Most LANs (local area networks of computers) are based on a network architecture derived from telephones in the early 1980s. The wire for structured cabling used for networks is twisted pair just like POTs (plain old telephone service), but upgraded for much higher speed systems. Fiber optics is included in cabling standards too, but still based on that same architecture of phone systems.
Innovative designers and manufacturers have started installing LANs based on a different architecture, the same telecom architecture used in FTTH (fiber to the home) systems. These new types of OLANs or optical LANs are capable of higher speeds, use less power and cost less than conventional LANs.
This video discusses the history of structured cabling standards and then describes how two innovative applications show the advantages of OLANs.