Combo PON: Integrating GPON and XG(S)-PON Efficiently

What is Combo PON?

Combo PON is a solution that integrates GPON and XG(S)-PON network technologies. XG(S)-PON includes both asymmetric XGPON (2.5G/10G) and symmetric XGSPON (10G/10G).

Combo PON transmits GPON(1.25G/2.5G), XGPON, and XGSPON signals over the same fiber, making this tri-mode coexistence network technology also known as Three-Rate Combo PON. It allows service providers to flexibly meet different users' bandwidth needs without requiring significant infrastructure investment.

The core advantage of Combo PON is its ability to support multiple rates of coexistence, greatly enhancing network flexibility and efficiency.

How Combo PON Works

Combo PON integrates wavelength division multiplexing 1st-stage Repeaterand (WDM1r) and filtering to realize the convergence and separation of GPON signal and XG(S)-PON signal, and then transmitted by the same ODN system. The three-in-one of WDM1r, GPON and XG(S)-PON is completed. According to G.984.5 Amendment 2 Appendix IV, this three-in-one Combo PON optical module is defined as a Multi-Processing Module (MPM).

Downstream: When signals of different wavelengths reach the Optical Network Unit (ONU), the XG(S)-PON ONU receives only the XG(S)-PON signal, while the GPON ONU receives only the GPON signal.

Upstream: Signals from various ONUs converge at the Optical Line Terminal (OLT). The Combo PON Module/Transceiver in the OLT performs wavelength division and then directs different wavelength signals to different MAC channels for processing.

Given that the physical architecture of the ODN remains unchanged during transmission, the optical power budget must be sufficient to cover the losses introduced by the existing ODN system to ensure proper communication between GPON and XG(S)-PON.

Therefore, Appendix IV of G.984.5 Amendment 2 standardizes the physical media layer parameters (PMD) for GPON and XG(S)-PON, ensuring that their power budgets are compatible and forming a coexistence Combo PON module.

FS, as a global solution provider, also offers a range of Combo PON modules/Transceivers to choose from:

Advantages of Combo PON: Compatibility and Efficiency

Compatibility and Flexibility

The all-in-one feature of Combo PON supports multiple access technologies and seamlessly integrates with existing GPON networks. This compatibility allows operators to adjust network configurations according to market demands.

High Bandwidth Support

With a transmission rate of up to 10 Gbps, it meets the high-speed internet needs of modern users, excelling in applications like video streaming, online gaming, and other high-bandwidth services.

Cost Efficiency

The Combo PON allows the operator to upgrade the network by replacing the GPON ONU with an XG(S) PON ONU without completely replacing the existing equipment and retaining the original ODN network.

Avoidance of Excessive Insertion Loss

Unlike external wavelength combiners, which introduce additional optical power loss (1.5 dBm) and require a re-evaluation of the power budget, Combo PON technology effectively avoids such extra losses.

Deploying Combo PON in Various Scenarios

Due to its unique technical advantages, Combo PON performs optimally in various applications:

• Broadband Upgrades and Expansion: Supports coexistence of GPON and XG(S)-PON equipment, facilitating smooth network upgrades.

• New and Expanded Network Deployments: Initial use of GPON with upgrade paths reserved, reducing initial construction costs.

• Data Center Interconnects and Large Enterprise Networks: 10 Gbps transmission rates meet large-scale data transfer needs.

• Rural and Remote Area Network Coverage: Reduces infrastructure costs while improving user experience and service quality.

• Multi-Service Integration: Supports unified access for voice, data, video, and IoT services, suitable for smart cities and smart manufacturing applications.

  

Conclusion

The advent of Combo PON technology offers a new direction for the future development of fiber access networks. Its flexibility, cost-effectiveness, and compatibility make it a preferred solution for network upgrades. With the growing demand for high-speed broadband, Combo PON is expected to play a significant role in future network construction. FS, as a global solutions provider, will continue to develop core Combo PON equipment to offer efficient, customized services.