So what’s all this fuss about Fibre to the Home? – Part 1

By the end of 2010 there were well over 500 million broadband subscribers worldwide (including all fixed access technologies). While Japan continues to lead the world in terms of the number of FttX subscribers; South Korea has the highest penetration in the world and is the first country in the world to reach over 50% penetration of households using FttX. The USA and parts of Europe are also rolling out fibre, although there is concern that parts of Europe are lagging behind. It is the countries that recognise the importance of a fibre optic telecoms infrastructure for healthcare, education and e-government, as well as for their economy, that are leading developments in FttX.

What is Fiber Optics?

Fiber optics transmit data through long, thin strands of glass that are the diameter of a human hair. Instead of using electricity to carry data, they transmit information using light- at the speed of light.

How does Fiber Optics work?

Imagine yourself looking through a very long, plastic pipe coated with a perfect mirror. Several miles away, on the other end, a friend shines a flashlight into the pipe. Because it is a perfect mirror, the light beams reflect off the sides. Even though the pipe curves and twists, you will be able to see the light at your end.

Benefits of FTTH

More Network Capacity (Bandwidth)- They have the ability to accommodate a wider variety of data and video applications.

Future Proof- The need for faster Internet speeds and more bandwidth has grown and will continue to grow in the future. Optical fibers have the flexibility to deliver more services.

The FTTH broadband connection will spark the creation of products not yet dreamed of as they open new possibilities for data transmission rate. Using the past as a guide, think what items that now seem commonplace were not even on the drawing board five or 10 years ago. FTTH broadband connections will inspire new products and services and could open entire new sectors in the business world, experts at the FTTH Council say.

FTTH broadband connections also will allow consumers to “bundle” their communications services. For instance, a consumer could receive telephone, video, audio, television and just about any other kind of digital data stream using a simple FTTH broadband connection. Such an arrangement would be more cost effective and simpler than receiving those services via different lines, as is often the case today.

Crosby, Tim.  “How Fiber-to-the-home Broadband Works”  28 March 2008.  HowStuffWorks.com. 14 April 2013.

The 3 Stages of FTTH Installation

Stage One: Initial Site Visit.You may see surveying crews locating the best line of entry to your home and then burying the FiberOptic Lines.

Stage Two: Connecting your Home. This stage involves crews placing an Optical Network Terminal (ONT) on the outside of your home. This small box is attached to a battery backup- which enables your phone to work during a power outage.

Typical FTTH Installation

Stage Three: Activation so you can enjoy faster broadband technology!