GPON

Broadband SoHo FTTx Tutorial
FTTH / FTTP (Fiber to the Home / Fiber to the Premise) is a fiber-optic broadband triple play service (Voice/Data/Video) currently in deployment throughout the U.S. by various RBOC's such as ATT / SBC , Verizon and individual city municipalities. The architecture of this deployment is known as PON (Passive Optical Network) , this is a completely passive (the signal is transported by laser with no electronics) network consisting of fiber optic cabling , passive splitters , attenuators , and couplers (These direct listed items are also referred as the ODN Optical Distribution Network elements) that distribute an optical signal through a branched topology to an ONT (Optical Network Terminal). This architecture is a point-to-multipoint system that allows a maximum of 32 ONT's to be serviced , with a OSP topology of 1x32 Home Run Split , 1x4 to 1x8 Distributed Split , or 1x8 to 1x4 Distributed Splitter.

Note: Please be aware that I'm only describing some key points that customers have commonly asked that pertain to the recent deployment of the RBOC's format. Please refer to some of the links below for a complete PON overview.

Various FTTx PON Deployments
FTTx ~ Fiber to the x , is the deployment of fiber (optical) cable to a specific location (proximity) in regards to the customer premise. The “X” is used to describe the specific application of the service. As you will read in magazines and various articles you will see these following terms below and used loosely , as some relate to each other , or just acronyms.
FTTc ~ Fiber to the Curb , is the deployment of fiber close to the customer but not fully to the customers residence. In this deployment the existing copper plant is still used to deliver service to the actual customer. FTTN (Fiber to the Neighborhood) & FTTC (Fiber to the Cabinet) generally fall under the FTTC category. Both services are in deployment and in use , a perfect example is a DLC/NGDLC (Digital Loop Carrier) which some of us get our phone service from. A direct fiber from the CO (Central Office) is terminated at the DLC/NGDLC and then service is delivered to the customers residence via the copper plant.
FTTb ~ Fiber to the Building , is the deployment of fiber (optical) cable to a specific location within a building , then connected to the buildings existing copper , cable facilities. This deployment is also referred to as FTTB (Fiber to the Basement) & FTTB (Fiber to the Business). This deployment will be the typical for MDU’s & MTU’s also known as ** FTT mdu ~ Fiber to the MDU **
FTTh ~ Fiber to the Home , is the complete deployment of fiber to the customers home , with replacement of there existing NID (Network Interface Device). This replacement device is called an ONT (Optical Network Terminator).
FTTp ~ Fiber to the Premise , is a loosely used term. It can be the definition of FTTB or FTTH , it depends on how the context is used and specific location of where the fiber terminates. In general it falls under the FTTB definition.


Passive Optical Network components
PON ~ Architecture Example # 1 - Click Here Example # 2 - Click Here
OLT ~ Optical Line Terminal , is the networks control card. This card resides in the local CO (Central Office) cross connected to the video and data networks that will be delivered to your home , it consists of a special DFB (Distributed Feedback) calibrated laser that is always on. This control card acts as a traffic signal to the remote ONT's for complete data / video throughput upstream and downstream. OLT Picture - Click Here OLT OSP Cabinet - Click Here
ODN ~ Optical Distribution Network , is part of the OSP architecture components. The actual fiber-optic cabling , passive splitters , FDH , attenuators and couplers.
FDH ~ Fiber Distribution Hub , is the cross point for the Fiber CO Trunk and Distribution Fiber to the individual homes. This hub can come in various configurations but the RBOC's configuration will generally be the 144 / 216 user format and designed to be a plug and play cross connect panel for the home connections. FDH Picture - Click Here
ONT ~ Optical Network Terminal , this is the CPE (Customer Premise Equipment) endpoint of the ODN. The ONT is an Optical to Electrical to Optical device , that delivers your triple play services. It will replace your existing copper NID (Network Interface Device) , and coax connections. The existing POTS / Coax inside wiring will be cross connected to the ONT. Since we understand that a PON is completely passive the endpoint must contain an AC voltage connection to perform the Optical to Electrical conversions for your services. Ex.1 ONT Picture - Click Here Ex.2 ONT Picture - Click Here
ONU ~ Optical Network Unit , this CPE is similar to the ONT but for a MDU / MTU , or small business. It contains 12 - 24 POTS Lines , multiple ethernet connections , and one / two high-powered RG video connections. Ex.1 ONU Picture - Click Here

PON Transport Operation
FTTx is not a new technology , it has been around for sometime within the RBOC's (Bell South was one of the first to experiment with FITL and implement this service back in the late 80's) but as years have passed the technology has advanced along with the reduction cost of fiber , creating what is the broadband craze of today. With this sudden craze and endless possibility of bandwidth , you should keep in mind a few several things. Fiber has the ability of offering a huge bandwidth , but within a PON there are several formats with limitations. These formats are APON (ATM-PON) , EPON (Ethernet-PON) , and GPON (Gigabit-PON) each has a unique set of features and transport process. At this time there is still a huge debate as to which format is the best and what should be the standard , but at this time most deployments are currently BPON , future deployments by the first of next year will generally be GPON if within the providers budget.
BPON - PON FSAN / ITU-T G.983
· Fiber Cable Span no more than 20Km (12Miles) of Single-mode fiber
· Asymmetrical 622 (OC-12) / 155 (OC-3) Mbs bandwidth per OLT path of 32 ONT's
· OLT - WDM (Wave Division Multiplexing)
· 1550nm (1480-1580) for downstream
· 1310nm (1260-1360) for upstream
· TDM (Time Division Multiplexing) of ATM packets
· 1:32 Passive Splitter OSP Topology
GPON - PON FSAN / ITU-T G.984
· ** Same as BPON standard except with the following differences
· Asymmetrical 1.2 Gbps or 2.4 Gbps / 155 or 622 Mbs bandwidth per OLT path of 32 ONT's
** Note: These services can also be configured symmetrical also but the most common deployments will be asymmetrical.
· FTTx Tutorial Links
Listed below are some recommended industry links to help in your further knowledge of this growing technology. As time permits I will update these links , for more in depth knowledge of the PON components please visit the Verizon tutorial.

Fiber Optic / FTTx Tutorials
Field Technician Training / News

Basic Principles of Fiber Optics
Fiber Optic Technology
FTTH Council
FTTH Explained
FTTH Interactive Tutorial
FTTH Video Overview

Telephonyonline FTTx News
Fiber / FTTx Training - The Light Brigade
Fiber / FTTx Training - Fiber Optic Association
Fusion Splicing Education
Exfo FTTx Testing / Training Videos


Broadband SoHo Verizon FTTP Tutorial
Verizon is currently testing and creating a deployment schedule of FTTP PON services. This new service architecture is a fiber (optical) platform , allowing today’s independent services (Voice , Data , TV) to be placed on a single fiber to the customers residence. This new architecture build out will resolve many issues for Verizon with its current aging copper plant and limited broadband capacity. With the deployment of this service Verizon will have the overall ability to offer its customers a true single bill for all the above services along with supplemental services with real time capabilities.

DISCLAIMER : This page was created as a basic technical overview of Verizon's FTTP service for new field technicians interested in this technology , and to help you recognize some of the visible equipment that gives you a sign that service is being deployed in your area. Within this document I will make reference to some manufacturers and illustrate their products. Do NOT reproduce any of the below pictures or information out of its context listed below. Please don't email us with any questions out of context listed below as we can't discuss any other technical issues or speculation of vendor companies. All text listed below is solely the opinion of BroadbandSoHo , and based on the overall architecture of a PON , and integration into an existing telco architecture. This page will be updated when we have the chance to expand on further topics and company hyperlinks of service updates.

Verizon FTTP System Overview System Overview Picture
· APON (Asynchronous Transfer Mode) / BPON - PON FSAN / ITU-T G.983
· Fiber Cable Span no more than 20Km (12Miles) of Single-mode fiber
· Asymmetrical 622 (OC-12) / 155 (OC-3) Mbs bandwidth per OLT path of 32 ONT's

· OLT - WDM (Wave Division Multiplexing)
· 1550nm downstream bandwidth for (Analog / Digital / HDTV)
· 1490nm downstream data rate of 622Mbps for Voice / Data
· 1310nm upstream data rate of 155Mbps for Voice / Data
· TDM (Time Division Multiplexing) of ATM packets
· 1:32 Passive Splitter OSP Topology

BroadbandSoHo Condensed Overview - PDF Click Here

Aerial Feed / Distribution Splice Enclosures

* Scroll over the enlarged pic ~ Left side enclosure is typically the F2. Right side , smaller 3M enclosure is typically the F1 enclosure.

Aerial Premise Drop Enclosure / Aerial to Buried Distribution Pedestal Enclosure - Click Here

* Scroll over the enlarged pic ~ Aerial customer drop enclosure.

Aerial Premise Installation - Verizon Video Clips


FDH (Fiber Distribution Hub)

Pic 1 - Open view of Aerial FDH 216. Pic 2 - Scroll over the enlarged pic ~ Pole Mount ADC FDH 216 w/ Aerial Feed & Distribution enclosure above. Pic 3 - Pedestal mount FDH , typically installed when area is serviced by underground facilities.

FDH (Fiber Distribution Hub) Installation - Verizon Video Clips


Verizon Residential Installation Overview


This is a link to a detailed review of Lance Ulanoff's (PC Magazine Columnist) FiOS installation at his residence. Photos of his installation.



Verizon MDU - Garden Style Installation


Property Buried Distribution - FDH feed to FDT Installation

(From Left to Right) Pic 1- Each property will have a main buried drop splice-point from the main FDH servicing the property. Pic 2 - Each individual building will have a buried fiber pig-tail spliced into the main fiber back to the FDH. Pic 3 - This fiber pig-tail is already pre-terminated to that new FDT , which will usually be located next to existing OSP facilities.

FDT - Exterior Molding Apartment Pathway
Ex.1 Exterior Molding Pathway ~ Click Here Ex.2 Exterior Molding Pathway ~ Click Here
Ex.3 Exterior Molding Pathway ~ Click Here Ex.4 Exterior Molding Pathway ~ Click Here

Tellabs ONT - Apartment Demarc Installation


FDT (Fiber Distribution Terminal)

* Each building FDT is capable of providing service to 24 apartments. As service is activated each jumper is then connected to that unit.




· ONT (Optical Network Terminal)
This is the CPE (Customer Premise Equipment) endpoint of the ODN. The ONT is an Optical to Electrical to Optical device , that delivers your triple play services. It will replace your existing copper NID (Network Interface Device) , and coax connections. The existing POTS / Coax inside wiring will be cross connected to the ONT. Since we understand that a PON is completely passive the endpoint must contain an AC voltage connection to perform the Optical to Electrical conversions for your services.

SFU (Single Family Unit)
The SFU ONT is primarily used in single dwelling homes. This ONT will replace your existing demarc that currently delivers your home service. This same unit (The 611i is the preferred model for this deployment) can also be used in MDU Garden Style installations. In these MDU installations the SFU is preferred so that the ONT can be placed directly in the unit , with the responsibility and electric cost passed to the customer.
Tellabs 612 SFU ONT - Product Sheet


Motorola 1000v SFU ONT - Product Sheet

Alcatel (To Be Announced - Soon)
Motorola 1000-V (4 Pots / 1 Ethernet / 1 Coax) 1000-M (Same as 1000v w/ MoCa) 1000-GT (GPON w/ MoCa)
Tellabs 611 - (4 Pots / 1 Ethernet / 1 Coax) 612 - (Same as 611 w/ MoCa) 712 - (GPON w/ MoCa)


MDU (Multi-Dwelling Unit)
The Tellabs MDU ONT will be used primarily in high-rise buildings. There are several models that can be deployed , each with specific transmission methods. Depending on the existing infrastructure facilities , an Ethernet or VDSL model will be installed. With the installation of an MDU ONT , you take advantage of the buildings existing cable facilities. This method is cost efficient compared to the cost of fiber deployment to each unit.

Tellabs 621 MDU Ethernet ONT - Product Sheet

Verizon MDU - VDSL Installation


MDU - Optical Network Terminals
Tellabs 726 MDU VDSL-2 GPON ONT

Alcatel (To Be Announced - Soon)
Motorola 6000 (4 Pots / 1 Ethernet / 1 Coax)
Tellabs 621 - (16 Pots / 8 Ethernet / 1 Coax) 625 - (16 Pots / 8 VDSL-1 / 1 Coax) 726 - (VDSL -2 w/ GPON)
** Tellabs 611i SFU Pic - 1 Unit installed in "garden style" MDU Pic - 2 Units installed in closet with existing ethernet / coax used

MDU - Frequently Asked Questions

Which installation is better the 611i SFU or MDU ONT ?
In regards to an MDU , the 611i build-out is cheaper when it's a "garden style" meaning three-story or less building. This installation also takes fiber directly inside the apartment. In a high-rise building , this can become very costly to say the least. The only way the high-rise deployment using the 611i would be cost effective is if it's a new building construction. (Note: This is also the only time you may see the use of the Ethernet MDU ONT) Otherwise the use of an MDU ONT is the most cost effective form of deployment in a high rise.
In an MDU ONT installation , how will the service be delivered to my apartment ?
Your apartments existing copper and coax cable will be connected to the new MDU ONT demarc located outside your apartment. With the VDSL model your data will be delivered to your apartment across your same copper pair your home POTS service is on. If you have ADSL now it will be delivered that same way. You will be given a BHR (Broadband Home Router) that will have a VDSL modem built-in that will connect to your computer. Video service will be delivered across your existing coax cable , extended from the ONT's RF port.
Example of possible deployment method - VDSL ONT deployed respectively to keep maximum service within specs , may include multi-floor deployments. Install new video riser extending from ONT RF port to then connect to existing lateral taps.
With the MDU VDSL installation , how fast can my connection be ?
There are two VDSL transmission methods. The first generation VDSL-1 can deliver speeds up to 15-40 Mbps in real-life deployments , VDSL-2 can deliver speeds up to 80-100 Mbps. These following factors play a part , condition of the copper loop , and distance from the ONT. With the fact that I'm from NY and the existing copper plant in these buildings are on average older than 30 years , with all types of splices etc from over the years , that's a real-life scenario. With that in mind VDSL-2 will most likely be the deployment of choice due to it's better transmission scheme @ 30Mhz , and it will also be on the GPON network , for better bandwidth and other features. These specs are only relevant on loop lengths of 1000ft or less from the ONT. Please refer to the DSL Forum for VDSL specs.
Why cant my service be delivered via MoCa ?
At this time , there is no MoCa feature on any MDU ONT. You must keep in mind that an SFU ONT was designed to work with one customer , with a set limit of speed and set-top box's that can be associated with it. The MDU ONT has only one RF connector that is then treated like a traditional CATV -Tap for service delivery. Also keep in mind that if Verizon can't get access-rights to that existing CATV - Tap to your lateral that goes to your apartment , having MoCa would be of no use at that point , forcing a new coax overbuild.
What factors can cause my building from not being deployed ?
There are several factors , the major one at the top of the list is property owner / co-op requirements. This can vary from issues (Equipment locations , who will pay for monthly ONT electric bill , etc) of how they may want the system deployed , a form of monetary compensation for access to the building or each unit serviced. Remaining factors being , if your building has an exclusive rights agreement with another company. Also if your existing cable company installed the coax cable and has rights to it , this will prevent Verizon from connecting to that same coax cable to deliver service to your apartment via the existing cable. This will change the deployment scheme and can become costly , if Verizon views your property not feasible (getting a high percentage of users) , your building may not be deployed with video service at that time. Finally , sad to say but when a property has had a previous bad experience with a company , it's hard to gain there trust again.




· FTTP MDU Tutorial Links
Listed below are some Verizon resource links , and recommended MDU technical PDF's to help you understand what goes into deploying FTTx in your apartment community. I hope this tutorial has been informative and helped you obtain a basic understanding of this emerging technology - as time permits I will update this page and associated links.
VEC - Verizon Enhanced Communities FTTH Summit

Verizon Links
Various MDU Technical PDF's

Verizon Fios
Verizon Fios - What is it ?
Verizon Fios - FAQ's
Verizon Fios TV
Verizon Fios - Installation Process
Verizon Fios - VEC MDU Group

Verizon Fios - MDU Q & A
Verizon / BICSI - MDU Structured Wiring
ADC - MDU Deployment Solutions
Broadband Properties - Verizon FiOS MDU
Corning - Fiber to the MDU
Cabling & Installation - Fiber to the MDU


Broadband SoHo FTTx MDU Services
BroadbandSoho is a FTTx MDU structured cabling provider of triple-play access to the small apartment community. We offer FTTH structured cabling to your MDU Apartment with triple-play hybrid cable / direct fiber which will then qualify your building to be FTTx MDU ready. BroadbandSoHo can help alleviate the process of your apartment building having service depolyed by pre-wiring your building and keeping the cost factor low for each unit installation. Our detailed installation is in complete compliance with your local FTTx provider and each apartment unit is fully tested along with results saved for the FTTx providers records.


FTTP MDU - ONU / ONT Installation & Testing



Professional installation of the ONT (Optical Network Terminal) with UPS battery back-up system. (This includes the ONT / FDT mounting installation and associated accessories. Transfer of customer existing facilities to ONT demarc labeled and documented.)
* Centralized / Distributed ONT installation
* Basement ONT demarc installation for connection to existing facilities
* Pre-certify existing copper for VDSL service delivery
* Hybrid composite cable installation to living unit with Leviton MDU demarc kit
* ONT Test & Turn-up with your NOC

FTTP MDU - Various Installations Click below pictures for detailed view






Note: At this time we only perform installations in small buildings with a maximum of six floors. In regards to existing copper inside wire , we will clear any faults that can be removed , if possible new inside wiring will be installed to the living unit. Please contact us for more detailed information on these services.