Blog What is FTTC (Fibre to the Cabinet)? Infinitel

Staying connected is a big part of making your business succeed in today’s digital world. Consumers have higher expectations of website speeds and quick communication, so the pressure for companies to offer stellar internet services is bigger now than ever.

With such demand comes advancements in internet technology, including the introduction of FTTC. You might have seen the term in your research for better business internet solutions – but just what exactly does it refer to, and how does it work?

In our blog below, we’ll discuss the FTTC meaning, its difference from FTTH and FTTP, as well as the pros and cons of using it…

What does FTTC mean?

Put simply, FTTC stands for Fiber to the Cabinet – a specific type of fibre broadband technology that features fibre optic cables and utilises them to deliver fast-speed internet to homes and businesses.

When referring to the ‘cabinet’, this typically means the distribution points in the nearest streets and neighbourhoods, which help connect houses and companies within the area to the broadband network.

How does FTTC work?

FTTC works by feeding fibre internet cables into underground ducts and overground poles, so it can reach a distribution point near to a location that uses it. These fibre optic cables extend from the Internet Service Provider (ISP) to provide this connection.

Once the cables reach the cabinet, the final part of the connection uses copper cables instead, such as Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL) or Very High-Speed Digital Subscriber Line (VDSL) technology. Whilst it can still be slower than 100% fibre optic broadband connections, the hybridity of this approach means a faster internet connection than those using fully copper capabilities.

What is the difference between FTTC and FTTH?

We know what FTTC stands for, and its counterpart FTTH – meaning Fiber to the Home – is only slightly different in meaning. Whilst FTTC uses a hybrid approach of both fibre optic and copper wiring, FTTH uses fibre optic cabling the whole way, from the ISP, to the cabinet, to the location.

Overall, this means FTTH provides a quicker and more reliable internet connection. But FTTC is still a better choice over traditional copper cabling connections.

The pros of FTTC

There are several pros businesses can gain when using the hybrid approach FTTC provides. For example, it:

Is faster than older broadband connections

As mentioned, FTTC provides a faster broadband connection than other traditional types using copper cabling throughout. This is because they can be limited by the distance from the exchange. What’s more, FTTC provides this broadband connection without the need for infrastructure changes.

Doesn’t cost as much

FTTC is also more affordable than other connections such as FTTH. This also means it has more demand and therefore, more availability, so is more accessible than FTTH broadband connections too. As a result of this accessibility, customers have access to more competitive pricing options.

Offers a broad range of availability

FTTC is easier to implement and roll out than FTTH, since it only requires the installation of fibre optic cables to the cabinet. Consequently, in areas where full fibre infrastructure is not readily available, it can be installed much quicker than FTTH.

Provides an improved internet experience

FTTC’s hybrid approach allows a much smoother internet experience, which can be useful for households but also business premises needing a high quality network. What’s more, it means video conferencing and Netflix streaming can be achieved at much higher qualities.

Features increased bandwidth

Unlike copper-based connections, FTTC utilises fibre-optic cables as part of its approach, which can supply faster internet speeds and even, an increased bandwidth. This means multiple devices can use the network without compromising on the speed and quality of the connection.

The cons of FTTC

Of course, no broadband connection is without its limitations, so ensure you consider the potential drawbacks of using FTTC:

Limited availability

One of the drawbacks of using FTTC is that it can be limited depending on your location. As the cabinet loses speed over long distances, if you’re located further away from the street cabinet, it can reduce the efficiency of broadband speeds.

Inconsistent performance

During peak hours, FTTC can have inconsistent performance. This is because the network is more congested and therefore, more people are using the broadband at the same time. As a result, speeds and performance can be poorer. Which, could be a problem for those seeking business internet solutions for large sized businesses.

Slower speeds than FTTH

As previously mentioned, FTTH is the gold standard when it comes to internet connections because of its full utilisation of fibre-optic cables. Whereas, FTTC relies on copper cables as part of its final connection from the cabinet – which can limit the speeds and performance.

Future proofing might not be possible

Because FTTC still utilises traditional cable coppering, it might not be able to keep up with the demands of the world when it comes to high-speed internet connections. As a result, it could be outpaced by newer and advanced technologies like FTTH, or even 5G. Both of which offer more reliability, less signal degradation, and lower latency.

Is FTTC right for you?

Whether FTTC is right for you depends on how fast you need your internet connection to be. For the most reliable performance, FTTH will come out on top every time. But, if you are looking for an affordable option – maybe you’re in need of business internet solutions for small businesses – FTTC is a good choice until you are able to upgrade.

Contact Infinitel for a telecoms business solution you can rely on

If you’re taking a closer look at your business internet connection, you might be seeking a solution that offers unparalleled levels of reliability, flexibility, and scalability, so you can satisfy both your customers, and your staff.

In doing your research, you might have come across FTTC and FTTH, but are having trouble confirming which one your business could benefit from.

Well, as experts in business phone and internet connection solutions, Infinitel is here to help you.

We know what business internet connection a company needs based on their operations and ways of working, so we can create a bespoke solution for you that helps your business succeed in no time. Whether you’re looking at business internet solutions for medium-sized businesses, small or large, we’ll help you find a solution that suits your business model. 

If you’re interested in finding out more, get in touch with Infinitel today.