So, how can FTTP and FTTC help, and why are they so important when it comes to improving your broadband connection?
There are many reasons why your internet connection might appear slow. It could be a problem with your router, Wi-Fi signal, signal strength on your cable line, devices on your network saturating your bandwidth, or even a slow DNS server.
The truth is we are all doing a lot more online and we are expecting our broadband to cope with simultaneous demands of uploading and downloading large files, streaming video and music, with multiple devices and appliances constantly logged on at the same time.
Does your broadband connection really matter?
Connectivity is at the core of every successful business. Technology is developing at a rate of knots in this fast-moving digital age, and the broadband connection you choose for your business and your home can make the difference between success and failure, bliss and despair.
What is Fibre to the Premises (FTTP)?
FTTP or Fibre to the Premises is an advanced fibre optic cable delivery method that provides internet access directly to a user from an internet service provider (ISP). It replaces the traditional and often outdated copper broadband connections that ADSL/ADSL2+ use, by running fibre all the way from your local exchange to your home or to your business.
FTTP promises super-fast broadband delivery directly into people’s homes and businesses. FTTP and FTTH (Fibre to the Home) are essentially the same thing, but the term FTTP is used as an umbrella term, which includes both non-residential and residential premises.
How does FTTP work?
Instead of using an existing copper cable for the ‘last mile’ of access, Fibre to the Premises completely bypasses copper, with a pure fibre optic cable connected all the way from the exchange to the premises. Because this method of internet connection only uses fibre optic connection, it is inherently more reliable than copper and can carry data at much faster speeds. With an FTTP connection, voice, video and data is delivered over the fibre via pulses of light, reaching speeds of 100Mpbs and more.
Advantages and disadvantages of FTTP?
Fibre optic cables are designed to carry light. Because this delivery method uses pulses of light (literally travelling at the speed of light), the speed and performance of this service is unaffected by distance and demand, and therefore you get a consistently faster and more reliable internet connection at all times.
Fibre connection to your business or to your home is custom built to order, and therefore it is not a cheap option. You will also need to confirm whether FTTP connection is available in your area before you decide.
What is Fibre to the Cabinet (FTTC)?
Whilst FTTP is a pure fibre optic delivery method, FTTC is a blend of copper and fibre optic cables. Fibre to the Cabinet (FTTC) uses fibre optic cables right up to the street cabinet, and then a copper line (telephone), known as a PSTN line, to connect the cabinet to the premises, be it your home or your business.
How does FTTC work?
The end user is given a router from the internet service provider (ISP), which enables them to receive this superfast broadband, also known as Fibre Broadband.
Advantages and disadvantages of FTTC?
Because of the copper/fibre optic blend, Fibre to the Cabinet (FTTC) is less expensive to install and is often used as a more economical substitute to the Fibre to the Premises (FTTP) fibre optic solution. Top speeds are usually up to 80Mbps download and 20Mbps upload, and most cabinets around the UK can offer FTTC services on the net, however, they are not built for the long haul.
Which one should I choose?
As a rule of thumb, a broadband connection that has an element of fibre in it is always preferable to one that doesn’t because a fibre connection can make a big difference to your business. Compared to copper, it delivers higher and more predictable speeds for both uploads and downloads, and it offers better reliability and more duration.
Whilst both Fibre to the Cabinet (FTTC) and Fibre to the Premises (FTTP) promise high speeds, and they are both faster than the conventional ADSL connection, because of the pure fibre optic delivery, Fibre to the Premises (FTTP) has got the edge for guaranteed performance.
Although Fibre to the Cabinet (FTTC) is less expensive to install, it was not built for the long term and its potential bandwidth is limited. Broadband providers are still very much reliant on existing copper networks because FTTP installation requires extra work such as digging up roads to lay down new cables.
Having said that, Fibre to the Premises (FTTP) is custom made and it is built to be expanded and improved with your changing business needs, and it, therefore, offers peace of mind when it comes to your connectivity.
In terms of availability, Fibre to the Cabinet (FTTC) can be easily found for both residential and business premises, while Fibre to the Premises (FTTP) is typically only available for businesses.
