Understand Fiber Optics to the Home
FTTH (Fiber To The Home) is a network architecture where the fiber optic goes directly from the operator’s central office to the user’s home or business, without passing through metallic or coaxial means.
It is considered the most modern and efficient form of fixed internet access, with high capacity, low latency, and excellent stability.
How does FTTH work?
Unlike hybrid architectures (such as HFC or FTTN), in FTTH:
- The fiber optic starts from the OLT (Optical Line Terminal) at the operator’s central office.
- It passes through passive optical splitters to divide the signal among multiple users.
- It reaches the ONT/ONU (Optical Network Terminal) installed inside the property.
The entire connection is 100% optical, ensuring high symmetrical transmission rates with very low attenuation and interference.
Technologies used in FTTH
| Technology | Standard | Downstream | Upstream | Typical Split | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GPON | ITU-T G.984 | Up to 2.5 Gbps | Up to 1.25 Gbps | 1:32 / 1:64 | Most common currently |
| XG-PON | ITU-T G.987 | 10 Gbps | 2.5 Gbps | 1:64 | Compatible with GPON (WDM) |
| XGS-PON | ITU-T G.9807.1 | 10 Gbps | 10 Gbps | 1:64 | Symmetrical, ideal for businesses |
| NG-PON2 | ITU-T G.989 | Up to 40 Gbps | Up to 10 Gbps | 1:128 | Uses wave multiplexing (TWDM) |
Applications in Testing and Measurement
In the context of production and validation of FTTH equipment (ONTs, routers, etc.), the tests involve:
- Synchronization with simulated OLT
- PLOAM authentication test
- Calibration and optical measurements: Rx/Tx power, ORL, loss
- BER (Bit Error Rate) and throughput
- Resilience to disconnections/reconnections
- Coexistence tests (GPON + XG-PON)
Common instruments:
- OLT simulators (EXFO, Viavi, Spirent)
- OTDR and optical power meters
- Automation software (LabVIEW, TestStand, Python)
Where FTTH is Used
- Brazil: increasingly popular, with operators like Vivo Fibra, Oi Fibra, TIM Live, Brisanet
- China: global leader in FTTH (over 500 million users)
- Japan / South Korea: almost total coverage
- Europe: rapidly expanding (Spain, Portugal, France)
- USA: coexistence with DOCSIS and expansion of FTTH networks by AT&T, Verizon (FiOS), Google Fiber
Comparison: FTTH vs HFC vs DSL
| Technology | Physical Medium | Downstream | Upstream | Latency | Interference | Passive Network |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FTTH | Fiber optic | 1 to 40 Gbps | 1 to 10 Gbps | Very low | None | Yes |
| HFC (DOCSIS) | Coaxial | Up to 10 Gbps | Up to 6 Gbps | Medium | Medium | No |
| DSL | Copper | Up to 1 Gbps | Up to 500 Mbps | High | High | No |
🔧 How AJOLLY Testing Supports Your FTTH Project
AJOLLY Testing offers specialized solutions for testing, validation, and automation in FTTH projects, covering everything from equipment production to field installation. Our expertise in instrumentation, software, and integration ensures reliability, traceability, and efficiency in production and quality control processes.
🔍 Our capabilities include:
- 🧪 Automated functional testing of ONUs, modems, optical converters, and GPON/XGS-PON modules
- 🔍 Verification of optical connectors, including attenuation, BER (Bit Error Rate), signal power, and fiber alignment
- 📊 KPI measurement and logging, such as initialization time, link stability, and throughput performance
- 🔗 Integration with optical instruments such as OTDRs, power meters, light sources, and optical spectrum analyzers
- 📄 Automated generation of test reports, with full traceability and export to ERP or installation systems
- 🧑💻 Custom operational interfaces for production, validation, or field installation technicians
- 🌐 Combined testing with Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and VoIP connectivity, according to the product and provider profile
With AJOLLY Testing, you accelerate the certification of optical devices, reduce installation failures, and ensure reliable performance for the end customer.