Fiber to the x (FTTx) is a term for any broadband network architecture that uses fiber optic cable instead of the regular copper cable for last mile telecommunications. X means where the fiber optic cable ends. The generic term is used as a generalization of several configurations of fiber deployment (FTTN, FTTC, FTTB, FTTH...), all starting by FTT but differentiated by the last letter, which is substituted by an x as generalization.


FTTN - Fiber-to-the-node - fiber is terminated in an outdoor street cabinet up to several kilometers away from the customer premises,with the final connection being copper.


FTTC - Fiber-to-the-cabinet or fiber-to-the-curb - this is very similar to FTTN, but the street cabinet is closer to the user’s premises;typically within 300m.


FTTB - Fiber-to-the-building -fiber reaches the boundary of the building, such as the basement in an multi-dwelling unit, with the final connection to the individual living space being made via copper or wireless means.


FTTH - Fiber-to-the-home - fiber reaches the boundary of the living space, such as a box on the outside wall of a home.


FTTP - Fiber-to-the premises - this term is used in several contexts: as a blanket term for both FTTH and FTTB, or where the fiber network includes both homes and small businesses.