In optical fiber access networks, the optical line terminal (OLT) is the most important piece of equipment in a service provider's central office. OLTs connect the Internet backbone to end users via fiber optic cable. There are two types of OLTs: EPON OLTs and GPON OLTs. While both share the same basic function—managing and transmitting data to multiple users—they are designed for different types of networks. This article explains the key differences between EPON and GPON OLTs and which is better for you. It helps you choose the best solution for your project.
EPON OLT vs. GPON OLT
Common Fundamentals: PON Technology in OLTs
Think of both EPON and GPON as ways to share a single, thick fiber optic pipe among multiple homes or apartments. Both use the same type of glass fiber cable. Both use a simple, unpowered splitter (similar to a television cable splitter, but for optical signals) near the home. This reduces network costs and improves reliability. Both OLTs communicate with small boxes in the home (called ONUs or ONTs) that control who can use how much internet "space" and when.