Things You Need to Consider for PON Network Deployment

When preparing for the deployment of Passive Optical Network (PON) network, several crucial factors require careful consideration to ensure successful implementation. This involves evaluating network infrastructure, including components like Optical Line Terminals (OLTs) and Optical Network Units (ONUs), assessing coverage, bandwidth requirements, scalability, budget, regulatory compliance, and future expansion plans. Let's learn it together!

PON Network Overview

A PON is a fiber-optic network, which is used to simultaneously transmit signals in both the upstream and downstream directions to and from the user endpoints. The term "passive" denotes the lack of power usage in the fiber and associated components. Key components of PON include the OLT, ONU/ONT, and optical splitters . PON networks utilize a point-to-multipoint (P2MP) architecture, employing optical splitters to divide downstream signals from a single OLT into multiple paths to end users, and combine upstream paths back to the OLT. This architecture, standardized in 1998 via the ATM-PON G.983.1 specification, is now superseded by the ITU-T G.984 standard for GPON. A typical PON network begins with an OLT at the service provider's source location, connected to a passive splitter via feeder fiber. Distribution fibers connect the splitter to drop terminals, providing one-to-one connections to end-user ONTs/ONUs. Multiple splitters may be used in series, known as cascaded splitter architecture.

Figure1: PON Network

Things You Need to Consider for PON Network Deployment

Starting Easily and Growing Quickly

Initiating a PON network can be daunting, especially with the deployment of central office or remote OLTs. The challenge often lies in the intricate setup of OLTs, where control plane software resides in each device. This traditional design requires specialized technicians to handle software updates, system testing, and other tasks individually for each OLT, prolonging the network rollout process. To mitigate these challenges, adopting a software-defined network (SDN) architecture proves beneficial. By employing a cloud- or COTS-based domain controller, SDN enables automatic recognition of new physical and virtual OLTs upon power-up. This hands-free automation expedites device onboarding without the need for highly skilled network engineers, enhancing efficiency and reducing deployment complexities.

Making Maintenance Simple and Reducing Power Consumption

Traditionally, maintaining PON networks has been intricate and time-consuming, requiring specialized staff. Yet, modern SDN management frameworks present opportunities for streamlining maintenance. Through open northbound interfaces and intelligent automation, service providers can simplify maintenance tasks. Implementing GUI-based management applications with closed-loop automation empowers staff to execute basic PON maintenance activities effortlessly. Furthermore, advanced SDN frameworks expedite training and broaden access to advanced functions, enabling employees with varying experience levels to contribute effectively.

Maximizing the Potential of PON Networks

PON networks necessitate the deployment of active OLTs across various network locations. However, constructing new facilities to accommodate these active electronics entails significant expenses. Thus, it becomes imperative to capitalize on existing points of presence to house the new OLTs. The key lies in selecting OLT hardware that offers versatility in deployment, whether it be within the central office or enclosures in the outside plant. Additionally, leveraging existing fiber runs by opting for PON systems supporting 100G and Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing (DWDM) enables service providers to expand network capacity without the need for additional fiber installations or rearchitecting the outside plant infrastructure.

Disaggregating and Decoupling for Enhanced Efficiency

Traditionally, PON vendors integrated network management, control plane coordination, and layer 2 switching and routing directly into the OLT. However, modern advancements present more efficient approaches to handle these functions. By disaggregating network and control plane management from OLT devices and migrating them to Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) servers or cloud platforms, service providers can reduce PON hardware costs and expedite the deployment of new features. Furthermore, decoupling layer 2 routing and switching from the OLT enables service providers to capitalize on standards-based, best-of-breed networking devices, thereby enhancing the longevity of PON hardware and fostering the continual evolution of innovative routing and switching features.

Strategic Topology Selection

The choice of deployment topologies for PON networks is critical, as networks and segments evolve differently based on various factors. Service providers must carefully evaluate centralized, cascaded, daisy-chained, star, or other topologies based on existing fiber availability, population density, and desired locations for management and testing facilities. This strategic evaluation enables service providers to strike the right balance between maximizing the utilization of existing infrastructure, reducing passive infrastructure costs, and streamlining fiber deployment, aligning with their network and business priorities effectively.

Keeping Customers Happy While Maintaining A Competitive Edge

Elevating the subscriber experience begins with maximizing uptime, achievable through a robust service assurance platform. Sophisticated yet user-friendly service assurance systems, powered by machine learning and AI, provide real-time visibility into network health. Predictive capabilities enable automatic resolution of minor issues, averting downtime and enhancing subscriber satisfaction.

Remaining Open to Innovation

While single-vendor, proprietary solutions may seem appealing initially, they can lead to increased costs, hinder innovation, and limit hardware availability in the long run. Embracing open, standards-based PON solutions offers several advantages, including the ability to build multi-vendor network environments that foster competition while reducing costs and increasing the availability of critical equipment. By remaining open to new opportunities, service providers can drive innovation, enhance cost-effectiveness, and ensure the scalability and longevity of their PON networks in an ever-evolving telecommunications landscape.

Conclusion

In summary, deploying a PON network involves evaluating infrastructure, adopting efficient maintenance strategies, and prioritizing customer satisfaction. By embracing modern technologies and remaining open to innovation, service providers can optimize their networks for long-term success in the telecommunications industry. FS is a professional provider of communication and high-speed network system solutions to networking, data centers, and telecom customers, with the vision to redefine service and product quality not previously had in the fiber optic networking industry. FS offers a comprehensive range of PON network solutions, including EPON, GPON, XG(S)PON, and10G EPONnetworks. With FS, you can choose from a variety of essential components like PON modules, optical splitters, and PON equipment to tailor your network deployment according to your specific requirements. Our expertise and quality products ensure a seamless and efficient PON network setup, and you will be supported by expert guidance and assistance every step of the way.