 passive optical network FAQs. What is passive optical network? Passive optical network PON is a type of fiber optic access network. A PON reduces the amount of cabling and equipment required compared to an active optical network where each user has a separate connection to the network hub. Generally, a PON configuration contains an optical line terminal OLT at the service provider's central office and a number of optical network units ONU or optical network terminals ONT near end users. How does it work? PON uses an optical splitter to allow multiple subscribers to share a single fiber connection to the service provider's network. Furthermore, the splitter is a passive device that does not require any power. The OLT contains a laser that sends an optical signal down the fiber to the splitter. As a result, the splitter then separates the signal into multiple signals, each of which is sent to a different ONU or ONT. The ONU or ONT converts the optical signal back into an electrical signal that can be used by the customer's equipment. advantages PON offers a number of advantages over other access technologies such as twisted pair or coaxial cable. PON is more scalable. It is easier to add new subscribers to a PON system than other types of networks. The passive components in a PON system do not require power which means that there are fewer potential points of failure. Cost effective, the use of optical splitters means that a PON system can serve many subscribers with a single fiber connection. As a result, this reduces the amount of cabling and equipment required compared to other types of network. Disadvantages PON has a number of disadvantages compared to other access technologies. PON is more vulnerable to environmental factors. For example, components can be damaged by water, humidity, or temperature extremes. The OLT and ONU or ONT equipment required for a PON system is more expensive than the equipment required for other types of network. Longer installation times, passive optical components must be carefully installed and aligned, which can take longer than other types of network. What is Ethernet Passive Optical Network? Ethernet Passive Optical Network, EPON, is a type of passive optical network, PON that uses Ethernet as the transport protocol. EPON is standardized by the IEEE 802.3AH committee. EPON offers a number of advantages over other PON technologies. Uses a standard Ethernet interface, which simplifies equipment compatibility and reduces costs. Supports a wide range of data rates, from 10 megabits per second to 1 gigabit per second. Can be easily upgraded to support higher data rates, by simply changing the optical transceivers. What is Gigabit Passive Optical Network? Gigabit Passive Optical Network, GPON, is a type of PON that supports data rates up to 2.5 gigabits per second downstream, and 1.25 gigabits per second upstream. GPON is standardized by the ITUTG 984 series of recommendations. What is Next Generation Passive Optical Network? Next Generation Passive Optical Network, NGPON, is a type of PON that supports data rates up to 40 gigabits per second downstream, and 10 gigabits per second upstream. NGPON is standardized by the ITUTG 989 series of recommendations. Advantages of GPON and NGPON, over other PON technologies. Supports very high data rates, making it ideal for applications, such as HDTV, and video on demand. GPON and NGPON are scalable, it is easy to add new subscribers or upgrade existing subscribers to higher data rates. Cost effective, the use of optical splitters means that an NGPON system can serve many subscribers with a single fiber connection. As a result, this reduces the amount of cabling and equipment required, compared to other types of network. For further assistance or a free survey, please email or call on the details below, and click like and subscribe if you have enjoyed this video.