GPON: Gigabit Passive Optical Network

GPON called a Gigabit Passive Optical Network, is a point-to-multipoint fiber access network that delivers service to multiple users via fiber optic cable. GPON network consists of an OLT (Optical Line Terminal), ONT (Optical Network Terminal, or ONU, Optical Network Unit), and an optical splitter. Signals from the OLT are transmitted to the splitter, then the splitter spreads the signal to the ONT. GPON is the leading form of Passive Optical Networks. It relies on fiber optic cables to deliver video, data, and voice signals at gigabit speed. In addition, GPON technology also provides service providers with a reliable roadmap to meet customer demands. It is widely used in FTTH and FTTP networks

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GPON provides maximum speeds typically 2.488 Gbps downstream and 1.244 Gbps upstream. This bandwidth is shared amongst end users, resulting in broadband access speeds starting at 10 Mbps. GPON networks offer up to a 1:64 ratio on a single optical fiber. This means a single fiber from the OLT can deliver information and data to up to 64 end users (or residences). Compared with standard copper wire, it is 95% more energy efficient. In addition, GPON uses passive splitters in the fiber distribution network, enabling one single feeding fiber from the provider to serve multiple homes and small businesses.

Three Components of GPON

GPON consists of three main components: an OLT (Optical Line Terminal), an ONU (Optical Network Unit) or ONT (Optical Network Terminal), and a passive optical splitter.

OLT (Optical Line Terminal)

OLT is the network manager of Gigabit Passive Optical Network. It is the device located at the service provider’s central office. It sends and receives video, data, and voice optical signals to and from the ONT at the receiver’s end. OLT sends downstream optical signals at 1550 nm for video and 1490 nm for voice and data, whereas it receives upstream optical signals at 1310 nm. This prevents interference. It is connected to the optical splitter via backbone cabling.

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ONU (Optical Network Unit) or ONT (Optical Network Terminal)

ONU (Optical Network Unit) or ONT (Optical Network Terminal). ONT is an ITU-T term, while ONU is an IEEE term. They are sometimes used interchangeably. ONU is a specialized optical modem. It converts optical signals into electrical signals to connect end user’s equipment, such as computers, televisions, WiFi, VoIP phones, etc. ONUs can work in different temperatures and weather conditions.

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Passive Optical Splitter

 Passive Optical Splitter is a passive component that enables a single fiber optic cable to be split into multiple single strands of optic fiber. Then, these optical fibers connect to individual ONUs at the end user. A single network can include multiple splitters. It often has a specified split ratio that could be 1:64, 1:32, 1:16, 1:8, or 1:4, depending upon the number of outputs required.

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Advantages of GPON

Energy Efficient

GPON are passive networks – they do not require additional energy to power them. Therefore, it has a low energy consumption – 0.5 Watts/user. In addition, compared with standard copper wire, it is 95% more energy efficient.

High Speed

Use optical signals for transmission, so the transmission speed is very fast. The downstream rates of up to 2.5 Gbps and upstream rates of up to 1.25 Gbps.

Long Distance

The GPON allows for coverage of up to 20 kilometers (around 12.4 miles) between the central office and the end user.

Security

GPON uses advanced encryption standards to maintain inherent security. Therefore, it is virtually impossible to eavesdrop, wiretap, and other hacking attacks.

Low Cost

GPON networks use inexpensive passive optical splitters, then a single shared optical fiber can support multiple users. It provides one of the most cost-effective ways for service providers to deploy fiber. In addition, these components are passive, they are much cheaper to maintain or replace.

In Conclusion

GPON is one of the most widespread fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) technologies. If you want to look for an easy and affordable way to deploy a GPON or get the kit. We’ll be happy to answer any of your questions. If you need it, please contact us: [email protected].

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