3 basic telecom terms: First mile, Middle mile & Last mile
In the context of an ISP/Telcos, the terms first mile, middle mile and last mile and related terms refer to different segments of the network infrastructure used to provide internet and telecommunication services to end-users. Following is a brief description of each term
Note before: To avoid any confusion, the first and the last mile refer to the same thing, but from different perspectives
First Mile
The term first mile refers to the initial segment of the network infrastructure that connects the end-user premises to the ISP/Telco network. This can include various technologies such as copper, fiber, and wireless connections. The first mile is also sometimes referred to as the local loop. It is the initial stretch of physical network connecting the customers to a service provider. Colloquially dubbed the “on ramp” by some in the industry, the Firstmile largely comprises the physical medium carrying signals to and from end users. Whether fiber optic cable, copper wire, cellular spectrum, fixed wireless or even satellites, the Firstmile makes broadband possible in the first place.
Essentially, the Firstmile is nothing but the lastmile in service provider perspective.
Last Mile
Lastmile is nothing but the Firstmile in customer or user’s perspective.
The term last mile refers to the final segment of the network infrastructure that connects the ISP/Telco network to the end-user premises. The last mile is usually the most expensive and challenging part of the network to deploy, especially in areas with low population density or difficult terrain. Technologies used in the last mile can include fiber, cable, xDSL, wireless or even satellites. Lastmile constitutes the final leg delivering connectivity from local access points directly into homes and businesses. Comprising localized infrastructure like cable plant, telephone wire or wireless cell sites and tower, the Lastmile proves arguably the most expensive and difficult piece for telecoms and ISPs to deploy profitably. A continual challenge to efficiently bridge the looming last gap, this elusive last inch frustratingly resists closing especially in rural locales where dispersed customers make budgets balloon.
Middle Mile
In contrast, the The term middle mile refers to the segment of the network infrastructure that connects the first/last mile to the Telco/ISP’s core and upstream network. The middle mile is typically a high-capacity backbone network that carries traffic between the central office or data center and the local exchange or aggregation point. The Middlemile shuttles data at blazing speeds between major interconnection points across webs of carriers and internet providers countrywide. Massive bundles of fiber optic strands endlessly intertwining, this excessive central conduit ferrying trillions of bits enables modern digital life by linking far flung first and last mile networks together
In Summary…
In summary, the terms first mile, last mile, and related terms refer to different segments of the network infrastructure that are used to provide internet services to end-users, whereas the middle mile joins them to the core or upstream internet network. Each segment of the network has its own set of challenges and technologies that are used to provide reliable and high-quality services to customers.
