Splitter is one of the essential and important parts of any FTTH network. Without it, fiber networks would just not scale as efficiently. It’s the component that carries a single…
Splitter is one of the essential and important parts of any FTTH network. Without it, fiber networks would just not scale as efficiently. It’s the component that carries a single optical signal from the OLT and then splits it to deliver to multiple end users. But when it comes to choosing Splitters for your deployment, two technologies dominate the market: PLC (Planar Lightwave Circuit) Splitters and FBT (Fused Biconical Taper) Splitters.
In paper terms, they’re alike — they divide an optical signal into several output paths — but in reality, they’re quite different, and they’re vastly different when it comes to their ability to scale up. For anyone contemplating or expanding an FTTH deployment, this difference is a must-know. It impacts real-time reliability, costs, and future scalability of your network.
What Is a PLC Splitter?
PLC Splitters are planar lightwave circuit (PLC) type splitter that splits an optical signal into two equal parts by introducing waveguides onto a silica substrate. Unlike Mechanical Splitters, PLC Splitters are made by precision microfabrication, and hence the output is uniform and consistent across all the ports regardless of the number of ways the split is made.
The default choice in large-scale, high-density FTTH deployments, PLC Splitter is available in ratios from 1:2 up to 1:64.
What Is an FBT Splitter?
FBT Splitters functions, however, by joining two or more optical fibers together under heat and tapering them so that light will be coupled from one fiber to the other. It is a more basic and traditional manufacturing process — and that simplicity also results in the lower price point — particularly for basic and low-count splits.
Generally, FBT Splitters can only be used at a ratio of 1:32 and are best used in smaller networks that require fewer branches.
PLC Splitters vs FBT Splitters: Key Differences
- Split Ratio & Scalability
The split ratios of PLC Splitter is significantly higher and up to 1:64, and the signal is distributed evenly between all the ports. FBT Splitters usually stop around the 1:32 split and have a hard time being consistent past the 1:8 split or 1:16 split. In an FTTH network that’s focused on expansion, PLC is the better option.
- Signal Uniformity
PLC Splitter, in this regard, are undeniably a winner. The split is formed by the etched waveguide, which means that the level of each output port is almost the same. By contrast, FBT Splittersfrequently exhibit power imbalance between the ports — and the farther away the ports are, the more power imbalance.
- Wavelength Performance
PLC Splitter can work steadily over a wide wavelength range (1260nm-1650nm), which ensures it is compatible with the existing and future FTTH standards, such as WDM systems. Comparatively, FBT Splitter is much less wavelength-sensitive and generally only function well in a much narrower band, which can lead to problems as networks move to higher-capacity services.
- Temperature Stability
FTTH networks frequently pass through outdoor cabinets and pole-mounted enclosures that are subject to real-world temperature fluctuations. PLC Splitter is known to operate well over a wide temperature range, whereas FBT Splitter is more temperature sensitive and may impact long-term performance in outdoor applications.
- Cost
The price of FBT Splitter is typically less for small, low-split-count applications (such as a 1:2 or 1:4 split). However, when all of those factors are taken into account, and the long-term maintenance and signal consistency are added, PLC Splitter will often provide a greater value per subscriber connected, particularly when looking at higher numbers.
- Size & Integration
A primary benefit of PLC Splitter is their compactness and ability to fit into rack-mounted or cassette-style enclosures, particularly in space-constrained cabinets, which include FTTH cabinets or ODCs. FBT Splitter is generally larger, and therefore more difficult to fit in modern and high-density outdoor infrastructure, for the same split ratio.
Which Fibre Optic Splitter Should You Choose?
| Requirement | Recommended Splitter |
| Large-scale FTTH rollout (100+ subscribers per node) | PLC Splitter |
| Small, fixed-count network with minimal future expansion | FBT Splitter |
| Outdoor deployment with temperature variation | PLC Splitter |
| Budget-first, low-split-count application | FBT Splitter |
| Multi-wavelength / WDM-ready network | PLC Splitter |
| Simple point-to-few connections | FBT Splitter |
To sum up: If your FTTH deployment is designed with scale, reliability, and future-proofing, it’s nearly always a better choice than PLC Splitter. The limits on uniformity and split ratio of FBT Splitter is becoming more difficult to overcome in cost-sensitive, low split applications, especially in larger networks with higher subscriber density.
Why This Decision Matters More Than It Seems
A splitter is not something that you can replace in the field when it breaks. If the wrong type is selected early on, you will end up with reduced edge-of-network signal strength and increased truck rolls for troubleshooting, as well as rework costs to scale. Obtaining the correct decision at the planning phase saves money and trouble in operation.
Explore Our Range of Splitters
We are a leading and established Airtel supplier that understands the needs and specifications of fibre optic splitter and other components that help in reliable performance and carrier-grade scalability. At CWIPL, we produce and provide the complete collection of Splitters for FTTH, FTTX, and enterprise fiber networks with consistent performance, high split ratio, and reliable outdoor operation.
Check out all our Splitters and get the perfect pair for your upcoming deployment.