Which topology allows a smaller number of RF amplifiers between the optical fiber and the customer premises?

The correct choice is Fiber-to-the-curb (FTTC). This topology is designed to provide fiber connectivity closer to the customer premises compared to traditional copper networks. By placing the optical fiber at the curb near the customer's location, FTTC allows for a reduced distance between the optical link and the end-user connection.

With less distance to cover with coaxial or copper cabling, the need for multiple RF amplifiers is decreased. Amplifiers are typically required to boost signals over longer distances in coaxial or copper lines, so having the fiber closer to the customer minimizes the number of amplifiers needed to maintain signal integrity and strength.

In contrast, other topologies, such as Fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) and Fiber-to-the-building (FTTB), provide even closer connections directly to homes or buildings, but they do not specifically focus on optimizing the number of RF amplifiers in the same way as FTTC does within the context of accessing the customer premises from the curb. Fiber-to-the-node (FTTN) typically requires more RF amplifiers than FTTC, as the fiber connection is established further away from the end-user, leading to longer copper runs that require amplifiers to enhance the signal.