How is xPON ONU different from EPON ONU and GPON ONU?

Passive Optical Networks (PONs) play a vital role in providing access to fibre optic networks for end customers. It allows the transmission of signals from one point to multiple points over optical fibres. It consists of Optical Line Terminals (OLTs), Optical Network Units (ONUs), and Optical Distribution Networks (ODNs.) GPON and EPON are the best-known and most widely used types of PONs.

GPON is popular for its high bandwidth, multi-service and large coverage. It is considered the ideal technology for achieving full coverage for broadband network access. The maximum downlink and uplink rates are 2.5Gbps and 1.25Gbps respectively.

EPON is based on the IEEE standard for Ethernet. It supports 1Gbps transmission. It is more cost-effective than GPON.

However, with the advancement of technology and market demand, xPON emerged, which is very friendly to IPS service providers and end-users.

What is xPON?

XPON is the convergence of GPON and EPON in hardware and software.

XPON hardware standards are consistent with GPON. the transmission rate of GPON is higher than that of EPON. it provides a variety of services including TDM, ATM, Ethernet, and CATV with QoS guarantees.

The software will use automatic detection and switching. the EPON/GPON OLT will place a network packet when the ONU is accessed. At this point. the XPON ONU will automatically reboot and switch to another mode after a few seconds. registration is complete after the ONU mode switching is complete.

What are the advantages of xPON over GPON/EPON?

GPON vs EPON both have their advantages and disadvantages. However, now we just need to choose xPON instead of wandering between GPON and EPON, because xPON is able to recognise them and switch modes.

In addition, the xPON system provides a unified network management platform to manage various service requirements, supports full services including ATM, Ethernet, TDM with strict QoS guarantee, and transmits downstream cable TV via WDM.

What’s more, as we all know, GPON is becoming more and more popular. If network provider IPS wants to replace EPON with GPON, xPON will help save a lot of cost.