General FTTX network architecture is having feeder cable not longer than 10 – 20 km coming from the central office to the optical splitter which is allocated in 1 km from the customer premises. Optical splitter is having up to 32 or 64 distribution cables which are connected to customers or local splitter or access terminal. Drop cables are used for connecting local splitter to specific users.

Concept of FTTx architecture

Deep analysis of the network for making a decision of type and location of the optical splitter will save a lot of time and money. Adding more new users will result to increase the network capacity.
Usually the optical splitter is allocated in an outdoor enclosure or indoor equipment room in large multiple occupancy building. Distribution cables are running to single subscriber endpoint or to the local splitter.
Multiple splitters may be allocated at different strategic places. Possible configurations include first dividing point, which may be 1×8/1×4/1×2 and secondary dividing point of 1×4/1×8/1×16 splitters. This kind of architecture allows to reduce the amount of cables and drop fibers.
On the other hand, installation of multiple splitters is increasing cost of the network. Configuring this network might also make some difficulties, service truck might need to visit multiple locations for adding or removing new subscribers and customers.