The process of bringing Fiber to the Home (FTTH) cable into the house involves several steps, and the method can vary depending on the installation setup, but here’s the general process:
1. Fiber Optic Cable from the Street
The indoor ftth cable originates from the fiber optic network at the local exchange or street-level distribution point. The fiber optic cable is either installed underground or overhead through utility poles to a central point in or near the residence, such as a fiber distribution hub or fiber access terminal.
2. Point of Entry
Outside the House: The indoor ftth cable is generally fed through an exterior wall or into an underground conduit system to enter the house. There are a few common methods:
Wall Penetration: A small hole is drilled in the exterior wall of the house where the fiber optic cable enters. A protective sleeve may be used around the cable to prevent damage or exposure to the elements.
Underground Conduit: If the fiber is run underground, it will typically enter through a conduit that is routed under the ground and then into a wall or directly into the building’s basement or utility room.
3. Fiber Optic Termination Box (Fiber Wall Outlet)
Inside the house, the fiber optic cable is typically terminated at a fiber optic wall outlet or fiber termination box. This small device is mounted on the wall near the entry point and serves as the connection interface between the external fiber and your internal network. It provides a connection point for the optical network terminal (ONT) or modem.
4. Connection to the Optical Network Terminal (ONT)
The ONT (or fiber modem) is a device that converts the optical signals transmitted through the fiber cable into electrical signals that can be used by your home network, such as for internet, TV, and phone services.
The fiber optic cable connects to the ONT inside the house, usually through a dedicated port on the termination box or directly to the ONT device itself.
5. Routing the Cable Inside the House
Once the fiber optic cable enters the house and reaches the ONT, the remaining task is routing the indoor ftth cable from the termination box or ONT to the location where you need your internet or service access, such as near a router, computer, or entertainment system.
The interior wiring can either be run through walls or ceilings (using in-wall rated indoor ftth cable for safety), or along baseboards depending on the home setup.
6. Powering the ONT
The ONT typically requires power, so it needs to be plugged into an electrical outlet. In some cases, backup battery power is used to ensure continued service in case of a power outage.
7. Connection to Your Home Network
After the fiber has been terminated at the ONT, it is usually connected to a Wi-Fi router or other networking equipment that distributes the internet throughout the home. This can be done through Ethernet indoor ftth cables for wired connections or through Wi-Fi for wireless networks.
Key Considerations:
Drilling and Installation: Installation might involve drilling holes in the walls of your home to route the indoor ftth cable from the outside to the interior. Proper sealing is necessary to prevent water infiltration.
Cable Length: The length of the indoor ftth cable required to reach the termination point will vary depending on the distance between the street distribution point and your house.
ONT Placement: The ONT or fiber modem is often placed in a central location for optimal service coverage or near where the cable enters, though this depends on the customer’s preference and the technician’s recommendation.