FTTx open questions

While fiber as a technology is well defined, there are still many open questions concerning Internet access services that can be provided over optical fiber.

How much bandwidth (in megabits or gigabits) will be available (maximum and worst case)?

What particular level of service is guaranteed? See throttling and net neutrality - almost no providers allow gigabit access to the open Internet for ordinary customers.

What is the guaranteed latency (in milliseconds)? 100 milliseconds is usually considered the slowest that a network can be allowed to get without degradation to voice and other latency-sensitive services (e.g. VoIP, VPN, remote administration and videoconference).

In a power outage, how long will the communications network be able to function? Does the network prioritize power to telephone / G.729, SMS and other low-bandwidth safety-critical uses, or will battery or backup power run down due to TV watching and file sharing? Typical closets can support up to eight hours of battery backup — 72 hours is normally required for resilient community standards. The PSTN network backs up analog telephone for unlimited periods.

Will customer devices be paid for directly or billed as part of the service?

What services can the customer expect to be able to buy from the ISP? From third parties without ISP interference?

September 26, 2011

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