Passive Optical Network. How it works. (part 1)

We live in a world of ‘flash,’ often with nothing to substantiate the claims. Not so with the Passive Optical Network.

In an earlier post, I compared the passive optical LAN to the Brazuca.

Well,

now I am eating crow.

Chewed. Swallowed. Done.

Brazil.

Oh….. Brazil.

Ouch.

So much for your World Cup ambitions.

A math buff, I am not. But, here is an equation for those of you who are.

Passive Optical Network=simplicity: Active Ethernet LAN=convolution

Here is why:

The traditional active Ethernet network LAN has a router in the top most layer that links to the campus or building aggregation switches (distribution layer). The distribution switches connects down to the access layer switches in the communication closets as copper cables which extend from the communication closets to the users.

Compare the Passive Optical Network

The router is also in the core layer but the Optical Line Terminal (OLT) eliminates the need to buy all those switches used in the traditional Ethernet LAN.

And here is your Ah! Ah! moment…

Ready?

This one device–the Optical Line Terminal, serves the same purpose as the switches at a fraction of the cost!

And here is another piece of Ah! Ah! for you.

The 1 x 32 optical splitter which is a passive device accomplishes the building aggregation switching.

And get this,

There is no power requirement.

So, you will have slashed your electricity bill by more than one half.

If you have a sweet tooth, you should be in sweet tooth heaven right about now.

Here is a visual for you skeptics.

No issue there, I was also a skeptic until…

By the way, I have more to tell about the Passive Optical Network.