A point-to-point FTTH network architecture provides a direct connection to a single household. In that sense, it is similar to copper-based DSL networks however it is fully based on fiber. PTP FTTH is often coined as a future-proof and an agnostic architecture because the operator can scale on an individual basis and the centralization of complexity allows any transmission technology to be deployed. Ethernet is the technique used in PTP FTTH to provide high-rate connectivity to the end consumers. Most importantly, Ethernet PTP is a standard that provides interoperability between any vendor of switches and CPEs.
Architecture The passive outside fiber plant of a PTP network has a single fiber to each connected home. It is clear that PTP FTTH benefits from developments in high-density fiber cables and optical distribution frames (ODF). Nevertheless, the fiber complexity remains high since all fibers require termination and handling at a central node. The fiber-only losses allow cheaper optical components to be used since the transmission power and required receiver sensitivity are lower than in PON-based networks. Typical maximum distances are specified up to 10 km due the power budget. Each user has a dedicated port at the switch and so an operator can opt for a "pay-as-you-grow" scenario by using multiple ODF in cascade. In that sense, the capital and operational expenses are attractive at low take rates thus at the start of a PTP FTTH deployment.