Passive Optical Network (PON) technology has emerged as an important solution as the demand for high-speed internet and seamless connectivity continues to increase.
With a unique approach to fiber optic telecommunications by harnessing the power of passive optical splitters, the Passive Optical Network enables efficient and cost-effective delivery of high-bandwidth services from a single provider to many end users.
This article will discuss Passive Optical Network from the definition, explore its different types and main functions in modern networks, and the regulatory information governing its implementation in Indonesia.
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Table of Contents
What is a Passive Optical Network?
Passive Optical Network (PON) is a unique fiber-optic telecommunication network solution because it does not require additional active devices in the signal distribution process. This technology uses passive optical splitters to spread optical signals from a service provider to multiple subscribers without the need for electrical power sources along its transmission path.
The main advantage of PON over active networks is its efficiency, where the system is able to transmit high-speed data simultaneously to multiple users, making it an excellent choice for Fiber to the Home (FTTH) implementation, business needs, as well as other modern telecommunications infrastructure.
Main Component of Passive Optical Network
PON consists of three main components, namely Optical Line Terminal (OLT), Optical Network Unit (ONU) or Optical Network Terminal (ONT), and Passive Optical Splitter. The following is an explanation of these components:
- Optical Line Terminal (OLT) – Located at the service provider center to control data communication.
- Optical Network Unit (ONU) or Optical Network Terminal (ONT) – Placed on the customer side to receive optical signals.
- Passive Optical Splitter – Splits the optical signal from the OLT to multiple ONUs/ONTs without using additional electrical power.
How a Passive Optical Network Works?
PON works by dividing one fiber optic channel into multiple channels using passive splitters. The working process is divided into two, namely from the service provider to the customer (downstream) and from the customer to the service provider (upstream). The transmission process works as follows:
- From service provider to subscriber (downstream): The OLT sends the optical signal to a passive splitter, which then distributes it to multiple ONUs/ONTs.
- From subscriber to service provider (upstream): The ONU/ONT sends data to the OLT using multiplexing techniques to avoid data collisions.
The Types of Passive Optical Network
Passive Optical Network (PON) technology has evolved with many variations. Here are some popular types of PON:
- APON (Asynchronous Transfer Mode PON): The first PON to use ATM (Asynchronous Transfer Mode) technology to transmit data with downstream and upstream speeds of 155 Mbps – 622 Mbps.
- BPON (Broadband PON): An upgrade from APON, which uses more modern protocols to increase bandwidth and performance with downstream speeds of 2.5 Gbps and upstream speeds of 1.25 Gbps.
- EPON (Ethernet PON): Uses the Ethernet protocol to transmit data with downstream and upstream speeds of 1 Gbps.
- GPON (Gigabit PON): An upgrade from APON and BPON, offering a downstream speed of 2.5 Gbps and an upstream speed of 1.25 Gbps.
- XGPON (10 Gigabit PON): An upgrade of GPON, which offers 10 Gbps downstream speed and 2.5 Gbps upstream speed.
- XGSPON (10 Gigabit Symmetric PON): An upgrade from XGPON, which offers symmetrical speeds of up to 10 Gbps for both upstream and downstream.
The Functions of Passive Optical Network
Passive Optical Network (PON) serves as a communication network system that uses optical fiber to deliver broadband services to multiple end users from a single service provider’s optical fiber. The following are the main functions of PON:
1. Provision of broadband access
The primary function of a PON is to provide broadband access. It enables high-speed internet access to homes or offices, connecting customers with their service providers.
2. Flexibility and scalability
The flexibility and scalability of PON are another advantage of this technology. PON can be easily customized to suit user needs, allowing network capacity to be increased as demand grows.
3. High quality of service
PON has a high quality of service by providing reliable connectivity, thus ensuring users smooth use of the network.
4. Triple play services
Supported by triple play services such as internet access, IPTV, and VoIP, PON provides users with a richer communication experience.
5. Service provisioning to multiple locations
PON can be deployed in various FTTX (Fiber-to-the-X) architectures, such as FTTC (Fiber-to-the-Curb), FTTB (Fiber-to-the-Building), and FTTH (Fiber-to-the-Home), enabling service provisioning to multiple locations.
Passive Optical Network Regulation in Indonesia
Passive Optical Network (PON) products sold in Indonesia must be certified by the Directorate General of Digital Infrastructure (DJID) under the Ministry of Communication and Digital (KOMDIGI). This is based on KEPMEN No. 58 Tahun 2022, which requires all radio frequency-based devices, including PON, to meet specific technical standards before being sold in the country.
DJID certification ensures that the product meets government safety and quality regulations and does not interfere with other communication devices. The certification process involves technical testing, such as frequency adjustments, safety checks, and compatibility with the surrounding environment.
Once the tests are completed, products that pass are listed in a Test Result Report, which confirms that the product is safe and ready for sale in Indonesia. This report reassures customers that the product meets technical standards and is secure.
For companies wanting to sell a passive optical network in Indonesia, Type Approval Certification Services for ICT Products are available to assist with this process. This service includes preparing technical and legal documents, conducting required testing, ensuring compliance with regulations, helping companies streamline the certification process, and giving consumers confidence in certified products.
