The document provides an overview of Ethernet Passive Optical Network (EPON), detailing its architecture, components, and advantages. EPON operates on a point-to-multi-point structure using optical fibers to deliver high bandwidth up to 10 Gbps, and serves various applications such as data, voice, and video. It highlights the two types of EPON—symmetric and asymmetric—and emphasizes benefits like low cost and ease of deployment.

1. Email: ics@suntelecom.cn Skype: suntelecom.s01 Whatsapp: +86 21 6013 8637
The Ethernet passive optical network (EPON) is an effective network that provides high bandwidth, low
cost, and broad service capabilities. This article provides some knowledge about EPON.
What is EPON?
EPON is a PON technology based on the IEEE standard for Ethernet. It adopts a
point-to-multi-point architecture and passive optical fiber transmission and provides multiple
services on Ethernet. In addition, EPON uses Ethernet packets instead of asynchronous transfer
mode (ATM), and it can deliver 1 Gbps and 10 Gbps upstream and downstream in FTTH and FTTP
networks.

2. Email: ics@suntelecom.cn Skype: suntelecom.s01 Whatsapp: +86 21 6013 8637
EPON System
The EPON system is mainly composed of an optical line terminal (OLT), optical distribution
network (ODN), and optical network unit (ONU). In the EPON system, OLT is both a switch or
router and a multi-service provider platform that provides fiber interfaces for passive fiber
networks. ODN is the optical distribution network composed of a passive optical splitter and fiber
composition. The passive optical splitter is connected to the OLT and the ONU passive device, its
function is to distribute the downlink data and uplink data centralized. ONU is placed on the
customer premises side of the terminal device. The ONU typically has an 802.3ah WAN interface
and an 802.3 subscriber interface.
EPON Types
There are two types of EPON: symmetric and asymmetric. Symmetric EPON provides equal data
rates in both upstream (from the user to the server/provider) and downstream (from the
server/provider to the user) directions. Asymmetric EPON provides higher downstream data rates
than upstream; asymmetric EPON usually operates at 10Gbits/sec downstream and 1Gbit/sec
upstream.
Benefits of EPON
EPON has the benefits of high bandwidth, high flexibility, high scalability, low cost, easy
management, ease of deployment, and long-distance transmission.

3. Email: ics@suntelecom.cn Skype: suntelecom.s01 Whatsapp: +86 21 6013 8637
Applications
EPON is used in data, voice, video, VoIP, digital TV, FTTH, FTTP, FTTB, FTTC, telecommunication
networks, LAN, etc.
Conclusion
EPON provides high-speed internet access service, high flexibility, high scalability, ease of
deployment, low maintenance, and low cost. Sun Telecom specializes in providing one-stop total
fiber optic solutions for all fiber optic application industries worldwide. Contact us if any needs.