What type of fiber-to-the-x (FTTx) topology does a passive optical network (PON) use to make a P2MP fiber-optic cable connection between the broadband cable headend and the customer premises?

A passive optical network (PON) employs a point-to-multipoint (P2MP) architecture, which allows for the distribution of optical signals from a single fiber source to multiple endpoints, such as customer premises. The correct choice, which is Fiber-to-the-home (FTTH), is appropriate because it specifically refers to the deployment of fiber-optic cabling directly to individual homes.

In an FTTH topology, the PON connects the optical line terminal (OLT) at the service provider's headend to optical network terminals (ONTs) at customer locations. This direct connection enables high-speed internet access and efficient bandwidth utilization, characteristic of PON systems.

Other options like Fiber-to-the-node (FTTN), Fiber-to-the-curb (FTTC), and Fiber-to-the-building (FTTB) pertain to different deployment strategies where fiber doesn't reach the end users directly. Instead, they utilize copper or other forms of connectivity for the last segments of the connection. FTTN and FTTC typically involve termination at a node or curb, requiring additional infrastructure to deliver services to homes or buildings, thus not aligning with the PON's direct approach. Similarly, FTTB serves only multi-tenant buildings rather than individual homes,