- GFiber has used centralized architectures, but more recently it leans toward the distributed fiber broadband topology
- Brightspeed has chosen optical tap for its broadband topology
- Download Fierce Network Research’s free report on fiber network topologies here
The telecom industry is anticipating a fiber shortage beginning in 2026 and lingering for a couple of years. Those companies planning major fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) deployments should consider their options when it comes to network topologies because the choice can make a difference in the amount of fiber needed.
Fierce Network Research recently published a full report on fiber network topologies, which can be downloaded for free. As part of the report, we talked to executives from GFiber and Brightspeed who shared their reasoning as to why they chose a particular fiber broadband topology.
For a little context, traditional fiber networks have been deployed in a centralized topology that mimics the same pattern as legacy copper networks. With this architecture, feeder fibers originate at the optical line terminal (OLT) in a central office and are sent out to a fiber distribution hub (FDH). At the FDH, each feeder fiber is split either 32 or 64 times to serve 32 or 64 homes.
But there are three other types of fiber network topologies that have been created in the decades since copper networks were designed. These topologies include distributed, cascaded and optical tap.
Fierce spoke with Patrick Rave, GFiber’s technical lead for Expansion Operations. GFiber, previously known as Google Fiber, builds new greenfield fiber networks in urban and suburban areas. Historically, GFiber standardized on centralized architectures, but more recently it has leaned toward distributed topologies.
Rave said as a greenfield developer, GFiber’s biggest expense is the cost to deploy new physical infrastructure. It likes centralized or distributed topologies because they give greater flexibility over time in case a neighborhood densifies.
One major downside to centralized topologies is that they need permits for FDHs, while distributed architectures use smaller fiber housings that don’t require permits. As a result, GFiber is using distributed topologies more. “We have leaned that direction because from a city relationship and permitting process, it’s just less burdensome,” Rave said
Brightspeed uses optical tap
In contrast to GFiber, the service provider Brightspeed has standardized its network topology on optical tap for new fiber deployments. Brightspeed, which operates in 20 U.S. states, acquired its network from Lumen Technologies in 2022 and has since been overbuilding its network infrastructure with fiber-optic technology. Its network serves mainly suburban and rural locations.
Bobby Walters, SVP of engineering and network operations with Brightspeed, explained how the optical tap topology saves a lot of fiber to serve the same 32 or 64 homes that centralized or distributed topologies service.
“You basically do unbalanced splits, meaning 30% of the light will be dropped off, for example, and feed four customers," he said. "And then 70% of the light will continue down the path using the same fiber. Then, it will go to another terminal, which will drop off some more light and continue. And so now, instead of needing 32 fibers in the distribution, I need one fiber.”
Which topology to choose?
The bottom line is that fiber networks require costly investments — from CO and FDH infrastructure, to permitting, to labor costs, to the cost of the fiber itself. And although fiber deployments aren’t rocket science, there are more variables to consider than one might think. These include the types of fiber to deploy, whether to use connectorized cables, whether the network is in a densely-populated or rural area, how to avoid excessive splicing costs and more.
The choice of fiber topology is especially important now because there are several factors driving huge demand for fiber, including the boom in AI, densification of 5G and the imminent roll-out of Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) projects.
Panduit's Manager of Broadband Solutions Mike Vermeer recently said, “With 18 states now approved, BEAD is finally positioned to roll out quickly, allowing projects to get underway in early 2026. We’re already seeing a noticeable ramp-up in demand and a growing urgency around supply-chain readiness to support the volume of projects coming next year.”
As new fiber operators evaluate their options, they will definitely want to consider the fiber supply chain. Modern, lean-fiber topologies offer practical solutions to reduce fiber consumption while still meeting performance requirements.
Download Fierce Network Research’s free report on fiber network topologies here. For a full list of recent Fierce Network Research reports, click here.