Passive optical networks deliver reliable, high-speed communications to millions of customers. If you are wondering, what is a passive optical network?, rest assured that you are not alone. Our team covers the basics of PONs and where they work best.
What Is a Passive Optical Network?
Passive optical networks use fiber cabling without powered components to deliver high-quality network communications. There are no electrically controlled amplifiers or repeaters between the central distribution terminal and the end user. This technology delivers fiber-optic signals all or most of the way to the user.
In these systems, signals travel through fiber optic cables. Splitters divert the stream to multiple optical network units, which send it to individual user terminals. As a general rule, PONs can deliver high-quality communications over distances up to 20 kilometers.
Types of PONs
Passive optical networks are classified by the technology used to deploy them and the speed at which they can transmit data. The original technology used an asynchronous transfer mode. APON systems are still used today and are generally called simple broadband PON or BPON. They typically have data downstream and upstream transmission capacities of up to 155 megabits per second.
Newer systems can transmit data at much higher speeds using more advanced technology. Some examples of modern PONS include:
- EPON: Ethernet passive optical networks use ethernet standards to transmit data slightly faster, offering download speeds of 2.5 Gbps and uploadload rates of 1.25 Gbps. EPONs retain ATM technology for voice traffic, while they use ethernet for data transport.
- 10G-PON: This is a newer version of EPON that uses ethernet only. It can produce speeds of up to 10 Gbps downstream and 2.5 Gbps upstream. This is sometimes called XG-PON, and is suitable for businesses and other customers who need exceptionally fast data transfer speeds.
Continued technological advances mean that faster passive optical networks are coming. One example is the International Telecommunication Union-Telecommunication Standardization Sector Next-Generation PON2 standard. NG-PON2 systems can achieve download speeds of up to 40 Gbps and upload speeds of 10 Gbps.
PON Components
A passive optical network uses several non-electrified components to achieve results. It starts with a provider’s optical line terminal. This sends and receives data for multiple end users from a central location.
Passive optical splitters take the fiber going to and from the OLT and branch it into multiple lines. This allows the signal to connect with the eventual end users.
Optical network units at customer locations convert signals from optical to electrical, enabling them to go through to the user’s devices. Various fiber cables and connectors work with these components to ensure proper network functioning.
What Are the Benefits of a PON?
Passive optical networks have several advantages. They are more cost-effective to install than running individual cabling to each user because of lower material needs. The lack of electrified components also results in lower operating costs for providers. They are also easily scalable, allowing service providers to expand service quickly and efficiently.
Users also see multiple benefits from a passive optical network. The most obvious is the fast speeds for data transfer. Additionally, PONs can supply voice and data through the same network, reducing the need for additional providers or services. PONs are secure networks, so they are ideal for customers who need that feature.
Although they were initially designed for residential applications, many businesses also benefit from the speeds offered by PONs. They are especially well-suited for high-density applications such as apartment buildings or office suites, where multiple users are in a small physical area.
Potential Drawbacks
The high initial cost of installing fiber is a major drawback for deploying passive optical networks. Providers must have fiber networks underground from their central terminals to each customer’s home or business. In many cases, the initial installation involves trenching alongside and under roads throughout neighborhoods. While significant. The investment is lower than running fiber directly to each end user.
Another drawback is that PONs share fiber cabling. As a result, you may experience slowed speeds during times of high usage. The most recent, fastest, networks operate at transfer rates where this may not be noticeable to most users. However, business users who require a specific minimum bandwidth may have some difficulties.
Where Are Passive Optical Networks Used?
Telecommunications companies often use PONs to deliver last-mile service to companies. Deployment models include:
- Fiber-to-the-Home: This is a common application where fiber optic cables go directly to the user’s home. It is commonly used for multiple services, including phone, internet, and television.
- Fiber-to-the-Building: This is similar to FTTH, but instead of connecting to each user, it delivers the fiber connection to a central location in a building. From there, the service connects to each user through internal wiring. FTTB is common in apartment complexes and office buildings.
- Fiber-to-the-Curb: In a FTTC model, fiber optic cables run to a cabinet. From there, signals transmit to nearby homes via copper cables.
- Fiber-to-the-Node: FTTN is similar to FTTC, but designed to serve larger geographic areas. Network nodes replace the cabinets used in FTTC models.
Many businesses rely on fiber networks to provide reliable, high-speed communication services. Educational institutions, medical facilities, hotels, and resorts can all benefit from the speeds and cost-effectiveness of a passive optical network. Military and government facilities can utilize passive optical networks for secure telecommunications.
They are well suited to enterprise networks on business campuses, providing reliable service to multiple customers. Data centers sometimes use PONs for high-speed data transfers between servers and network equipment.
Residential customers also use PONs for reliable and economical network connections. They are ideal for delivering cost-effective broadband services to rural areas. Adoption of fiber networks has increased thanks to infrastructure funding designed to increase rural access to high-speed internet.
High-Quality Networking Solutions From Equal Optics
Equal Optics provides high-quality, cost-effective networking solutions, including the components necessary to connect you to a passive optical network. We use Tier-one components for reliability and longevity. Whether you want to know “What is a passive optical network?” or you need to upgrade your existing network, we can help. Contact us to schedule a consultation.
