A passive optical network is a fiber-based network architecture that uses unpowered (passive) splitters to enable a single optical fiber to serve multiple endpoints. A “splitter” is a power splitter. A splitter is not a filter like a wavelength division multiplexer (WDM). Rarely, there can be two inputs to provide potential redundancy of route. Light power goes in and light power coming out. By dividing a single optical signal from a central Optical Line Terminal (OLT) into multiple outputs for Optical Network Terminals (ONTs) at users' homes, splitters eliminate the need for dedicated fibers to each residence—slashing infrastructure costs while scaling network reach. This capability forms the foundation of point to multipoint network design, which is widely used in FTTH and campus fiber deployments. The internal. Optical splitters and couplers split or combine light—distributing signals injected into a single fiber strand to multiple fibers, enabling point to multi-point communication in Fiber To The Home (FTTH) networks based on ITU. T PON standards such as GPON, XGS-PON and new 25 and 50G standards.
[PDF Version]