A FTTH (fibre to the home) network is a system of interconnected elements in which end-users are connected to a centralpoint using only optical fibre cabling. This is the key differentiator to other types of broadband network.In this section, we will be taking a closer look at these elements and how they are connected. Each centralpoint - also known as an access node or Point of Presence (POP) - contains electronic transmission (active)equipment required to deliver applications and services to subscribers. End users of FTTH networks areprimarily located in their residences. However, a plethora of other end user locations are also possible,including offices and wireless antenna sites.Fibre offers the highest available bandwidth today and can transport huge volumes of data with the lowestlatency. Fibre can transport data faster than any other medium. It works well across long distances withoutsignal degradation or the need to boost the signal along the path. After installation, the performance offibre can be improved by changing the electronics while continuing to use the existing cable.Unlike copper cables, fibre is immune to electromagnetic interference and weather conditions. This makesfibre networks inherently more reliable and secure. Fibre cable can also improve CAPEX/OPEX thanks toits relatively low cost, durability, and the fact it offers scope for adding services in future. In short, fibre-optic cable is key to accommodating today’s increasingly bandwidth-hungry applications, as well as futuretechnologies.Numerous studies indicate that fibre broadband brings a wide range of benefits, from increasing GDP andemployment to supporting job retention and new business creation. In fact, fibre networks - the ‘fourthutility’ - are vital to our long-term economic and social future.