concept of fibre optic to a certain location have their own peculiarities and needs. This in order to have a correct functioning.

Is it exactly the same steps to install a fibre to a house, or to a generic building? Do the same elements have to be placed if the fibre reaches an office or a nearby antenna? Let’s briefly see how many architectures there are in FTTx networks!

MAIN ARCHITECTURES OF FTTX NETWORKS

There are different architectures depending on the end point to which the fibre optic is installed. It is not that the end point is the architecture, but the whole installation process changes depending on whether the internet is going to reach a house, a building or an antenna.

Although there is quite a large group of places that our fibre optic can reach, let’s talk about the most generic places to understand precisely what the architectures of each one are:

• FTTH: which we have already discussed above, as it is the fibre that reaches the home. The architecture for the internet to reach a specific resident’s home is complex and often very costly. It is also one of the most effective, and promises a much higher quality connection. It is often common in areas where residences are new.s.
• FTTA: which consists of a fibre-to-the-antenna installation, hence the acronym. This antenna is usually installed on top of a tower, specifically to a remote radio head. In this way it radiates connectivity to all nearby areas. It is the main architecture used in 5G technology.
• There is also the well-known FTTB, which is the fibre that reaches a building in a general way (building to conform to the acronym). The room where the fibre optic connection is received can be in any common location in the building. Sometimes even in the basement in newer homes. In any case, one of the features of this connection is that the fibre radiates to more places nearby, and not just to the people who live there.
• FTTN, which is fibre to the node. This type of connection runs fibre to a common node. This is usually located in some places near certain buildings, for example office or residential buildings. Then, from the node to the places where you want to enjoy the connection, a copper cable is usually used. This was the way fibre was carried before the new FTTx came along. In this way, it is reused and there is no need for new installations
• Finally, FTTC is also often referred to as fibre to the curb, although in English the term “”curb”” is used. The system is similar to that of FTTN, where the connection was to a node. But in this case it is an installation for a much smaller number of users. This type of connection is very useful, because although it is very close to the specific place where we want the internet to reach, no installation has to be done inside the building or house.

In short, there are different techniques to place the end of the fibre optic connection as close and convenient as possible to the end customer. Depending on the location, terrain and other characteristics, it will be better to choose one or the other.

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