There are 2 types of architectures
P2P: Point-to-Point, direct connection with the customer
- One fibre is dedicated to customer access from the Optical Connection Node (OCN).
- Terminal equipment usually consists of switches in the office and CPEs for customers.
P2mP: Point-to-Multi-Point, shared connection
- Shared on an optical level, the network is commonly called PON.
- Equipment consists of OLTs in the office and ONTs for customers.
Up to 9216 subscribers can be connected in PON with a 144-fibre cable.
The GPON network (Gigabit Passive Optical Network)
The principle of FTTH access networks is to bring the optical fibre to subscribers.
The use of optical fibre between the Optical Connection Node (OCN) and the subscriber makes it possible to have a sustainable infrastructure to support the increase in data transfer rates.
Very high data transfer rates can be achieved over longer distances compared to a copper infrastructure. In addition, maintenance and equipment costs are also reduced because optical fibre deteriorates less quickly than copper. Customers can enjoy many services with better quality and comfort.
In GPON networks, the operator deploys smaller cable capacities. With this network, one fibre can connect up to 64 subscribers, or even 128 subscribers thanks to optical splitters.
Good to know
When it comes to the OCN, the GPON network has a smaller footprint than a Point-to-Point network. On the other hand, on a GPON network the data transfer rate is shared, but it is not shared on a Point-to-Point network.
