Overview
The BWN-PLC-IM-1X32-SC-APC is a 1×32 planar lightwave circuit (PLC) splitter in an ABS box package with SC/APC connectors, built to divide one optical signal into 32 equal outputs in PON and FTTH distribution networks. It operates across the full 1260–1650 nm window, so 1310 nm upstream, 1490 nm downstream, and 1550 nm RF video wavelengths pass through the same device.
This 1×32 optical splitter box suits ISP procurement teams and FTTH contractors who need a connectorized, ready-to-install split for fiber distribution hubs, wall-mount boxes, and ODFs — no field splicing of the splitter itself. The ABS enclosure protects the 50×7×4 mm PLC device and pigtails, trading a larger footprint (140×115×18 mm) than bare or steel-tube versions for faster installation off the splice tray.
Key Features
- 1×32 even split for GPON: one input, 32 uniform outputs — the standard single-stage ratio to serve up to 32 ONTs from one OLT PON port.
- 16.5/16.9 dB max insertion loss (P/S grade), 1.5 dB uniformity: consistent receive levels across all 32 drops.
- 55 dB return loss, SC/APC: the 8° angled endface controls the reflectance PON and RF video overlays are sensitive to.
- 1260–1650 nm window, 0.5 dB wavelength-dependent loss: carries 1310/1490 nm PON and 1550 nm video on one splitter.
- -40 to +85 °C operating/storage, 0.5 dB temperature stability: covers street-cabinet and closure conditions.
- ABS box, 140×115×18 mm: protects the PLC device and pigtails; 0.9/2.0/3.0 mm fiber, 1 m pigtails, custom lengths available.
Specifications
1×32 column of the BWNFiber 1×N PLC specification table, quoted verbatim.
| Parameter | 1×32 |
|---|
| Operating Wavelength (nm) | 1260~1650 |
| Fiber Type | G657A or customer specified |
| Insertion Loss (dB) (P/S Grade) | 16.5/16.9 |
| Loss Uniformity (dB) | 1.5 |
| Return Loss (dB) | 55 |
| Polarization Dependent Loss (dB) | 0.3 |
| Directivity (dB) | 55 |
| Wavelength Dependent Loss (dB) | 0.5 |
| Temperature Stability (-40~85 °C) (dB) | 0.5 |
| Operating Temperature (°C) | -40~85 |
| Storage Temperature (°C) | -40~85 |
| Device Dimension (mm) (L×W×H) | 50×7×4 |
| Module Dimension (mm) (L×W×H) | 140×115×18 |
Model configuration:
- Splitter Type: ABS Box Type
- Connector Type: SC/LC/ST, APC/UPC (this page: SC/APC)
- Fiber Diameter: 0.9mm / 2.0mm / 3.0mm
- Fiber Length: 1m or customized
- Compliance: Telcordia GR-1209-CORE, GR-1221-CORE
Connectors, Fiber Types & Compatibility
This page ships with SC/APC connectors. The 8° angled endface directs reflected light into the cladding instead of back toward the source — how this model reaches 55 dB return loss, and why most FTTH ODN specifications call for APC at every mated point. Never mate SC/APC into an SC/UPC adapter: the contact adds loss and can damage both endfaces. For UPC plants, sibling model BWN-PLC-IM-1X32-SC-UPC covers the same 1×32 ABS box.
Standard fiber is G657A bend-insensitive single-mode; customer-specified fiber is accepted. The input pigtail lands on the OLT PON feeder; the 32 outputs mate with SC/APC adapters in distribution boxes, patch panels, or ODFs.
Applications
- GPON FTTH distribution: the classic split — one OLT PON port serves up to 32 ONTs through a single stage, the cost model most FTTH networks are designed around.
- Street cabinets and distribution hubs: the ABS box mounts inside the enclosure, -40 to +85 °C covers outdoor cabinet conditions, and pigtails plug into adapter panels.
- MDU and riser builds: a connectorized module shortens work in telecom rooms where splicing a bare splitter would slow the crew.
- CATV / RF video overlay: 1550 nm sits inside the 1260–1650 nm window, and 55 dB return loss limits reflections overlay systems are sensitive to.
How to Choose: Split Ratio, Grade, and Package for a 1×32 GPON Build
Why 1×32 is the classic GPON ratio. GPON delivers 2.488 Gbps downstream per OLT PON port, shared by every ONT on the split. A 1×32 split is the balance point: enough subscribers per port for the economics to work, with per-subscriber bandwidth and power budget still workable. Lower splits (1×8/1×16) raise per-user headroom; 1×64 cuts port cost but stretches the loss budget.
Check the power budget before fixing the ratio. A 1×32 stage consumes up to 16.5 dB (P) or 16.9 dB (S). For general engineering context, GPON Class B+ allows about 28 dB and Class C+ about 32 dB of path loss; the margin after the splitter pays for fiber, connectors, and splices. Our splitter loss chart (1×2 to 1×64) gives the full loss ladder for budget calculations.
| Split Ratio | 1×2 | 1×4 | 1×8 | 1×16 | 1×32 | 1×64 |
|---|
| Max Insertion Loss, P/S Grade (dB) | 3.8/4.0 | 7.1/7.3 | 10.2/10.5 | 13.5/13.7 | 16.5/16.9 | 20.5/21.0 |
P grade or S grade. Order P grade when the budget margin is thin — long feeders, many splices, or Class B+ optics. S grade is the economical choice on short routes where the margin calculation is comfortable.
Single-stage 1×32 or cascaded splits. A single module centralizes the split at one point — simple to document and troubleshoot. A cascaded 1×4 + 1×8 layout puts splitters nearer clustered drops but adds housings and connections; total split loss is similar, so the decision is topology, not optics.
Uniform or non-uniform. This page is a uniform 1×32 — every output carries an equal share. Unequal 70/30 or 90/10 ratios serve tap and monitoring applications; see our unequal-split FBT tap couplers. For FBT vs PLC background, see the fiber optic splitter overview.
Package and installation point. Choose the ABS box module (this page) for distribution boxes, wall enclosures, and ODFs; a steel-tube mini module for closure trays; an LGX cassette for LGX shelves; a rack-mounted PLC splitter for 19-inch frames. Match pigtail diameter and length to the enclosure’s routing space.
BWN-PLC-IM-1X32-SC-APC vs Adjacent Models
This 1×32 ratio comes in several packages — pick the page that matches your installation point, or browse the full PLC splitter category.
| Model / Page | Split | Package | Connector | Choose It When |
|---|
| This page: BWN-PLC-IM-1X32-SC-APC | 1×32 | ABS box | SC/APC | Standard GPON/FTTH split inside distribution boxes and enclosures |
| BWN-PLC-IM-1X32-SC-UPC (sibling) | 1×32 | ABS box | SC/UPC | Same build for legacy UPC plants |
| BWN-PLC-IM-1X2-SC-APC | 1×2 | ABS box | SC/APC | Small two-way splits and drop-level branching |
| CT-series 1×32 cassette | 1×32 | LGX cassette | Per order | FDH shelves with an LGX footprint |
| Rack-mounted PLC splitter | 1×32 and others | 19-inch rack unit | Per order | Central-office ODFs and 19-inch frames |
Testing & Quality Control
Optical performance is verified against the parameters in the specification table — insertion loss, uniformity, return loss, PDL, directivity, wavelength-dependent loss, and temperature stability. Compliance with Telcordia GR-1209-CORE and GR-1221-CORE is stated per BWNFiber product documentation. Ask for the factory test report format with your quote.
Packaging & Ordering Information
Standard supply is 1 m input and output pigtails in 0.9 mm, 2.0 mm, or 3.0 mm diameter; lengths are customizable. The ordering code BWN-PLC-IM-1X32-SC-APC reads as: IM = insertion-module ABS box package, 1X32 = split configuration, SC = connector body, APC = polish.
Request a Quote
Include these six items in your inquiry:
- Split ratio and grade: 1×32, P or S
- Connector and polish: SC/APC (SC/LC/ST, UPC options)
- Fiber type and diameter: G657A or specified; 0.9/2.0/3.0 mm
- Pigtail length: 1 m standard or custom
- Installation point: distribution box, closure, or ODF
- Quantity and destination
Send your list through the inquiry form on this page or our contact page, and the team will reply with product details, pricing, and delivery support.