Download - Broadband Properties

Applications for FTTH Providers:
Beyond the Triple Play
Network builders are not investing in
fiber to the home only so they can prepare
for future bandwidth needs and appeal to
“early adopters” who want to live the connected
lifestyle. Fiber offers other advantages
in the here and now: New broadband
applications are coming onto the market
every day, and many of them present opportunities
for use or resale by fiber providers.
Most of these applications can operate on
lower-bandwidth networks, but not with the
same degree of performance, security and
reliability as they do on fiber.
These new applications fall into several
categories. Some help differentiate fiberto-the-home
communities; some generate
additional revenue streams for providers or
help retain customers; still others can be
used by providers or property developers to
manage their assets more efficiently. (Some
of the applications can be classified in more
than one group, of course.)
Following are some examples.
Differentiating Your Community
Only a few years ago, fiber-connected developments
were so rare that fiber to the home
was a unique selling
point for developers.
Today, fiber has
become the norm
in new developments,
especially in
new master-planned
communities, according
to market
researcher Mike
Render. In order to
further differentiate
their communities,
developers are now
seeking applications
to leverage their fiber
infrastructure.
Telehealth gives residents in stant access
to medical specialists via videoconferencing
from the home, the fitness center or the
community room. The videoconferencing
may be integrated with Internet-enabled
diagnostic devices (blood pressure cuffs,
respiration measurement, etc.), electronic
medical records systems, online prescription
services, and online appointment
scheduling. Telehealth helps keep older
Telehealth helps
keep older adults living
independently – a boon
for those who care for
both their children and
their elders while
working full time.
adults living independently for longer, and
it is a boon for the “sandwich generation”
that is responsible for caring for both their
children and their elders while holding
down full-time jobs.
Community-based security systems
consist of linked IP videocameras and sensors
stationed on light poles and buildings
around a neighborhood. These systems
identify and track intruders, and can automatically
notify owners, security companies,
and sometimes police. Community-based
systems may be more effective than individual
home security systems because they trigger
alarms even before a home intrusion occurs,
and they are less invasive of residents’
privacy. Fiber networks support the broadcast
and recording of very-high-resolution
photos that are more useful for deterring
and apprehending intruders.
Social applications use the fiber infrastructure
to build a sense of community – an
important function in a new development.
They can range from social networking sites
focused on the community to intranet sites
featuring local news and events, to Webbased
or IPTV video channels broadcasting
local athletic contests, artistic productions
and political discussions. Because they can
be interactive, they easily trump conventional
“public access” stations on cable.
Arts and educational applications use
high-end videoconferencing in community
centers, outdoor arenas or children’s play
centers to bring live performances, virtual
museum tours, music lessons, book readings
and other interactive events into the community.
Residents can experience the benefits
of big-city life without its drawbacks.
Concierge and home-automation services
take advantage of the local fiber network
to make residents’ lives more comfortable
and convenient. Cameras that recognize
residents’ cars entering the community can
alert parking attendants and security personnel,
and then turn on lights and heating
or air-conditioning at home. Residents can
connect with a single click to community
services and preferred providers, calling to
schedule a dry-cleaning pickup, pizza delivery
or home repair.
Mobility is easier to accommodate with
a robust fiber-to-the-home network. Using
the backhaul afforded by FTTH, providers
12 | The Advantages of Fiber | FTTH Council