Passive Optical Network (PON) is one of the technologies that can provide fast and efficient connections in the midst of the development of the digital world.
Passive Optical Network is the main choice in the implementation of Fiber to the Home (FTTH), because it is able to provide a reliable connection with a simpler network structure than active networks.
This article will review Passive Optical Network from its definition, working mechanism, and the various types available.
Also Read
Table of Contents
What is a Passive Optical Network
Passive Optical Network (PON) is a fiber optic-based telecommunication network technology that operates without the need for additional active devices to distribute signals.
By using passive optical splitters, the system allows signals from a service provider to be distributed to multiple users without the need for additional electrical power sources along the transmission path.
The main advantage of PON over active networks lies in its performance efficiency. It is capable of transmitting high-speed data simultaneously to multiple users, making it suitable for use in Fiber to the Home (FTTH) networks, business environments, and various modern telecommunications infrastructures.
The Elements of Passive Optical Network
PON consists of several important elements, namely:
- Optical Line Terminal (OLT): Located at the network provider’s service center and serves to manage data communications.
- Optical Network Unit (ONU) or Optical Network Terminal (ONT): Placed at the customer site to receive and convert optical signals.
- Passive Optical Splitter: Works to split the signal from the OLT to multiple ONUs/ONTs without requiring additional electrical power sources.
How Passive Optical Network Works
The transmission process proceeds as follows:
- Downstream direction (from service provider to subscriber): The OLT sends the optical signal to a passive splitter, which then distributes the signal to several ONUs/ONTs.
- Upstream direction (from subscriber to service provider): The ONU/ONT sends data back to the OLT using a multiplexing method so that data from various users does not collide with each other.
The Types Passive Optical Network
Passive Optical Network (PON) technology has evolved with many variations, including:
| PON Type | Technology | Downstream Speed | Upstream Speed |
| APON/BPON | ATM-Based PON | 155 Mbps – 622 Mbps | 155 Mbps – 622 Mbps |
| GPON | Gigabit PON | 2.5 Gbps | 1.25 Gbps |
| EPON | Ethernet PON | 1 Gbps | 1 Gbps |
| XGPON | 10 Gigabit PON | 10 Gbps | 2.5 Gbps |
| XGSPON | 10 Gigabit Symmetric PON | 10 Gbps | 10 Gbps |
GPON and EPON are the most commonly used technologies in Fiber to the Home (FTTH) networks as they support high speed and bandwidth efficiency.
That’s a review of Passive Optical Network, from understanding, how it works, to its types. Hopefully, it can help you consider using this technology that allows high-speed internet access efficiently and energy-efficiently.
