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Networking Fundamentals · Intermediate

Passive Optical Network (PON)

A point-to-multipoint fiber network that uses unpowered optical splitters to serve multiple customers from one provider port.

Definition

An OLT at the provider sends downstream on one wavelength and receives upstream on another, sharing the fiber among up to 32-128 subscribers. Standards include GPON, XGS-PON and 25G-PON.

Example

One XGS-PON port serves 32 homes through a 1:32 splitter.

Exam tip

Passive = no powered equipment between the OLT and ONTs.

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