How does xPON differ from EPON/GPON?
How does xPON differ from EPON/GPON?
The EPON OLT is a device serving as the endpoint for the service provider in a passive optical network. In other words, the Optical Line Terminal (OLT) manages the Ethernet Passive Optical Network (EPON). This technology offers multiple services thanks to its point-to-multipoint passive optical transmission.
GPON is popular for its high bandwidth, multiple services and wide coverage. It is considered the ideal technology to achieve complete coverage of access to broadband networks. The maximum download and upload speeds are 2,5 Gbps and 1,25 Gbps.
EPON is based on the IEEE standard for Ethernet. It supports 1Gbps and 10Gbps transmission. It is more cost effective than GPON.
However, with the development of technology and market demands, xPON appears. The application of xPON makes a difference in upgrading EPON to GPON and greatly benefits users.
1. What is xPON?
XPON is the integration of GPON and EPON in terms of hardware and software.
On the one hand, the upstream and downstream throughputs of GPON are higher than those of EPON. According to the backward compatibility of hardware, the GPON network mode is considered the standard of hardware indicators. For example, it offers multiple services including TDM, ATM, Ethernet and CATV, which is the same as GPON. There is also a quality of service guarantee.
On the other hand, the software will adopt automatic detection and switching mode. EPON/GPON OLTs deliver network packets when accessed by the ONU. Network packets cannot be parsed if the ONU cannot match OLT mode. In this case, the ONU xPON will automatically restart and switch to the other mode after a few seconds. Saving is performed when switching is completed.
2. Compared with GPON/EPON, what is the advantage of xPON?
The previous analysis of GPON vs EPON leads us to the result that there are good and bad points for both elements. However, now we just need to choose xPON instead of hovering over GPON and EPON, because xPON is able to identify them and switch modes.
In addition, xPON system provides a unified network management platform to manage various business requirements, support comprehensive service including ATM, Ethernet and TDM with strict QoS guarantee, and transmit cable TV downstream by WDM.
Moreover, as we all know, GPON is becoming more and more popular. xPON will help save a lot if users want to replace EPON with GPON.
3. Application of xPON
In accordance with market demands, ELFCAM has developed different types of xPON ONUs which support dual modes (EPON and GPON). Here is a list of 4 typical items.
1. 1GE Secure ONU
This product can be applied to a wide temperature environment and has a powerful firewall function. It is compatible with popular OLTs such as Huawei and ZTE.
2. ONU 1GE+1FE+CATV+WiFi
This item can meet the requirements of telecom operators for tri-network and FTTH integration. It is also fully compatible with OLTs based on Broadcom/PMC/Cortina chipsets.
3. 2GE+1POTS+ac WiFi+CATV HGU
It supports IPv4 and IPv6 dual stacks, SIP and NAT. It allows remote configuration and maintenance of OAM and OMCI.
4. 2GE+1POTS+1USB+ac WiFi Mesh ONU
It supports Wi-Fi CERTIFIED EasyMesh™, which is able to guide devices to the AP providing the best Wi-Fi service.
The excellent performance of xPON, such as its high reliability, ease of management and configuration flexibility, is beginning to make it known. It is believed to achieve a dominant position in the field of fiber access to the home or business (FTTH, FTTP and FTTC). Whether it is xPON or GPON/EPON, the functions that meet your needs are the right choices for you.
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