A Passive Optical Network 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 endpoints. Passive optical networking (PON), like active optical networking, uses fiber-optic cabling to provide Ethernet connectivity from a main data source to endpoints. Essentially, PON Networks reduced the number of fibers needed to connect to homes without the need for any active. Passive Optical Networks Explained If you work with modern broadband or enterprise infrastructure, you've likely heard the term PON and wondered, “Exactly what is PON and why does it matter to me?” A passive optical network (PON) is a fiber‑based access network that uses unpowered optical. This guide explains the fundamentals of Passive Optical Networks (PON) and their evolution, with a focus on data communications and networking. In practice, PONs are typically used for the last mile between Internet service providers (ISP) and their customers.
[PDF Version]