How Does FTTP Actually Work?

Let’s break it down. Traditional broadband sends signals via electrical impulses over copper wires. Copper’s fine, but it has limitations: speed drops over distance, and it’s more prone to interference.

FTTP uses fibre optic cables, which transmit data using pulses of light. These cables are thinner than a human hair but can carry enormous amounts of data very quickly and over long distances without degrading. Think of it as upgrading from a bumpy single-lane road to a smooth, multi-lane motorway.

Here’s the Journey:

• Your ISP has a central hub, called an Optical Line Terminal (OLT).

• From there, fibre cables run through a network of splitters and junctions (called the Optical Distribution Network or ODN).

• These connect to an Optical Network Terminal (ONT), which gets installed in your building.

• The ONT connects to your router, and just like that — lightning-fast internet.

Depending on where you are, you might get a Passive Optical Network (PON), which splits the fibre signal to multiple properties, or a dedicated line. Either way, it’s a significant leap over older connections.

What Equipment Do You Need for FTTP?

The gear is simple but powerful:

• Optical Network Terminal (ONT): This little box sits inside your property and connects the incoming fibre cable to your router.

• Router: You’ll want a decent router that can actually handle high-speed traffic. If you’re getting gigabit internet, don’t pair it with a cheap router — you’ll just create a bottleneck.

• Cabling: Cat5e or Cat6 Ethernet cables are ideal to run from your ONT/router to your devices.

• Power backup (optional): Fibre doesn’t carry electrical current like copper does. So in a power cut, unless you’ve got battery backup, the connection goes down.

What Are the Benefits of FTTP?

1. Blazing Speeds

FTTP offers speeds up to 1 Gbps or more — both download and upload. That means quicker backups, smoother video conferencing, zero-buffer streaming, and happier teams.

2. Rock-Solid Reliability

Because fibre doesn’t suffer from electromagnetic interference and isn’t affected by weather the way copper can be, you’ll see fewer outages and better uptime.

3. Lower Latency

Perfect for real-time applications like Zoom, gaming, VoIP, or any time-sensitive data. No more awkward pauses or lag in meetings.

4. Future-Proof Connectivity

As everything moves online — from cloud-based services to smart offices — FTTP gives you the headroom to grow without needing another infrastructure upgrade any time soon.

5. More Devices, No Problem

With more employees or smart devices relying on internet, FTTP handles simultaneous connections without slowing down.

Is FTTP Right for Your Business?

Not all areas have FTTP availability yet, but it’s expanding fast in the UK. You can check with providers or sites like Openreach or ThinkBroadband to see if your address qualifies.

If your business:

• Uses cloud platforms like Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace

• Hosts VoIP calls or video meetings

• Needs to upload large files (design, video, backups)

• Has multiple users online at once

• Wants a future-ready setup

…then FTTP is not a luxury — it’s a necessity.

How Is FTTP Installed?

If FTTP is available in your area, installation is usually straightforward. Your ISP will:

1. Run a fibre optic cable from the street to your building (this may involve digging or using existing ducts)

2. Install the ONT inside your premises (often near where the cable enters the building)

3. Connect the ONT to your router

Some ISPs offer pre-configured routers, while others let you bring your own.

Pro tip: Plan ahead where your router and networking gear will live — ideally near power outlets and centrally located for Wi-Fi coverage.

Are There Any Downsides?

FTTP is a huge upgrade, but a few things to be aware of:

• Availability is still rolling out — rural or older buildings might not have access yet.

• Installation can be disruptive — especially if new cabling is required.

• Power dependency — unlike copper-based phone lines, FTTP won’t work during a power outage unless you have battery backup.

Still, for most businesses, the pros heavily outweigh the cons.

Final Thoughts

FTTP isn’t just a buzzword — it’s the internet standard businesses should be aiming for. It gives you the bandwidth, stability, and scalability to keep up with modern demands. Whether you’re a startup, a growing SME, or an established office moving more services to the cloud, full fibre is an investment that pays off.

If you’re ready to upgrade your connection or have questions about business broadband options, our team at PurpleBox can help you choose the right setup for your needs.

Ready to level up your tech? Get in touch with our team or explore more at PurpleBox UK.