The curtain is gradually closing on the copper network, one geographical area after another since the beginning of 2023. Fiber optics will take center stage, a more modern, high-performance technology that is redefining standards. The market is teeming with tempting proposals, but two of them stand out from the crowd to the point of being confused: FTTO and FTTH. Similar names. They meet the same need. So how do you make the right choice? If this question is on the minds of telecom operators and integrators, you've come to the right place! This article sheds light on the use cases for FTTO and FTTH, to help you avoid disappointment and make a smooth transition 😉.
FTTH vs FTTO
FTTH and FTTO: understanding the basics
Before delving into their differences, it's essential to understand their composition.
FTTH: Fiber to the Home
FTTH refers to a shared set of fiber optic lines, directly connecting the network of telecom service providers to users at a shared point. The fiber can serve a building, a neighborhood or a group of premises.
Several users therefore share the same speed, which can be altered in the event of peak use. FTTH has become more common in recent years, not least because home users are benefiting from more affordable Internet access.
FTTO refers to a line deployed from the optical connection node (NRO ) to a company's premises.
Unlike FTTH, there are no fixed regulations. Suppliers of this network define their own commercial offers concerning quality and commitments relating to the sale of this product.
This network uses dedicated equipment that is not shared with other infrastructures. So, behind the name "FTTO" can be found the following networks:
FTTB (Fiber to the Building)
FTTE (Fiber to the Enterprise).
Existing under a variety of names, it's the same network with one thing in common: the absence of shared transport infrastructures. As a result, different customers can be connected to the same network via a GPON tree, while being supplied by the same operator.
Now that we've laid the foundations for FTTH and FTTO, let's take a look at their respective uses.
Commitments and practices
1. FTTH and FTTO: how to make the right choice?
FTTH is a shared link, which means that quality and performance may show some signs of weakness, especially at peak times.
FTTO, on the other hand, is a dedicated link and a solution to be considered for companies whose business may be severely impacted by an Internet outage .
Whether FTTH or FTTO,a back-up link provides redundancy in the event of an incident, guaranteeing business continuity . In the case of FTTO, it's even possible to set up a second FTTO, FTTH or 4G back-up link.
The choice between FTTH and FTTO depends on the end customer's expectations, needs, challenges and budget. Once you've taken these criteria into account, you'll be able to guide them towards the best choice.
2. The importance of a service level agreement (SLA)
Each infrastructure operator is free to propose the offers of its choice , depending on its ability to meet the commitments (geographical location, available resources, etc.). Some infrastructure operators attach particular importance to SLAs , and can commit to :
guaranteed recovery time and/or response time,
financial penalties for failure to meet recovery deadlines.
These two options generally establish a relationship of trust in the customer relationship.
Before concluding a commercial agreement with your network provider, it's a good idea to take a look at the latter's level of commitment in the event of an incident. For example, an operator who undertakes to restore a service/link within 4 hours vs. an operator who does not guarantee any restoration time. To avoid any disappointment, it is preferable for the service operator and its supplier to agree on all the terms and conditions of the contract.
Things to remember
To determine which network is best for a customer, it's essential to ask him a crucial question beforehand: what impact will it have on his sales if he loses the Internet for 2 hours or 2 days? The answer will help you clarify their needs. Some operators offer restoration guarantees. Others go so far as to extend these guarantees by applying financial penalties for latencies beyond the recovery guarantee if the packet loss rate is high, or by applying a GTR at night and weekends, for example. So many criteria to take into account, depending on your intended use. So why not open a free account to compare offers and choose the best providers?
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