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PON Glossary
GPON vs XGS-PON Explained | Passive Optical Network Basics
What is GPON, XG-PON, and XGS-PON? Complete Guide to Passive Optical Networks
Basic PON Terminology
- PON (Passive Optical Network): A passive optical network without active components between the OLT and ONT.
- GPON: A PON standard with speeds of 2.5 Gbps / 1.25 Gbps, commonly used in households.
- XG-PON: 10 Gbps downstream, 2.5 Gbps upstream. Suitable for more demanding customers.
- XGS-PON: Symmetrical 10 Gbps standard, ideal for businesses and modern services.
PON Network Infrastructure Components
- OLT (Optical Line Terminal): The central active device in the provider’s network.
- ONT (Optical Network Terminal): The customer-side device that converts optical signals to LAN.
- Splitter: Passive optical signal splitter (e.g., 1:16).
- ODN: Optical Distribution Network between OLT and ONT.
Key Technologies and Protocols in GPON and XGS-PON
- DBA: Dynamic Bandwidth Allocation based on demand.
- WDM: Transmission of multiple signals over a single fiber using different wavelengths.
- OMCI: A protocol for managing ONTs.
- GEM: Ethernet encapsulation method for transmission over GPON.
GPON vs XGS-PON Speed Comparison
| Standard | Downstream | Upstream | Transmission Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| GPON | 2.5 Gbps | 1.25 Gbps | Asymmetrical |
| XG-PON | 10 Gbps | 2.5 Gbps | Asymmetrical |
| XGS-PON | 10 Gbps | 10 Gbps | Symmetrical |
Looking for compatible GPON ONTs or XGS-PON OLTs? Visit our store.
FAQ: GPON and XGS-PON Questions
- What is the main difference between GPON and XGS-PON?
XGS-PON offers symmetrical 10 Gbps speeds, making it ideal for business use, whereas GPON is asymmetrical and more suited for residential connections. - Can GPON and XGS-PON coexist?
Yes, they can operate over the same infrastructure using WDM (Wavelength Division Multiplexing). - Is XGS-PON backwards compatible with GPON?
Not directly, but some OLTs support both standards via separate ports or modules.
