What type of fiber-to-the-x (FTTx) topology does a passive optical network (PON) use to make a point-to-multipoint (P2MP) fiber-optic cable connection?

The utilization of a passive optical network (PON) in a point-to-multipoint (P2MP) configuration is most accurately represented by the fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) topology. In FTTH, the optical fiber extends directly from the central office or service provider to the end user's home, offering a dedicated high-bandwidth connection that supports a range of services such as internet, television, and telephone.

PON technology is characterized by its ability to split the optical signal from a single fiber into multiple paths, allowing a single optical line terminal (OLT) to serve several optical network terminals (ONTs) at different premises. This structure is inherently designed to facilitate the direct delivery of services into residential areas, which aligns with the primary purpose of FTTH.

While other FTTx architectures, such as fiber-to-the-building (FTTB), fiber-to-the-node (FTTN), and fiber-to-the-curb (FTTC), do exist, these topologies involve varying levels of distance from the optical fiber to the end-user. FTTB, for instance, typically refers to the deployment of fiber up to the building where it reaches a distribution point for multiple units within the structure, rather than the individual home. FTTN