Fiber-to-the-home is represented by a passive optical network (PON) that connects a subscriber’s home network to a central office (i.e., the last mile). An FTTH link consists of a singlemode fiber (drop cable) that exits a transmitter/receiver (optical network terminal or ONT) installed at the subscriber’s premises. The drop cable passes through at least one local PON splitter. The splitter then connects to the optical line terminal (OLT) at a central office via a multifiber cable (feeder). 

The setup is similar for fiber-to-multidwelling-units, except that fiber distribution terminals (FDT) are used to connect every subscriber’s ONT to a fiber distribution hub (FDH). The FDH cabinet, which contains splitters, patch panels and fiber-management elements, is connected to the central office.

Synonym: Fiber-to-the-Premises (FTTP).