A Passive Optical Network (PON) or Passive Optical LAN (POL) is a specialized type of network architecture comprised almost entirely of single-mode fiber optic cable along with unpowered optical splitters to distribute network connectivity to workstations throughout a building or an entire campus with multiple buildings. Another term used for this type of network architecture is GPON where the “G” simply stands for Gigabit. Although a significant departure from the traditional copper-based network architecture, a PON solution can offer some technical and financial advantages to the enterprise user.
A passive optical LAN differs from an active Ethernet network in that it does not rely on powered switching equipment typically required in large facilities to accommodate the 100m distance limitations of copper cabling systems. Since single-mode fiber can support much longer distances, there is virtually no need to have multiple, dedicated Telecom Rooms to house cabling and active network equipment. Instead, a PON uses unpowered (passive) optical splitters to distribute network traffic to the Optical Network Terminals (ONT), which serve as the end user interface.
The only active components are the Optical Line Terminal, which resides in the Data Center or Main Server Room, and the ONT at the far end. This flattens and simplifies the entire network.
