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FTTH (Fiber to the Home) is a fiber optic access technology that directly connects residential or corporate users, enabling a direct link from service providers to the end user. Meanwhile, GPON (Gigabit-capable Passive Optical Network), which provides data transmission via fiber optics, is usually the preferred choice in FTTH networks. This post mainly discusses the advantages of GPON in the FTTH access network and the components and architecture of GPON networks.

What is GPON？

GPON is a type of fiber-optic broadband network technology that allows for the delivery of high-speed internet, voice, and video services to homes and businesses. In GPON networks, data signals are transmitted over long distances using optical fibers, providing users with faster and more reliable connectivity compared to traditional copper-based networks. GPON operates on a passive optical network architecture, which means it utilizes passive optical components like splitters and combiners to distribute signals without the need for powered equipment along the transmission path.

Why Is GPON a Preferred Choice in FTTH Network?

Enhancing Home Network Connectivity

GPON technology supports downstream speeds of 2.5 Gbps and upstream speeds of 1.25 Gbps. This capability allows household members to engage in various online activities such as HD video streaming, online gaming, and video conferencing simultaneously. Furthermore, it supports multiple devices and users within a household to be online concurrently without compromising network performance, ensuring each family member can enjoy their online experiences without interruption.

Coverage Range Fits FTTH Deployments

GPON technology supports long-distance transmission, typically reaching up to 20 kilometers from the central office to the subscriber’s premises. This extensive reach allows service providers to cover a wide geographic area with a single fiber optic network, minimizing the need for additional infrastructure investments. As a result, GPON is well-suited for various deployment scenarios, especially in Fiber to the x (FTTx) networks.

Cost-Effective Through Passive Architecture

GPON adopts a passive network architecture, which means the optical devices it employs do not require power supplies, thus reducing dependence on energy and active equipment. Meanwhile, the prices and failure rates of passive equipment are much lower than those of active devices, resulting in a corresponding reduction in overall operational costs. Furthermore, GPON networks utilize passive splitters to achieve a point-to-multipoint (P2MP) network architecture, significantly reducing deployment costs while ensuring signal quality. Therefore, GPON technology offers a highly cost-effective passive architecture in FTTH networks, allowing customers to maximize benefits with minimal investment costs.

Scalability and Reliability

The GPON network boasts high scalability, enabling service providers to effortlessly expand their networks to accommodate growing user bases. With the continuous evolution of PON networks, the optical network units (ONUs or ONTs) within users’ homes can seamlessly transition to support higher-speed equipment in the future, such as units compatible with 10G-GPON, XGS-PON, or NG-PON2 standards. This facilitates increased bandwidth without the need to modify existing fiber infrastructure. This is to say, despite evolving bandwidth demands and internet technologies, existing FTTH infrastructure can reliably adapt and upgrade, ensuring the continuous delivery of efficient network services.

Components of GPON FTTH Access Network

In a GPON FTTH access network, there are three main components: optical line terminal (OLT), optical splitters, and optical network terminal (ONT).

OLT (Optical Line Terminal)

The OLT functions as the endpoint for service providers in a passive optical network, typically situated in a data center or main equipment rooms Serving as the powerhouse for FTTH systems, the OLT transforms optical signals into electrical signals, presenting them to a core Ethernet switch. In doing so, it replaces multiple layer 2 switches at distribution points. The OLT’s distributed signal connects to backbone cabling or horizontal cabling through optical splitters, establishing links with optical network terminals at individual work area outlets.

ONT/ONU (Optical Network Terminal/Unit)

Deployed at customer premises, the ONT/ONU connects to the OLT via optical fiber, with no active elements in the link. In the GPON network, the transceiver within the ONT/ONU establishes the physical connection between customer premises and the central office OLT. The ONT/ONU serves as the interface for end-users, facilitating the conversion of optical signals back into electrical signals for seamless connectivity to various devices such as computers, phones, and televisions in a Ffiber-the-home(FTTH) network.