Fiber-to-the-curb systems: architecture evolution

An analysis of three different fiber-to-the-curb (FTTC) distribution networks that serve up to 96 customers, initially providing two POTS (plain old telephone service) channels to each customer is presented. These systems serve four customers per service access point (SAP) via star, distributed star, or bus topologies which offer differing levels of sharing of fiber and optoelectronic components. The installed first costs (IFC) of the distribution link (remote node to customer) for the three FTTC scenarios are estimated and found to be comparable to the IFC of copper distribution system with similar capabilities. The evolution of these systems to broadband FTTH systems, as well as near-term upgrades supporting the transport of entertainment video services, are examined. The results show that the cost difference between the three FTTC architectures is less than $300 per customer, and that the ease of evolution of an architecture, in both the near- and long-term, decreases with increased fiber sharing levels.<>