white paper
FTTP
A fiber-to-the-premises (FTTP) distribution network, by its very nature, requires numerous
interfaces and connections to route traffic between the end user and the central office. There is
a fine line between maintaining a flexible and easily-accessible infrastructure and still achieving
reasonable distances that are easily and effectively managed.
The decision to use splices or connectors at particular junctures requires careful consideration,
but a simple rule of thumb would be to splice connections that will remain permanent and use
connectors wherever a need for future access may occur. Unfortunately, it isn’t always that
simple. Consideration must also be given to the cost economics, skill sets requirement, slack
storage, signal loss, environment, and physical network characteristics.
Technician skill sets and equipment
Traditionally OSP networks used splicing exclusively as a means of interconnecting cables.
However, where a distribution network is involved, splicing could be a very expensive and time-
consuming operation. Since distribution networks require numerous connections for quickly
turning up services to thousands of homes and businesses, connectors offer more flexibility and
less personnel training to accomplish. Therefore, the number of technicians and equipment
required for multiple splicing operations must be considered.
Ease of access
The mythical “seamless” network may have appeared as a good solution for transport and
backhaul operations, but with an access network, the ability to easily test and monitor is
essential. Connectors enable easier access for troubleshooting and maintenance operations.
They provide access at multiple points along the network and are certainly simpler than cutting
into the cable to perform these same operations. Without seams provided by connectors, there
is no access or ability to physically restore a network outside of cutting into the optical cable.
Other considerations
The risk of inadvertent failure also increases when cutting and splicing cables, leaving a
possibility of service interruption or failure to other customers while troubleshooting a problem
in another area of the network. To most service providers, this is an unacceptable risk. (Should
address any other considerations here)
Connector improvements

a master, or reference, connector. Whenever return loss is measured without using a master
connector, the two connectors each have an index layer that increases return loss on the connection.
However, when measuring to a master, the connector under test has an index layer and the master
is assumed to have none, resulting in lower return loss on the connection. Proper tuning reduces
insertion loss by improving the alignment of the fiber cores in mated pairs. The accuracy of the
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tuning process has a direct affect on randomly inter-mated connector performance and is improved
through an automated process.
• Superior endface workmanship – Consistent endface geometry gives more consistent core-to-core
contact under all operating conditions, such as temperature swings and humidity, and provides a
good seal to prevent debris from migrating to the core during operation. Improved endface
geometry is indicative of a very repeatable, high quality, manufacturing process. ADC measures and
provides data for each of the following quality measurements: apex offset to <50 microns; fiber
recess to +/- 50 nanometers; and radius of curvature to 10-25 millimeters. In terms of endface visual
inspection workmanship, ADC has integrated manufacturing and measurement techniques that
produce extremely consistent products. This translates to flawless performance in the field,
regardless of which two connectors end up mated together.
• Factory termination – Network operators have long faced the question of whether it is more cost
effective to terminate fiber panels in the field or purchase pre-connectorized fiber panels from the
manufacturer. Field termination requires a dedicated labor force to load, install and terminate panels
on-site. Labor costs accrue quickly and reliability is jeopardized as possible human error puts proper
panel connectorization – and, ultimately, network performance – at risk. Factory connectorization
minimizes installation expense and maximizes network performance by eliminating additional labor
costs and termination gaffes in the field. Manufacturers understand the complexities of their own
panels and the optimal methods for termination, eliminating costly “do it again” scenarios by
offering accurate panel termination the first time at the factory.
Today’s competitive business environment leaves little margin for error when deciding how to
architect a FTTP network – therefore, the decision to splice or connect in an optical fiber network
can be a critical one. Both methods have benefits in certain situations, but it’s important to at least
realize that connectors have vastly improved in recent years. These manufacturing improvements