Built to Last The 40-Year FTTH Design

FTTH is rapidly becoming the preferred wireline solution for access networks. The virtually unlimited services and bandwidth afforded by fiber optic cable relative to the alternatives is well documented. Presently, however, most of the content actually being delivered over FTTH networks could be supported by traditional metallic media. This reality does not impugn the value of an all-fiber network. It simply helps us recognize that today’s FTTH deployments are driven by two key value propositions: The promise of a future-proof network through the ability to support virtually unlimited bandwidth. Cost-parity with other wireline solutions — which depends on reduced operating expenditures and the full realization of fiber’s distance potential in the last mile. The optimum phrases are “future-proof” and “cost-parity.” Carriers deploying FTTH must achieve a reasonable payback period with today’s content and services. Meanwhile, they must engineer a last mile solution that can be expected to remain in service for a 40-year life span. Exactly which elements of the FTTH network enable a 40-year life cycle? The last mile electronics represent a large portion of the overall cost, and therefore have a significant impact on “cost-parity.”However, those same electronics are typically depreciated on a 5- to 10-year schedule. The real value of our “future-proof” proposition is realized in the rather plain and ubiquitous elements of fiber, splitters and connectivity. Consequently, it is the outside plant designer who must operate with an eye toward the future.