What type of single-mode fiber is intended for FTTH installations?

The correct choice, ITU-T G.657 BIF Bend-insensitive fiber, is specifically designed to address the challenges posed by tight installation environments commonly encountered in Fiber To The Home (FTTH) applications. One of the primary benefits of G.657 BIF fiber is its superior resistance to bending, which is critical when installing fiber optic cables in residential settings where sharp bends and microbends may be unavoidable due to space constraints.

Bend-insensitivity allows for greater flexibility in the installation process. This means that G.657 fibers can be routed around corners and squeezed into tighter spaces without significant losses in signal quality, which is a crucial requirement for maintaining high-quality service in FTTH systems. The ability of G.657 fiber to perform well even when subjected to bending makes it particularly advantageous for the last mile of fiber distribution to homes.

In contrast, the other types of fibers listed typically serve different purposes or applications. For instance, ITU-T G.652 standard fiber, while widely used, does not offer the same level of bend insensitivity as G.657. G.655 non-zero dispersion-shifted fiber is primarily used in long-haul communications, focusing on minimizing dispersion over extensive distances rather than dealing with installation challenges. G.