Broadband fiber is the most important element in the success of broadband. This is the optical fiber, which replaces all or part of the usual metal local loops used for the final leg of delivering connectivity in telecommunications. With optical fiber technology rising, it is likely that speeds that are considered to be broadband now could change in coming times.
The configurations of broadband fiber deployment are denoted by the generic term 'fiber to the x' or FTTx. The telecommunications industry has differentiated several distinct configurations of fiber deployment. FTTN is fiber-to-the-node, in which the fiber terminates several kilometers away from the customer site and the final connection being metallic loop. When the fiber terminates closer, up to 300m from the customer, the configuration is called fiber-to-the-cabinet or fiber-to-the-curb. In FTTB - fiber-to-the-building or fiber-to-the-basement - the fiber reaches the boundaries of buildings.
The final connection to individuals is through other means. In FTTH - fiber-to-the-home configuration, the broadband fiber reaches the border of individual living area, for instance a junction outside the wall of a home. FTTP is fiber-to-the premises. This expression can be used in quite a few contexts: for instance, as a comprehensive phrase including both FTTH and FTTB, or maybe when the fiber network includes homes as well as small businesses. The definitions for FTTH and FTTB have been agreed upon by three FTTH Councils of Europe, North America and the Asia-Pacific. But, there are no formal definitions for FTTC and FTTN decided by the FTTH Councils.
So, what are the benefits of broadband fiber? Speeds of both fiber optic and metallic cables are limited by length, but more so in the metallic ones. Even today, most computers in commercial places have copper communication cables. But these cables are only few meters long. Most of the urban network links are several kilometers long, and in this range broadband fiber surpasses copper.
Replacing parts of these links with fiber allows them to run much faster. Apart from the speed, another benefit is that broadband is always connected. There is no time lag in connection. The amount of data transmitted is also tremendous. Many services can be availed using a single fiber cable.
Finally, broadband fiber is "future proof", since the speed of the connection is limited by equipment rather than the fiber itself. This permits speed improvements by upgrading equipment before the fiber itself must be upgraded.
In conclusion, broadband fiber has created a revolution in the telecommunications industry. And the future holds more prospects of improvements in the same.
George Yee is a consultant for broadband fiber. To learn more about this topic, visit [litbuildings.com site can't be reached] for free information in finding the best technical solution for your requirements.
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