FTTC, which stands for Fiber-to-the-Curb or Fiber-to-the-Cabinet, is a broadband internet service deployment model that combines fiber optic infrastructure with existing copper or coaxial cable networks to provide high-speed internet access to homes and businesses. In FTTC deployments, fiber optic cables are extended to a neighborhood or a distribution point, often located in a cabinet or curb-side enclosure, which is closer to the end-users compared to traditional central offices or exchanges. From this cabinet or curb-side location, the internet connection is distributed to individual premises using existing copper telephone lines (DSL) or coaxial cable lines (cable internet).

Here are the key features and characteristics of FTTC:

  1. Fiber-to-the-Curb: In FTTC, the fiber optic cables are brought to a distribution point, often located in a cabinet or curb-side enclosure, within the neighborhood or a small geographic area.
  2. Distribution via Copper or Coaxial Cable: From the curb-side cabinet, the internet connection is distributed to individual homes or businesses using existing copper telephone lines (DSL) or coaxial cable lines (cable internet). These legacy lines connect to the customer’s premises.
  3. Improved Speed and Bandwidth: FTTC can provide higher-speed internet access compared to traditional DSL or cable internet services, thanks to the use of fiber for the backhaul network.
  4. Shared Infrastructure: Multiple customers within the neighborhood share the same fiber-to-the-curb infrastructure. However, each customer’s data traffic remains separate and secure.
  5. Cost-Effective Upgrade: FTTC is a cost-effective way to enhance broadband infrastructure without the need for extensive fiber deployment directly to every premises.
  6. Distance Considerations: The quality and speed of FTTC service can be influenced by the distance between the customer’s location and the curb-side cabinet. Shorter distances generally result in better performance.
  7. Availability of High-Speed Plans: The availability of high-speed internet plans in FTTC deployments may vary depending on the service provider and the specific infrastructure in place.
  8. Hybrid Technologies: Some FTTC deployments may incorporate DSL or cable internet technologies, depending on the existing infrastructure, leading to variations like Fiber-to-the-Node (FTTN) or Fiber-to-the-Building (FTTB).

FTTC is designed to offer improved broadband services to communities where fully replacing the existing copper or coaxial cable infrastructure with fiber is not economically viable or practical. While it offers better speeds compared to traditional DSL or cable internet, the performance of FTTC can vary based on factors like the quality of existing copper or coaxial lines and the distance between the customer premises and the curb-side cabinet. As technology advances, other broadband deployment models like Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH) or Fiber-to-the-Premises (FTTP) have become more popular for delivering even higher-speed internet access directly to individual homes and businesses.