What Is Fiber to the Node (FTTN)?

Have you ever expected to be able to surf the internet at home but also have access to all your favorite shows on Netflix? Like most people, you probably haven't thought about it too much. You want to start immediately while one thing is going on, and you have to pause till the other one is still in the pipeline and buffering. Who has the patience to wait nowadays? Arent we right? If you want to do both specialties simultaneously, it's time for a new cable plan. Fiber to the node (FTTN) is one method of delivering cable services to multiple locations. A node, a standard network box often used in fiber to the node, provides broadband connections and other data services. Fiber to the node may also be called fiber to the neighborhood. If you've ever had someone tell you that they're "running fiber to the neighbor's house," then you understand what we mean when talking about not-so-great systems like fiber to the node. With fiber to the node or FTTN, service providers run an optical line from a central location (often at an office or data center) and use existing copper lines to get that signal to your home. Fiber to the home (FTTH), on the other hand, means there's no copper anywhere in between, just pure optical line direct from your provider to your home. Yet don't worry! There are plenty of alternatives to FTTN out there. For example, fiber to the pole (FTTP) takes advantage of existing utility poles to bring optical lines closer to your house than FTTN can manage. If that still isn't close enough for you? Consider fiber to the curb (FTTC). This system also uses utility poles but brings them closer than FTTP, sometimes outside your house!