Fiber to the Node (FTTN)

What is FTTN?

Fiber to the Node (FTTN) is a connection variant in the area of fiber optic networks. With FTTN, the fiber optic cable extends to the network operator's distribution cabinet. From there, data is transmitted to end customers via copper cables. This technology enables fast Internet connections, as the fiber optic network is extended up to a specific point. Although transmission speeds may be limited due to the use of copper cables, FTTN still provides improved performance compared to pure copper cables.

FTTN Glasfaser Anschlussvariante

Field of application

FTTN is particularly suitable when a full fiber optic connection to customers cannot be implemented, either for economic or technical reasons. FTTN enables cost-effective use of existing infrastructure and is an interim solution to provide higher bandwidths without having to convert the entire network to fiber optics.

Technical requirements

FTTN requires the expansion of the fibre-optic network up to the network operator's distribution cabinet. From there, data is transmitted to end customers via copper cables. This allows distances of a few hundred meters to be bridged. The combination of fiber and copper enables improved performance and fast Internet connections.

Benefits of FTTN

  • Improved performance compared to pure copper lines
  • Cost-effective use of existing infrastructure
  • Interim solution for higher bandwidths without complete fiber expansion.

Disadvantages of FTTN

  • Limited transfer speed due to the use of copper cables from the distribution cabinet
  • Limited scalability and potential restrictions on future bandwidth requirements

Conditions

Implementing FTTN requires the expansion of the fiber optic network up to the network operator's distribution cabinet and the use of copper cables to transfer data to end customers. Close cooperation between network operators and end customers is necessary to ensure optimal performance and bandwidth at FTTN.