Comparison Between EPON and GPON

PON is the abbreviation of passive optical network, which only uses fiber and passive components like splitters and combiners. EPON （Ethernet PON) and GPON (Gigabit PON) are the most important versions of passive optical networks, widely used for Internet access, voice over Internet protocol (VoIP), and digital TV delivery in metropolitan areas. Today we are going to talk about the differences between them.

Technology Comparison

EPON is based on the Ethernet standard 802.3 that can support the speed of 1.25 Gbit/s in both the downstream and upstream directions. It is well-known as the solution for the "first mile" optical access network. While GPON, based on Gigabit technology, is designated as ITU-T G.983 which can provide for 622 Mbit/s downstream and 155 Mbit/s upstream. GPON is an important approach to enable full service access network. Its requirements were set force by the Full Service Access Network (FASN) group, which was later adopted by ITU-T as the G.984.x standards–an addition to ITU-T recommendation, G.983, which details broadband PON (BPON).

As the parts of PON, they have something in common. For example, they both can be accepted as international standards, cover the same network topology methods and FTTx applications, and use WDM (wavelength-division multiplexing) with the same optical frequencies as each other with a third party wavelength; and provide triple-play, Internet Protocol TV (IPTV) and cable TV (CATV) video services.

Costs Comparison

No matter in a GPON or in an EPON, the optical line terminal (OLT), optical network unit (ONU) and optical distribution network (ODN) are the indispensable parts, which are the decisive factor of the costs of GPON and EPON deployments.

The cost of OLT and ONT is influenced by the ASIC (application specific integrated circuit) and optic module. Recently, the chipsets of GPON are mostly based on FPGA (field-programmable gate array), which is more expensive than the EPON MAC layer ASIC. On the other hand, the optic module’s price of GPON is also higher than EPON’s. When GPON reaches deployment stage, the estimated cost of a GPON OLT is 1.5 to 2 times higher than an EPON OLT, and the estimated cost of a GPON ONT will be 1.2 to 1.5 times higher than an EPON ONT.

We all know that the ODN is made up of fiber cable, cabinet, optical splitter, connector, and etc. In the case of transmitting signals to the same number of users, the cost of EPON and GPON would be the same.

Summary

Nowadays, since many experts have different opinions on GPON and EPON. Thus, there is no absolute answer to determine which is better. But one thing is clear: PON, which possesses the low cost of passive components, has made great strides driven by the growing demand for faster Internet service and more video. Also, fiber deployments will continue expanding at the expense of copper, as consumer demands for "triple-play" (video, voice and data) grow.

Originally published at http://www.chinacablesbuy.com/comparison-between-epon-and-gpon.html

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/splice-connector-which-choose-ftth-drop-cable-installation-iris-xu?published=t

To choose a right drop cable interconnection solution for FTTH network is very importance. Connectors and splice, as the two common ways to interconnect drop cables, are widely used at FTTH deployment. We all know that the splice can offer a permanent joint, while the connector can be easily operated by hand. But there is a proverb that says you can’t have your cake and eat it too, the providers have to choose between the two. So which should we choose? This paper is going to discuss them in details via talking about their own advantages and disadvantages.

Pros and Cons of Splice

Let’s first go with the splice. Splice is capable of great reliability and can provide excellent optical performance, so that it has been praised highly for many years. What is more, when the connector is not mated, splicing can protect the connector end-face from contaminants that can cause high optical loss or even permanently damage the connector. It just reduces these damages to a minimum. Another advantage of the splice is that it enables a transition from 250 µm drop cable fiber to jacketed cable.

And then let’s talk about its disadvantages. The main drawback of it is the lack of operational flexibility. For example, if you want to reconfigure a drop cable at the distribution point, you should remove one splice, rearrange fibers and splice two new fibers. This requires the technician to carry special splicing equipment for simple subscriber changes. And also, when you are in the process of splicing at the distribution point, you should be careful with the fiber in case of bending or breaking it. If a splice is used at an ONT, there must be space for a tray to hold and protect the splice. This increases the ONT size and potentially the cost.

Pros and Cons of Connector

Unlike splice, connector can provide great operational flexibility in that they can be mated and unmated repeatedly, allowing them to be reused over and over again. When you need to connect a drop cable, you can used the connector to mate without any tools.

Also, connector has its own disadvantages, just as every coin has two sides. The biggest problem of it is the material cost. Therefore, providers must weigh the material cost of connectors along with the potential for contamination and damage against their greater flexibility and lower network management expense.

Conclusion

From the above analysis, now we can draw a conclusion. Splice is more suitable for no fiber rearrangement circumstances, such as greenfield or new construction application. While connector can offer flexibility both at the curb and at the home since it can be plugged and unplugged multiple times.

In a word, drop cable interconnect solution plays an so important part in FTTH network that you should be very careful when you choose the way to do the connection. The right choice will help you to save costs and operate more efficiently. But whether you need a splicer or connector, you can always find it in Fiberstore. For more information, visit FS.COM.

Originally published at http://www.chinacablesbuy.com/splice-or-connector-which-to-choose-for-ftth-drop-cable-installation.html