What are the differences between FTTH and FTTN

Updated on Sun Aug 24 2025

FTTH (Fiber to the Home) and FTTN (Fiber to the Node) are two different approaches to delivering high-speed internet and other communication services to homes and businesses. In this article, we will discuss the differences between the two and the advantages and disadvantages of each.


FTTN:

FTTN is a network architecture in which the fiber optic cable is terminated at a nearby node, usually a street cabinet or a junction box. From there, the signal is carried over copper or coaxial cables to individual homes and businesses. This type of network architecture is also known as a hybrid fiber-coaxial (HFC) network.


Advantages:

FTTN networks are cheaper to deploy compared to FTTH networks, as they require less fiber optic cable.


FTTN networks can deliver high-speed internet and other communication services to a large number of homes and businesses over a wide area.


FTTN networks are compatible with existing copper and coaxial cables, which means that they can be easily upgraded to support higher speeds and capacity.

Disadvantages:


FTTN networks suffer from signal degradation and attenuation over long distances, which can result in slower internet speeds and lower quality of service.


FTTN networks rely on existing copper and coaxial cables, which can limit the maximum speed and capacity that can be delivered to homes and businesses.

FTTH cable

FTTN networks are more susceptible to interference and noise, which can degrade the quality of service.


FTTH:

FTTH is a network architecture in which the fiber optic cable is terminated directly at the home or business. This allows for higher speeds and greater capacity, as there is no signal degradation or attenuation over long distances.


Advantages:

FTTH networks can deliver higher speeds and greater capacity compared to FTTN networks, as there is no signal degradation or attenuation over long distances.

FTTH networks are more reliable and less susceptible to interference and noise compared to


FTTN networks.

FTTH networks are future-proof, as they can support higher speeds and capacity without requiring major upgrades.


Disadvantages:

FTTH networks are more expensive to deploy compared to FTTN networks, as they require more fiber optic cable.

FTTH networks require specialized equipment and installation, which can be time-consuming and costly.


FTTH networks are not compatible with existing copper and coaxial cables, which means that they cannot be easily upgraded to support higher speeds and capacity.


Conclusion:

Both FTTN and FTTH have their advantages and disadvantages. FTTN is a more cost-effective approach to delivering high-speed internet and other communication services to a large number of homes and businesses over a wide area. However, it suffers from signal degradation and attenuation over long distances and is more susceptible to interference and noise. FTTH, on the other hand, delivers higher speeds and greater capacity with no signal degradation or attenuation over long distances. However, it is more expensive to deploy and requires specialized equipment and installation. Ultimately, the choice between FTTN and FTTH depends on factors such as cost, reliability, and capacity requirements.


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