Gigabit passive optical network
A passive optical network (PON) is a fibre-optic telecommunications network that uses point-to-multipoint optical fiber to connect end-points in which unpowered (passive) optical splitters are used to enable a single optical fiber to serve multiple end-points. The optical splitter “divides” the light source into several different colours, each sent along its own separate fibre pathway to an end device. A PON consists of an optical line terminal (OLT) at the service provider’s central office and a number of optical network units (ONTs) or Optical Network Terminals near end users. A PON reduces the amount of fiber and central office equipment required compared with traditional copper point-to-point architectures.
Gigabit passive optical network offers fast data transfer
Gigabit passive optical network (GPON) refers to the speed of data transfer within the network, in the gigabit per second range (Gbps). This compares very favourably with megabit per second (Mbps) data transfer rates more typically associated with legacy copper type communications networks. A comparison of GPON architecture and a traditional copper cable traditional LAN is shown to the top.

A simplified schematic of the basic components of a GPON are shown above. Venues for GPON are varied and include, commercial/multi-unit residential real estate, sporting venues, hospitals and other campus like environments, hotels, military installations and other locations requiring communication from a central source to several endpoints.

gpon data transfer to varied security and comminications devicesApplications for GPON include computers, analogue and VoIP phones Wi-Fi, security devices such as cameras and access control points, video conferencing, analogue and digital video Advantages of GPON architecture over a tradition structured cabling copper based LAN are impressive. Speed – data transfer rates in MBps range are superior Size – optic fibre cable is significantly smaller than copper Green – no heat generated = no HVAC, no power for splitters Flexible- smaller bend radius than copper Cost –both Op-ex and Cap-ex significantly less Lifespan -50 year vs 5-7yr lifecycle Secure –inherently more secure than copper Distance – GPON not constrained by 100 metre rule.

 


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