Passive Optical Networks
Passive Optical Network is suited to both residential and commercial environments. It is the umbrella term for networking infrastructure that is based over fibre optic technology cabling
Passive Optical Networks consists of the following elements
- The Overall Optical Distribution Network (ODN)
- A Collection of Optical Network Terminals (ONT)
- Optical Line Terminals (OLT)
- Optical Splitter
- Fibre Backbone Cabling
- Horizontal Fibre Cabling
It is considered the lowest cost, longest life and highest speed solution in the industry with high flexibility and upgradability options. The fibre infrastructure consist of numerous Optical Network Terminals (ONT) connected from an Optical Line Terminal (OLT) usually at the main communications room and where the incoming IP provider comes in. The terminals are connected via single mode fibre optic cabling also known as a passive Optical Distribution Network (ODN)
What is an Optical Distribution Network (ODN)?
The fibre infrastructure consist of numerous Optical Network Terminals (ONT). These are connected from an Optical Line Terminal (OLT) usually at the main communications room and where the incoming IP provider comes in. Then the terminals are connected via single mode fibre optic cabling also known as a passive Optical Distribution Network (ODN)
Optical Network Terminal (ONT)
The ONT is where the fibre cabling element of the system is terminated as a demarcation point. This defines the distributed system and to the local structured cabling. This could be a separate floor, office or apartment served by the PON system. Then the ONT converts the fibre cable to electrical signals then sent over copper cabling and the reverse when accessing the outside service providers
Optical Line Terminal (OLT)
The OLT is centrally based and processes the network system via a gateway router and network cards to serve the distributed ONT’s
It uses optical splitters to spread the system and can serve 128 ONT’s
What is an Optical Splitter?
Optical splitters are the central pathway creators within the PON system. As the system requires no powered elements outside of the original transmission and receiving ends the splitters are used to deviate and route the fibre signals through the distribution network
They create the route from the OLT to the various ONT’s
Different distribution systems include Fibre to the Home (FTTH) and Fibre to the Office (FTTO)
Passive Optical Network Layout
What is the difference between Passive and Active Optical Networks?
As stated above the PON system only requires powered elements at the source and end points of the systems. Then the routing and splitting of the networking is then done via fibre optic splitters in a “Passive” manner.
In an “Active” system individual powered switches or routers are placed at interval points which take the signal and distribute further along the network. Additionally there are several additional stages of powered equipment in the active system than are in the passive system
What is GPON?
GOPON is a PON system that is able to carry Gigabit bandwidth throughout the system. This allows high bandwidth and the reduction of bottlenecks commonly seen in copper cable backbone systems
The distribution reach of GPON and PON is also much longer depending on manufacturer but in the region of 12.5 miles
GPON is also able to support multiple carrier services such as video, voice and data enabling it to be an all services solution in a single design
Passive Optical Network (PON) Installation
The network topology is structured around a single mode fibre optic cabling installation. The design will then be built around the requirements of that building and its future use and scalability
PON Installation in the Home
An incoming internet provider will install a fibre optic incoming cable which will then terminate into a demarcation box. This is within the home and then into a Fibre to the Home management box. This then terminates into an Optical Network Terminal (ONT) from which copper structured cabling distributes throughout the home
PON Installation in the Office
An incoming internet provider will install a fibre optic incoming cable which will then terminate into a Main Optical splitter for the building. A fibre optical cable will then feed from this splitter to each office dwelling and into a fibre termination box. This will then terminate into an Optical Network Terminal (ONT) from which copper structured cabling distributes throughout the home
Advantages of Passive Optical Network (PON)
High Bandwidth
Standards homes typically have a maximum of around 100mbs capability of their incoming broadband. PON is split into 2 signals and delivers 2.5gbs downstream and 1.25gbs upstream which is 10-12 times the limitation above. Unused bandwidth in the system can also be allocated elsewhere to allow increased speed within the system
Scalability and Distance
With 32 signals that split into 128 end ports the system can be built with the total end in mind or be split as required to scale the solution suitable to current needs and future requirements
The passive optical systems is also to far exceed the distance limitations of previous copper based systems
Reduced equipment and electronic powered equipment
Due to the reduction in active equipment, the size of the equipment and the requirements for cabinets, power and cooling of that equipment, large amounts of equipment can be saved and in turn save the floor space required to house that equipment
Energy Reductions
The reduction in active equipment is a big saving in electrical energy and the savings continue with the electrical savings to power the cabinets and enclosures and the associated cooling for those cabinets the power to drive those cooling units
Cost Savings
The cost savings range from the reduced active equipment that is removed from the central points of switching the signals to the reduction in costs to cool and run the systems themselves. Locations can be consolidated to save space and utilise the power that is required rather than duplicate it throughout several locations in the building
About NM Cabling Solutions – Network Cabling Specialist
NM Cabling is a technology, structured cabling and electrical integrator working throughout the United Kingdom.
We have created a comprehensive Knowledge Centre for our industry which can be viewed at https://www.nmcabling.co.uk/knowledge-centre/