AON vs PON Networks
- [KU Leuven]
- Overview
The deployment of FTTH (fiber-to-the-home) access networks has come a long way before users use optical fiber instead of copper wires for broadband Internet access. FTTH is a form of fiber optic communication transmission to a living or working space. Fiber optics extend from the central office to the user's living or working space. There are two common systems in FTTH networks: AON (Active Optical Network) and PON (Passive Optical Network).
- AON vs PON Networks
Both AON and PON offer viable solutions for FTTH network connections. They are growing in popularity as the need for greater bandwidth increases.
- Compared with PON, AON allocates higher bandwidth to each user. Because AON uses a separate fiber per subscriber, whereas PON shares fiber between subscribers in a distribution network.
- AON uses active splitters, which are more efficient than passive splitters used in PON.
- AON is more costly than PON. Because the components used in AON, such as Switch, are more expensive than passive splitters.
- Fault detection is easier in active optical networks than in passive optical networks.
- The maximum distance between OLT and ONT can be 90 Km and in case of PON it can be 20 Km.
- AON system consumes more power than PON system.
- AON system is easier to provide additional services than PON.
- Compared with updating PON which affects the whole fiber tree, the upgrade of AON system is easier.
- AON requires higher maintenance than PON system. Because active devices that require external power are used in AON. On the other hand, PON system requires less maintenance because the splitter does not require an external power source.
- Passive optical networks require a lot of cable space for distribution, while AON does not.
- The network deployment cost of the active optical network is high, but the network deployment cost of the passive optical network is different.
[More to come ...]
