Fiber to the curb
 | It has been suggested that this article be merged into fiber to the node and Talk:Fiber_to_the_x#Restructuring proposal. (Discuss) Proposed since March 2007. |
| It has been suggested that this article be merged into fiber to the x and Talk:Fiber_to_the_x#Larger merger. (Discuss) Proposed since May 2007. |
Fiber to the curb (FTTC), also called fibre to the kerb (FTTK),[1] is a telecommunications system based on fiber-optic cables run to a platform that serves several customers. Each of these customers has a connection to this platform via coaxial cable or twisted pair.
Fiber to the curb allows delivery of broadband services such as high speed internet. High speed communications protocols such as broadband cable access (typically DOCSIS) or some form of DSL are used between the cabinet and the customers. The data rates vary according to the exact protocol used and according to how close the customer is to the cabinet.
FTTC is subtly distinct from FTTN or FTTP (all are versions of Fiber in the Loop). The chief difference is the placement of the cabinet. FTTC will be placed near the "curb" which differs from FTTN which is placed far from the customer and FTTP which is placed right at the serving location.
Unlike the competing fiber to the premises (FTTP) technology, fiber to the curb can use the existing coaxial or twisted pair infrastructure to provide last mile service. For this reason, fiber to the curb costs less to deploy. However, it also has lower bandwidth potential than fiber to the premises.
In the United States of America, the largest deployment of FTTC was carried out by BellSouth Telecommunications. With the acquisition of BellSouth by AT&T, deployment of FTTC will end. Future deployments will be based on either FTTN or FTTP. Existing FTTC plant may be removed and replaced with FTTC.[2]
Notes and references
- ^ The American word curb means the same thing as the U.K. word kerb. For more information see American and British English spelling differences.
- ^ http://telephonyonline.com/home/news/att_fttc_fttp_122107/