Lowtech Graph lists low-tech options for every need of a home. Here you can compare them, find tutorials to build them, and link them together into a circular system. Why low-tech?

Fixed broadband / fibre connection

Needs the grid

One of 3 ways to meet this need. Cost, carbon, footprint and rankings are relative to other solutions for the same need, not absolute.

What your site needs

Fibre or broadband infrastructure reaching the site

A fixed internet line to the house, by fibre or cable. It gives the fastest and steadiest connection where it is available. It depends on the network reaching the site and staying up.

Cost

Low

Upkeep

None

Skill to build

Specialist

Lifespan

Fibre cabling itself: 35+ years and no known expiration date per industry research; the ONT/router terminal equipment needs replacement every 5-10 years

Embodied carbon

None

Space / material use

Low

Output timing

On-demand/controllable

Skill to repair

Specialist

Inputs

• Connectivity signal
• AC electricity

Outputs

• Connectivity signal

Compare the 3 ways to meet this need

Levels are relative to the other options for this need, not absolute. Fewer dots is lighter.

• Fixed broadband / fibre connection (This page)
  Can I use it? Works in a flat · No rebuilding needed
  What does it cost me? Upfront cost: Low · Skill to build: Specialist · Upkeep: Light · Change to daily life: None · Works without the grid: No
  Choose it if fibre or cable reaches the house and you want the fastest, steadiest connection.
• Cellular router
  Can I use it? Works in a flat · No rebuilding needed
  What does it cost me? Upfront cost: Low · Skill to build: Basic · Upkeep: Light · Change to daily life: None · Works without the grid: No
  Choose it if no fixed line reaches you but mobile coverage is good.
• Satellite internet terminal
  Can I use it? Works in a flat · No rebuilding needed
  What does it cost me? Upfront cost: High · Skill to build: Specialist · Upkeep: Light · Change to daily life: None · Works without the grid: No
  Choose it if neither fixed lines nor mobile coverage reach the site.

Sources

• Fiber Broadband Association longevity research (Businesswire coverage)

Limitations of this page

We don’t list sizing or quantities, as the yield of each technique depends on the quality of its build. The catalogue compares options but doesn’t dimension them. Regulatory notes are indicative, with a French example, and need to be confirmed locally.