Issues that are quite relevant but remains unknown to many – Series-I
In today’s world, fiber is making all the difference. This includes fiber’s role in ketogenic diet which is crucial in maintaining a healthy gut, while alleviating many digestive disorders, consisting mostly of fibrous vegetables; Fiber ‘s aka Fiber Optic’s role in data transmission that consists of fine shreds of glass or plastic (Optical Fiber) is a decisive factor in carrying data at the highest speed.
Fiber optic also attributes to the technology that involves transmission of data in the form of pulses of light through strands of fiber medium consisting of glass or plastic, as against those sent as electrical pulses via conductive metal such as copper (wire). It , however, has been proved beyond doubt that the former is much faster than the latter and so has much been used in some of the forms outlined below.
FTTH utilizes Fiber Optic technology to augment communication
FTTH that stands for Fiber to the Home utilizes the newly developed Fiber Optic technology to enhance communication for households all over the world. More precisely, it is a sort of Fiber Optic communication transmission technique where the fiber extends from a central workplace to the boundary of a business premises or home living space. But the best part of the whole thing is that when it reaches its destination, the intending signal is carried all over the area through coaxial cable, wireless or power line communications. Needless to say, the prime benefit of FTTH revolves round much faster connection speed, as well as better carrying capacity, as compared to conventional Digital Subscriber Line (DSL). Nevertheless, here are some of the advantages and disadvantages of FTTH, as highlighted below
Advantages of FTTH
Internet at the speed of light: It goes without saying that the biggest advantage of FTTH is the higher Internet Speed which is valued by all users. Since Internet now is the key component behind most communications around our lonely planet, its speed matters most, regardless of whether it involves streaming videos or downloading files. Through enhancement of Internet Speed, FTTH has revolutionized the way people stay in touch with each other as also with evolving technologies. What’s more, it has opened up new avenues for people who work from home, a new trend that has gone further ahead of BOD, making employees work faster from home.
Technological benefits:
As because Fiber Optic cables do not carry electricity, they neither need elaborate grounding arrangements nor are affected by lightening or electric storm. As a result they may be installed anywhere outdoor. This is a great advantage, as compared to other methods of connectivity.
Can be installed anywhere:
As because Fiber Optic cables do not carry electricity, they neither need elaborate grounding arrangements nor are affected by lightening or electric storm. As a result they may be installed anywhere outdoor. This is a great advantage, as compared to other methods of connectivity.
Applications related to FTTH
Up-and-coming applications on the web are always asking for unprecedented bandwidths, while conventional services are finding it difficult to respond to such demands. New network architecture, however, has been developed to usher in high capacity Optical Fiber to (or around) homes and business houses. Featuring in this category is Fiber to the Curb, Home (Fttx) solutions developed on Passive Optical Network or PON that has been found to have gained incredible response among users round the world. However, studies reveal that the factors running behind this unbelievable success are economical price range as well as the removal of bottlenecks in delivering higher bandwidth among users.
Disadvantages of FTTH
While none can deny some of the major advantages that Fiber Optic cables provide for the users, one should also take into account some of its weaker sides. Since the Fiber Optic cable is much thinner and delicate (having fine stretches of glass inside) it faces greater risk of getting damaged by accidental smash up during building renovation or painting.
Instances are also not too rare when FTTH cables have been found to have bitten trough by rodents, thus dislocating the communication. These are also susceptible to radiation damage and exposure to chemicals.
Fiber Optic networks are vulnerable to something technically known as ‘Fiber fuse’, caused when excessive light passes through some flaw in the structure of the cable. Sadly enough, this can ruin large sections of the cable, an issue is not reversible.
Fiber Optic cables do not prove cost effective when laid for short term use because the laying cost does not compensate the running cost, turning the whole thing as unrealistic and fruitless.
Notwithstanding some of its weaknesses, FTTH will dominate the telecommunication arena for years to come, or till something more revolutionary looms large on the horizon. What, however, is important that the structure of the cable becomes tough enough to withstand minor external damages.
