Fiber-to-the-Home: 1977–2007

Fiber has been envisioned for delivering broadband services to the residential customer for over 30 years, yet it has only recently entered the mainstream. Currently, fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) is being installed in many countries at remarkable rates (even though it still constitutes only a fraction of all broadband lines in most countries). Other lightwave transmission technologies have progressed far faster. What has held FTTH up for so long? What improvements along the way have occurred? What recent changes have made it successful? This article follows the progress in moving fiber toward the home and major architectural changes that have reduced costs while increasing capabilities to meet today's needs.