We are regularly reading and experiencing the importance and advantages of a fiber network and the reasons behind the popularity it is gaining by each passing day. GEPON technology is also a part of this increasingly popular network architecture. Before getting on with GEPON, an introduction would do just fine, as where it came from.

EPON (Ethernet Passive Optical Networks) or GEPON (Gigabit Ethernet Passive Optical Networks), also known as Ethernet PON is an IEEE/EFM standard for using Ethernet for packet data, as defined in IEEE 802.3ah. It defines how Ethernet can be transmitted over new media types and in our context point to multipoint fiber.

EPON/GEPON technology is a fast Ethernet over passive optical networks which are point to multipoint fiber to the premises (FTTP)/fiber to the home (FTTH) architecture in which single optical fiber is used to serve multiple premises or users. A ‘PON’ architecture consists of an Optical Line Termination (OLT) on the provider’s side and one or many Optical Network Units (ONU) on the users’ side.

There is more indepth discussion about roles of OLT and ONU’s in PON network here.

This type of architecture is always better than the point to point ones. These are fast replacing existing technologies as DSL or cable modems as EPON/GEPON are capable of providing bandwidths of up to 1 gigabit and beyond and also serve multiple purposes at a time.

Do you know Maximum Bandwidth Requirements per Premises for Various FTTH Services? Check out this article, it have a exact values!

GEPON or EPON has been deployed widely in Japan already in prior 2006 and provides for a symmetrical 1.0 Gbps data rate in both directions, upstream and downstream and is fast gaining momentum across the globe for obvious advantages for both providers and users alike. GEPON’s biggest advantage is its use of native Ethernet protocols. Also the economics of scale associated with Ethernet components such as optical interfaces, adds to it.

One also should not confuse EPON (GEPON) with GPON – these are different standards, and in this article we provide comparison and differences between GPON and EPON. 

GEPON or EPON provides seamless connectivity for any type of IP-based or other packetized (Ethernet) communications as it employs a single Layer 2 network that uses IP to carry data, voice, and video. Since Ethernet devices are present everywhere from home network to regional, national and worldwide backbone networks, implementation of EPONs has proved to be cost-effective. Also it provides secure communication as encryption is provided in both ends i.e. upstream and downstream, so the chances of eavesdropping fade away. As the transfer rates in Ethernet scale up by the day the scalability of EPON/GEPON technology is limitless and so is the flexibility of ADNET GEPON devices where we have a variety of products to choose from.

Of the many advantages to offer some are worth to notice, With the GEPON/EPON standard, there is no limit on the number of ONUs, remember these are the units on the users’ side. At ADNET we have a range for these ONUs with varying features and competitive prices an example would be AN-ONU-FTTH-02 which are perfect for a building or an apartment setup to access the ip service, with fully integrated triple play solution to deliver TV, internet and phone services at the same platform. This is not the only one that is on offer, there is a wide range to select from depending on your requirement.

GEPON/EPON requires a single management system, which means GEPON/EPON results in a significantly lower total cost of ownership. EPON also does not require multi-protocol conversions. Talking about management how can we forget the providers’ advantage using this technology? We have OLTs at the provider’s side, and for these too ADNET has a number of products to offer like AN-OLT-8c which is perfect for the provider’s site which offers simplicity of Ethernet with effectiveness of bandwidth utilisation of fiber. It has built in routing/switching capabilities and can be integrated with the operator’s existing infrastructure. It also has triple play full integrated to deliver TV, Internet and phone services at the same platform.

In the end, these are just a few advantages that this technology has to offer along with our product line. More “motivation” to move on with GPON or EPON can be found also in this article.  To really benefit from them you have to experience them and then you will come to know the real deal. Also do check the range of product on offer from us on our website.

Related products:

GPON OLT’s
GPON ONT’s
EPON OLT’s
EPON ONU’s

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