Simplify Your Network Design: The ABCs of

Gigabit Passive Optical Network (GPON)

By ROBERT EASTMAN | Published: August 22, 2013
by Robert “Bob” Eastman
This article is part of Wood Harbinger’s newsletter series.
Gigabit Passive Optical Network (GPON) technology, or “fiber to desk” has been around
for a while; it’s an evolution on the “fiber to the home” solutions currently available in
many urban neighborhoods (think Verizon’s FIOS network). GPON’s potential for cost
reductions and more streamlined infrastructure makes it a valuable new consideration for
you and your business. GPON is a point to multi-point optical network that still supports
the numerous Internet protocol (IP) devices installed throughout your building. It
continues to utilize power over Ethernet (PoE) for its power connection. Most
importantly, however, it can simplify your network design and your building’s
infrastructure.
*For purposes for this article, discussion points refer to solutions offered by Motorola
and Telllabs.
Traditional Network Topology
The traditional network design is a more tiered structure with cables running from each
device to an Edge/access network switch, typically installed in a communication room on
each floor. One communication room is usually provided for every 15,000 to 20,000 ft2.
A ‘backbone cable’ (typically of 24 strands of single-mode optical fiber cable, multi-
mode optical fiber cable, or both) connects the edge/access switch to an
aggregate/distribution switch typically in a main communication room located in the
basement/lower level. Each backbone segment is capable of supporting 1 GbE (gigabit
ethernet) to 10 GbE bandwidth with 4-pair twisted pair copper cables connecting the edge
switch to the end user devices.
GPON Topology
Before getting into a more detailed discussion of the structure let’s explore some of
GPON’s own acronyms:
 OLT (Optical Line Terminals): Central switch that connects the building network
to the wide area voice, data and video networks.
 ONT (Optical Network Terminals): “Set top” boxes that sit on top of desks
providing a minimum of four network ports to support four devices. ONTs have a
plug for AC power as well as an internal replaceable/rechargeable battery for
power loss backup.
 FDT (Fiber Distribution Terminal): Floor level passive enclosures supporting the
distribution of the fiber backbone cables.
 FDP (Fiber Distribution Panels): Work area/zone level passive enclosures.
 1:32 Optical Splitters: Passively split one strand of the optical fiber cable into 32
strands with each strands supporting one ONT.
In a nutshell, GPON is a flat network. ‘Fiber to desk’ solutions are where active
electronics are deployed only in the main communication room/MDF room and at the
desk/workstation. GPON requires installation of a large network switch, which directly
connects to workstation devices (i.e. phone, computer, and so forth). Signals from the
OLT to the ONT are encrypted (secure) and then broadcasted to workstation
devices. Signals from the workstation devices are then multiplexed back to the OLT.
There are situations, however, where it does not make sense to deploy a local Optican
Network Terminal (ONT) to a workstation device:
 Surveillance cameras
 Wireless access points
 Wall phones
 Information displays/kiosks
 IP TVs
 Conference room tables
 Public spaces
 Access control door controllers
The reason these devices aren’t well-suited for the GPON structure range from aesthetic
to being inefficient. The benefit of using GPON is having an ONT for all devices to plug
into, basically a single point of access. In the event of a single device, like the
surveillance camera or wall phone, you would still need an ONT even though you are
plugging in a single device. It’s like plugging an alarm clock into a power strip and then
plugging the power strip into the wall outlet. It’s unnecessary, the other ports are wasted,
and it’s visually cluttering and unattractive. Alternatively, a rack mounted ONT with 12
or more ports are available for installation in floor level communications rooms that these
individual devices can be plugged into. Traditional 4-pair cables can be used to connect
the rack mounted ONTs to devices.
Is it “GREEN”?
Deploying a GPON in your building is sustainable in the sense that it reduces
infrastructure and operational needs. GPON offers only one cable for all workstation
devices compared to a traditional setup that requires a cable per device. This reduces the
installation and administration of building infrastructure by minimizing the use of cables,
their associated cable trays, plywood back boards, equipment racks, patch panels and
patch cords required to support the network. Additionally, because GPON reduces the
need for floor level communication rooms, the number of active electronics is minimized
as well as the associated standby power, generator power, uninterrupted power supply
units (UPS) and communication room environmental conditioning (i.e. cooling of the
rooms). Additional usable space is also gained from reductions in floor level
communication rooms.

Is it economical?
One of the benefits of infrastructure reduction is cost reduction. Capital and operational
expenses of the network itself and the associated building infrastructure make GPON an
attractive option financially speaking. Vendors are well-prepared to provide cost model
analyses substantiating these claims, but keep in mind each design model will be
different.

If it is new, who else is using it?

While considered a somewhat controversial technology, market acceptance for GPON is
gaining momentum across a number of industries. Universities, government agencies and
financial firms find the inherent characteristics of leaner infrastructure, increased security
and scalability of GPON greatly advantageous. In fact, the global financial firm, Russell
Investments, recently installed GPON in their new building in 2010. Read about their
reasons for adopting GPON here.
Is it worthy of consideration?
In addition to the reductions explored earlier, GPON systems offer economies of scale
and are particularly well-suited for large, single-occupancy buildings and
campuses. Buildings with high density/open plan workstation layouts benefit from
GPON since the layout tends to shift and change over time. Using the GPON cable setup
reduces the cost and time associated with reorganizing. Cable deployment basically is
plug and play, making the option of moving furniture flexible and exceptionally simple.
GPON deployment can have a single point of failure compared to a traditional layout,
which has two points of failure. This inherent security advantage, making it difficult to
hack into a fiber cable, is a very attractive feature for government agencies that require
utmost security, which has led institutions like Homeland Security to adopt GPON.

So why not do it?

Despite all the benefits associated with GPON, there are scenarios in which adopting this
new technology is not ideal.
GPON can streamline a network structure and lead to cost reductions; however, it’s a
newer technology and some people may feel more loyalty to established network
architectures and network equipment companies.
Because of the structure, GPON has a downstream capacity of 2.488 Gb/s and an
upstream capacity of 1.244 Gbp/s that is shared among users. The ONTs also provide 30
watts of power, but it is shared over 4 ports; so this needs to be taken into consideration
for power over Ethernet (PoE) devices.
Although GPON is well suited for use in enterprise, it is not ideal for use in facilities
require dedicated and predictable bandwidth requirements, such as data centers. This
makes GPON not ideal for devices that require a lot of bandwidth, such as data centers.
GPON will also require training for IT staff. Though this represents an initial cost and not
an ongoing cost; anything new takes openness to change and some time to make the
transition successful.

Conclusion
In evaluating the potential of GPON, bear in mind that it very well could perform to the
same level of a traditional network, depending on your business model. Like any newer
technology, it is still evolving. For instance, the network switch technology will continue
to change and get refined over time. From what we’ve seen thus far, it’s definitely worth
considering and shows promise for many organizations. Is it right for you?