I have some inquiries about fiber internet.
I have some inquiries about fiber internet.
In the past, a cable network node could support around 300 users. Adding an AMP made it drop to about 130 per node. Removing equipment after the node with node +0 limits signal extension, so operators must increase fiber and nodes within their area. Fewer users per node lead to reduced traffic and less congestion. Comcast likely only uses 10Gbps links at its nodes, though this might not be accurate.
FTTH stands for Fibre to the Home, sometimes written as FTTP for Fibre to the Premises. It describes a direct fibre link delivered straight to your residence. The setup could involve a small termination unit outside with Ethernet extending further, or the fibre may travel inside and connect to a Fibre Media Converter—a device that combines fibre and Ethernet connections.
FTTC refers to Fibre to the Curb or Cabinet, while FTTN means Fibre to the Node. These terms are essentially the same. The connection originates from the ISP’s main network into your area and ends in a central street cabinet, usually visible as large grey or beige boxes. From there, traditional copper lines continue to your home, either via a pair of phone cables (for VDSL) or coaxial cable (for DOCSIS 3.x).
Most modern setups use cable internet for downloads up to gigabit speeds, though upload speeds are generally slower. Cable tends to lag behind true fibre in speed consistency, but the difference is minimal today. True fibre offers lower latency, though this gap is small. The main benefits of cable over fibre are affordability and wider availability—especially for higher-speed options like GPON, which allows bundling multiple services (like IPTV) using the same infrastructure.
Varies by provider. Verizon changes fiber into Ethernet or coax at your home. Coax carries TV signals. Comcast may install fiber directly to your house and switch it to RF via coax in some cases—this is called RF over Glass (RFoG). If you opt for their Gigabit Pro plan, they typically convert it to Ethernet or SFP+ as I remember.