This white paper discusses the many different network infrastructure deployment options that may be considered when planning and building a Fibre to the Home (FTTH) network within Europe.

Optical fibre is considered to be the main building block for all future high capacity home broadband networks. Its transmission capacity is almost unlimited and unconditional compared to existing copper cabling systems. Recent investigations have shown little difference between the deployment costs of optical fibre and copper cables systems of equal capacity. However, the advantages of fibre offering high bandwidth and future upgrade potential over large distances and secondly much lower maintenance and operations costs make fibre a clear choice.

All deployment options discussed in this paper are based on a complete optical fibre path from the serving active equipment right through to the subscriber premises. This paper does not discuss hybrid options involving "part" fibre and "part" copper infrastructure networks.

All of the infrastructure deployment options described are currently available and have been successfully deployed throughout Europe and the rest of the world. These can be used either in isolation or in combination with the other options to form the most efficient overall solution for specific deployment circumstances.
The main purpose of this paper is to help the reader understand in detail the different deployment options available and to help choose (an) appropriate solution(s). All of the options described have particular features, benefits and of course limitations. None of the options described are in any order of importance.

When providing FTTH networks, it is key to understand the challenges for potential network builders and operators. Some of these may present conflicts between functionality and economic demands.

Key functional requirements for a FTTH network will include:

  • Provision of high bandwidth services and content to each customer, with no restrictions
  • Support for the required network architecture design (the fibre infrastructure must remain flexible at all times)
  • Connection by fibre of each end subscriber directly to the serving equipment, avoiding intermediate active equipment (e.g. a fully passive optical network)
  • Support future network upgrade and expansion

    • The economic requirements will include (but are not limited to):

  • A successful business case, providing the lowest possible Capital Expenditure (CAPEX) and Operating Expenditure (OPEX) solutions for affordable infrastructure deployment
  • Minimal deployment disruption where possible, to gain acceptance from network owners and to benefit FTTH subscribers

    • The need for a balance between functionality and economic needs is obvious. This paper highlights and reinforces the message that affordable, developed technologies and methodologies are available to build such FTTH networks in Europe.

     

    Note: For further detailed reading it is recommended to consult the Cenelec document TC86A - "Fibre Optic Access to End User", which is expected to be made available in late 2006.