What is PON: Introduction, Types and Application
What is PON: Introduction, Types and Application
1. Introduction of the PON
PON is the abbreviation for Passive Optical Network. A PON is a telecommunications network that transmits data over fiber optic lines. It is “passive” because it uses a passive optical splitter to route data sent from a central location to multiple destinations.
PONs are used by ISPs and NSPs as a cost-effective way to provide Internet access to customers. Since PON is a point-to-multipoint (P2MP) system, it is a more efficient way to transmit data than a point-to-point network.
The main transmission line can split into 32 separate lines, requiring much less infrastructure than building direct lines to each destination with fiber optic cabling.
The central location of a PON is also called an OLT (optical line terminal), while the individual destination is called an ONU (optical network unit).
2. Types of SOPs
While all PONs use optical fibers and unpowered splitters, there are several different versions. Below is a list of the different types of SOPs.
APON: This is the PON ATM. ATM is a cell-based transmission protocol. It can provide dynamic bandwidth allocation for the access network, which can better meet broadband data service demands.
BPON: It stands for Broadband PON. It is developed based on APON, which supports transmission rates of 622 Mbps. It offers more features such as dynamic bandwidth allocation and protection. It supports services such as Ethernet access, video transmission and high-speed leased lines.
EPON: This is PON Ethernet. The EPON standard is published by IEEE802.3 EFM. It combines Ethernet and PON technologically, adopting PON at the physical layer and Ethernet protocol at the data link layer, and realizing Ethernet access with the topology of PON.
GPON: Full form is Gigabit PON. It is the latest PON access standard, which features wide bandwidth, high efficiency, large coverage and numerous interfaces. GPON is considered the ideal technology for creating access networks.
3. Application of the PON
Lines that terminate outside buildings are called fiber-to-the-neighborhood (FTTN) or fiber-to-the-curb (FTTC). Lines that extend all the way to buildings are called fiber-to-the-building (FTTB) or fiber-to-the-home (FTTH).
