What is FTTC?
Fibre to the Curb (FTTC) refers to a connection variant in which the fibre optic network is extended to the cable branch at the roadside. From there, data is transmitted to the end customers via copper cable. FTTC combines the advantages of the high bandwidth of fibre optic cables on the so-called backhaul route with the existing copper infrastructure on the last mile. This allows faster internet connections to be provided without the need for a full-fibre connection to the end customer. The fibre connection up to the cable branch enables a high-performance connection to the Internet provider’s network.
Application area
FTTC offers a cost-effective solution to provide high-speed internet in residential areas and neighbourhoods without the need to lay full fibre to the end-user. This enables faster delivery of broadband services and helps improve internet connectivity for end users. FTTC is an intermediate solution on the way to more widespread fibre connectivity and is an effective way to reap the benefits of fibre technology today.
Technical requirements
FTTC requires the extension of the fibre network to the cable branch. In addition, VDSL technology and vectoring are used to improve transmission speeds over the existing copper lines. The combination of a fibre connection up to the cable branch and the improved transmission technologies enables private households to benefit from fast internet connections with high bandwidths.
Advantages of FTTC
- Faster internet connections without a full-fibre connection to the end customer
- Cost-efficient solution for high-speed internet in residential areas and neighbourhoods
- Faster delivery of broadband services and improved internet connectivity for end users
- Exploiting the benefits of fibre technology already today
Disadvantages of FTTC
- More limited bandwidth compared to FTTH, as data is transmitted over copper cables
- More limited scalability and future upgrade possibilities compared to a full-fibre connection
Conditions
The implementation of FTTC requires the extension of the fibre network to the cable branch and the use of VDSL technology and vectoring. In addition, close cooperation between network operators and end customers is necessary to ensure optimal performance and bandwidth.
