A passive optical network (PON) is a point-to-multipoint, fiber to the premises network architecture in which unpowered optical splitters are used to enable a single optical fiber to serve multiple premises, typically 16-128. A PON consists of an optical line terminal (OLT) at the service provider's central office and a number of optical network units (ONUs) near end users. A PON reduces the amount of fiber and central office equipment required compared with point-to-point architectures. A passive optical network is a form of fiber-optic access network.
Downstream signals are broadcasted to all premises sharing multiple fibers. Encryption can prevent eavesdropping.
Upstream signals are combined using a multiple access protocol, usually time division multiple access (TDMA). The OLTs "range" the ONUs in order to provide time slot assignments for upstream communication.
Read more about Passive Optical Network: History, Network Elements, Upstream Bandwidth Allocation, Enabling Technologies, Fiber To The Premises, Passive Optical Components
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