Definition
GPON (Gigabit Passive Optical Network) is a fiber optic access network technology, standardized by ITU-T (G.984), that allows providing high-speed internet, voice, and video from a single passive optical infrastructure.
It is widely used by telecommunications operators to deploy FTTH (Fiber To The Home) networks.
How does GPON work?
GPON uses optical fibers and a passive distribution system (without active components along the way), composed of:
- OLT (Optical Line Terminal): equipment at the operator’s central office
- Optical splitter: divides the OLT signal to multiple subscribers
- ONT/ONU (Optical Network Terminal / Unit): equipment at the user’s home
Evolution: what is XG-PON?
XG-PON (10-Gigabit-capable Passive Optical Network, ITU-T G.987) is the direct evolution of GPON, XG-PON allows higher speeds while maintaining the network’s passive architecture, and is compatible with GPON on the same fiber, using separation by wavelength division multiplexing (WDM).
Technical Characteristics
| Parameter | GPON (ITU-T G.984) | XG-PON (ITU-T G.987) |
|---|---|---|
| Downstream | Up to 2.5 Gbps | Up to 10 Gbps |
| Upstream | Up to 1.25 Gbps | Up to 2.5 Gbps |
| Maximum reach | 20 km | 20 km |
| Typical split | 1:32 or 1:64 | 1:64 |
| Topology | Point-to-multipoint (PON) | Point-to-multipoint (PON) |
Applications in Testing and Measurement
Typical tests in GPON and XG-PON ONUs/ONTs production:
- Authentication and synchronization with OLT
- Optical Tx/Rx measurement
- Response time, latency, and BER
- Tests in coexisting GPON + XG-PON networks
- QoS verification and traffic prioritization
Next Generations
- XGS-PON: 10 Gbps symmetrical (ITU-T G.9807.1)
- NG-PON2: multiple WDM channels, up to 40 Gbps
- 25G/50G PON: under development for data centers and corporate networks
🔧 How AJOLLY Testing supports your GPON project
AJOLLY Testing provides complete solutions for the development and production of equipment based on GPON, XG-PON, and XGS-PON, focusing on automation, precision, and scalability. Our services include:
- 🧩 Definition of optical test architecture for production
- 🔬 Development of test benches (with OLT simulators)
- 📈 Optical power measurements (Rx/Tx), ORL, loss, and sensitivity
- 🔁 PLOAM authentication tests, synchronization, and disconnection response
- 🧪 BER analysis, throughput, and stability in stress scenarios
- ⚙️ Automation with LabVIEW, TestStand or Python scripts
- 🔌 Integration with EXFO, Viavi, Spirent, OTDR equipment
- 🔧 Support for field validation, pre-certification, and troubleshooting
We combine knowledge in fiber optics, instrumentation, and industrial software to ensure reliable, repeatable, and ready-to-scale production results.