Today, fiber optic technology is widely utilised in phones, televisions, medical apparatus, sensors, lighting and more. Constructed from bundles of hair-thin drawing glass strands, fibre-optics include active (AON) and passive optical networks (PON). Among options for PON are GPON (Gigabit Passive Optical Network), BPON (Broadband Passive Optical Network) and EPON (Ethernet Passive Optical Network), with GPON offering the most known benefits.
- GPON is currently the fastest passive optical network.
As the name suggests, GPON delivers a bandwidth performance that is measured in gigabits – 2.4 Gbps downstream capacity and 1.2 Gbps upstream capacity, by transmitting data using larger, variable length packets alongside frame segmentation, to produce high-quality voice and video traffic. The usage of passive splitters within its network enables multiple connections from a single fibre line. Each fibre optic strand can be separated into 32 signals, which serve up to a staggering amount of 128 end ports.
- GPON costs less.
A passive optical network requires less upkeep and maintenance, thus reducing costs. Due to the lesser involvement of physical equipment, it displays a longer mean time between failures. A network that depends on completely passive components also has a lower risk of downtime. GPON provides a financial edge over its counterparts with its lack of need for IT management support.
- GPON covers wider range.
Optical fibres are well-known for stretching distance limitations, with cables extending up to 20 kilometres away. This is mostly due to lower attenuation and interference, which makes optical fibres ideal for long-distance, high-demand applications. This is in stark contrast to traditional copper-wire cabling, which are limited to lengths of 100 metres, per governing standards. This is why GPON is often the preferred method for providing gigabit Internet services to residential areas and businesses.
- GPON is stable.
GPON utilises only passive devices. This means that no active electronics are present on-site, and there is therefore no need for cooling systems and powering. This enhances stability and ensures that GPON can perform consistently and predictably, with little likelihood of failures. A common problem faced by traditional networks are the occurrences of earth or ground loops, which arise when two or more parts of a circuit are grounded, leading to a voltage difference, causing noise, interference and humming, all of which jeopardises the quality of data transmission. However, optical fibres are immune to the adverse effects of ground loops, as well as to electromagnetic compatibility and radio frequency interference.
- GPON can be easily managed.
Part of GPON’s appeal lies in its integrated management model, which greatly simplifies equipment administration. Troubleshooting issues within GPON is significantly easier compared to troubleshooting an active Ethernet network; it requires less field technical support and is flexible toward any changes, additions, or high volume moves. The splitter technology also contributes to effective bandwidth management, which eliminates congestion within the network. Video and voice benefit most from this feature, as a stable network with minimal switches are necessary for them to work well.
The benefits of GPON have seen it being deployed more worldwide than any other PON technologies, and should be considered by organisations that want to get ahead of their competitions.
Do consult an ICT Designer about your project requirements, as not all campus topology or commercial buildings are suitable for GPON.