Design Implementation and Evaluation of a Fiber to the Home Access Network

This article will briefly discuss PON, Gigabit passive optical network (GPON), and Fiber to the premise (FTTP) networks. It will also discuss the differences between FTTC and FTTP and how each can benefit a residential customer. The final part will look at the future of fiber access networks. There is a high demand for fiber in rural areas, particularly since subscriber density is low and distances are long.

Gigabit passive optical network (GPON)

GPON stands for Gigabit passive optical network. It is a cost-efficient optical fiber-based access system that provides triple play services to business and residential customers. GPON works in other topologies, depending on the customer distribution profile. The network architecture must satisfy minimum and maximum requirements, including optical budget from ONT to OLT, fiber length, and differential distance. The number of ONTs used should be limited to a minimum of four.

GPON networks can run on existing copper infrastructure. In contrast, brownfield deployments use existing fiber infrastructure without making changes to the original hardware. XG-PON1 is one of the technologies that can be used in brownfield deployments. Green field deployments, on the other hand, require a complete replacement of existing copper networks with fiber networks. In addition, the cost of a PON network depends on the bandwidth required for each deployment.

 

Active optical network (DOCSIS)

Cable operators are making big investments in fiber, and the next generation of this technology is DOCSIS 4.0. Cox, for example, recently announced a major investment in fiber. Meanwhile, Altice USA announced plans to replace its coaxial network with fiber. In fact, Altice plans to cover two-thirds of its footprint with fiber by 2025. But DOCSIS 4.0 isn’t a cure-all for fiber access issues.

DOCSIS 3.1 technology was first released in October 2013 and has since been updated several times. It supports capacities up to 10 Gbit/s downstream and 2 Gbit/s upstream, and includes new energy management features and the DOCSIS-PIE algorithm. It also reduces buffer bloat. Several CMTSs offer partial DOCSIS 3.1 support through SW upgrades. In these cases, the quality of service remains low.

 

Fiber to the premise (FTTP)

As a service provider, Fiber to the premise (FTTP) can help you realize your business’s full potential. By using the latest telecommunications technologies, fiber connectivity can bring customers closer to you, and it is the most effective way to increase your business’s productivity. However, there are many challenges and factors to consider when implementing FTTP in your business.

Using fiber-optic communication technology to connect homes and businesses is a great way to improve your speed and reliability. FTTP allows you to install high-speed broadband networks without having to rebuild your existing distribution network, so you can experience faster and more reliable connections. FTTP is also an economical solution for businesses, and it can save you money in the long run. For the most part, the technology is available today, but you must find a carrier willing to offer it to your customers.

 

Fiber to the curb (FTTC)

Fiber to the curb (FTTC) is a telecommunications technology whereby fiber optic cables are installed at street curbs. The purpose of the project is to replace traditional telephone service. FTTC differs from FTTN and fiber to the premises in that it is cheaper to implement and uses wires suitable for carrying high-speed signals and have acceptable bandwidth loss. However, FTTC has several limitations that should be considered when planning the design implementation and evaluation of fiber to the curb network.

The first challenge is to determine where the new connection will go. Fiber to the building, also known as fiber to the business, is the most direct route, but it is the most expensive. It is commonly used in large buildings and apartment blocks, and leverages existing copper wiring. FTTC can also be deployed on roads, if the infrastructure exists. Fiber to the curb is an excellent alternative for low-volume locations where existing copper wiring is inaccessible.