FTTP Checker

What's different about FTTP?

Instead of using copper between the local exchange/cabinet and the installation site, fibre is used end to end. The significant change is the use of a fibre connection between the local cabinet and the installation premises. The use of fibre means FTTP can offer remarkably high capacity speeds to its users.

What is the speed capability of fibre to the cabinet?

Potentially FTTP has unlimited bandwidth capability, only being limited by the electronic equipment lighting the fibre. Today FTTP speeds are being offered of up to 330Mb. The upload and download speeds are the same; they are symmetrical. The bandwidth quality options exist, including ultra high quality at 1:1 contention.

Is FTTP resilient?

GEA over FTTP uses one fibre. Back up is available using a second fibre or copper line. The service is not routed diversely. A lack of diversity means if the duct is cut, the service will fail.

Where is FTTP available?

GEA over FTTP is available to over 85% of UK businesses. You can check if your business can receive GEA over FTTP by checking using the Amvia checker on this page.

What are the key benefits of FTTP?

1:1 bandwidth

GEA over FTTP does offer uncontended 1:1 bandwidth. Uncontended access means there is no sharing bandwidth with other companies. Businesses can rely on the fact that the speed ordered will be the continuous speed achieved. There is no cap on the data transferred over the circuit each month. The service is truly unlimited, and there are no fair usage policies.

Enhanced Support

Enhanced support is provided on these services. Although the fix time is not as good as with a premium leased line 7 hours vs 4 hours. There is still a 24 x 7 x 365 support service. So you can report a fault as soon as it occurs and minimise downtime.

Service Guarantees

Although not as strong as a fibre leased line SLA, significant service guarantees back GEA over FTTP services. The guarantees cover features such as speed and availability. Unlike a leased line SLA, jitter, latency and packet loss are not usually included in a GEA over FTTP SLA.

Rapid Installation

The service can be installed in 45 days or less. The lead time is usually around 50% of a fibre leased line install lead time because the service utilises existing copper infrastructure.

Symmetrical Bandwidth

Fibre to the Premises services operates on the same upload speed as download speed called symmetrical bandwidth connection. The service is balanced, so if you order 100Mbps, you will receive 100Mbps upload and 100Mbps download. Similarly, if you order 200Mbps, you will get 200Mbps up and 200Mbps down. There are several benefits of this symmetry: If remote users are accessing HQ hosted applications and content. They can download and access these much faster. FTP and other remote web services have a far higher performance. It is quick to send and upload large files. Speeds are available up to 330Mbps.

Static IP Address

Static IP addresses are required for you to operate certain services. For example, you own email server, remote worker VPN, and self-hosted web servers. So, the number of IPs you need depends on your usage. IP addresses come in blocks of 4, 8, 16, 32, 64, 128 etc. You will need a dedicated IP address for each bit of hardware (e.g. router, firewall, webserver) or web services that will require a dedicated IP address. Most providers give a standard block of 4 or 8 IPs as part of the service. Requests for IP blocks larger than 8 will require a RIPE application to justify the block size.

Service Availability

Because the service uses existing duct infrastructure, the availability is widespread. The main determining factor as to whether you can get access is not the availability of fibre. It is the availability of access technology at your local exchange from either BT or an LLU provider.

Reporting

Most providers provide an online web portal specific to your service. The portal can show you uptime statistics, usage of the connection over time and much more. Often this service also allows you to raise a support ticket and handle any moves and changes.

Is GEA over FTTP a good compromise between ADSL and a leased line?

FTTP is a much better product for businesses than DSL. DSL is the best endeavours product, which means speed is the best the provider can deliver, with no commitment. Uptime is the best the provider can try to offer, with no obligation. FTTP has a 9-hour fix SLA and 24 x 7 x 365 support. If your business relies on internet access, your SLA is a critical consideration.

Choosing the correct service depends entirely on your requirements. What is suitable for one business may not be ideal for another. Amvia has experts on hand to help you make the right decision.

Is it possible my installation may encounter time delays during installation, and how does this typically affect the progress of an order?

It is possible. A new fibre cable will need to be installed to your premises. Delays and unforeseen issues are sometimes encountered. Amvia will work with you to minimise such problems.

What is the maximum speed available?

Most businesses should receive the speed they demand because an all-optical fibre service does not face the same limitations as a copper/fibre service. Theoretically, at the moment, the maximum speed any business can receive is 330Mbps. The chances are FTTP is available at your business premises. To make sure use the FTTP availability checker.

Is fibre to the premises suitable for VoIP?

Yes, it is ideal for supporting VoIP applications. The circuit and bandwidth are dedicated to you, which means you can rely on the bandwidth availability you need to run VoIP applications successfully if you select a provider which can enable QoS. You will be able to partition dedicated bandwidth to phone calls, which allow you to guarantee call quality.

How much is FTTP?

Monthly rental for FTTP ranges from £50-£500/month in the UK.

GEA FTTP connection/set-up charges are higher than FTTC and EFM because BT has to lay a brand new fibre optic cable to the local cabinet from the premises. The new line is how the service connects to the BT network. A fixed £500 one-off installation fee will apply to all orders. In addition, there is a distance-based construction charge. The charge is variable, and determined by the distance of your premises from the nearest NGA Aggregation Node. Virtually all FTTP customers will need to pay £1,400 – £3,500.