Over the years, the traditional methods for broadband networks such as coaxial cable networks or copper pairs have been replaced almost completely with Optical Fiber Access Networks, better known as FTTH (Fiber To The Home). Optical Fiber Network for broadband communication is cost-effective, sustainable, and provides high-speed internet. PON or Passive Optical Network is one such technology that uses fiber optics cable to transmit high-speed internet. Using passive or non-powered components such as splitters and combiners, PON technology has become the top choice for network operators. Unlike fibre optics networks that use active components such as amplifiers, repeaters, or shaping circuits, passive optical networks allow operators to deliver high-speed fibre-optic communication systems for both homes and businesses. This fibre optics technology comes in various types such as Gigabit PON or GPON and Ethernet PON or EPON. Though both PON technologies are being used widely, both offer a unique set of features and capabilities, requiring utmost care and deliberation on behalf of operators before making the final selection.

In this article, we will help you know which PON technology is best suited to your needs. However, before we make a comprehensive GPON vs EPON comparison, it would be pertinent here to discuss the salient benefits of Passive Optical Network technology.

Why Should You Deploy PON?

Here are reasons why you should deploy a Passive Optical Network for broadband internet.

  1. It is multi-service bearer technology, allowing you to access various services such as voice calls, TV, broadband internet, and data lines.
  2. It comes with a manageable control mechanism for ensuring flexible bandwidth to meet your varying needs. From a few k to gigabit broadband internet, you can adjust bandwidth to make it suitable for your requirements.
  3. PON allows you to use single optics fibre for sharing data with multiple end-users through splinters, eliminating the need for fibre and equipment. This leads to cost-effectiveness, reliability, simplicity, and easy scalability. For instance, a single fibre can carry more than 32 users.
  4. More importantly, the per megabit cost of PON is 1/100 of copper wire access, this explains why this technology is gaining popularity.

Now we have discussed PON in depth, however, customers are often left confused about whether they should use EPON or GPON. In this section, we are making a detailed comparison to help you make a well-informed decision in this regard.

GPON VS EPON: Which PON Technology Best Meets Your Need? 

Here are some differentiating facts between Gigabit Passive Optical Network and Ethernet Passive Optical Network.

  • GPON VS EPON Splitter Ratios: 

The Split or Splitter ratio refers to several users that a specific PON can serve. Normally, the higher the split ratio, the shorter the transmission distance. For instance, if a PON supports a split ratio of 1:16, the transmission distance would be 20 km or more, whereas, for a split ratio of 1:32, the distance can be as low as 10km.

Both EPON and GPON offer a similar split more or less. Normally, EPON supports a minimum split ratio of 1:32 whereas, there are also options that it can achieve shunt ratios of 1:64 or 1:128. Operators can thus choose the EPON that services and bandwidth they need.

GPON also shares the same split ratio, equipped with normally 1:64 splinters. You can also find split ratios such as 1:32, 1:64, and 1:128 can also be found.

Verdict: Both EPON and GPON perform similarly in terms of split ratio.

  • GPON VS EPON: Data Transfer Rate:

When it comes to data transfer rates, GPON and EPON differ considerably. GPON is capable of delivering varying data rates, enabling users to select corresponding transceiver modules and meet their specific needs. For instance, it can support uplink speeds of 1.25 Gbps and downlink speeds of 2.5 Gbps; or 1.25 Gbps of downlink with uplink speeds of 622 Mbps. It also supports asymmetric uplink and downlink rates. Moreover, GPON is a hybrid system that uses Ethernet for data transport, ATM for voice transport and TDM to handle quality of service (QoS). As it is the combination of ATM technology ATM technology + ITU-T transmission technology and PON technology. Thus widely deployed as the point-to-multiple fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) network. Finally, GPON allows downstream encryption only.

EPON on the other hand, is capable of delivering fixed uplink and downlink data rates of 1.25Gbps. Thus adopting the symmetrical transmission. However, the actual data rate is 1Gbps. EPON is the combination of Ethernet technology and PON technology. So, for carrying data, voice, and video data, it uses internet protocol as internet packets. And, It can also, be deployed as the point to multipoint in fibre-to-the-premises (FTTP) networks or fibre-to-the-network (FTTH) networks. Finally, the EPON allows downstream and upstream encryption only. 

Moreover, If they both support point-to-multipoint in FTTP then, what is the difference? GPON is purposely built as a point-to-multipoint protocol. Whereas the EPON calls upon Ethernet to function the same as GPON. 

Verdict: GPON is a winner in this area.

  • GPON Vs EPON: Cost:

Needless to say, cost is also a major consideration. Though both technologies use passive components which make them cheaper, the real differences arise when it comes to OLT and ONT active components. 

Typically, GPON, ONT, and OLT equipment and associated optical transceiver SFP modules are comparatively expensive. This is because GPON chipsets are based on FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) which is quite expensive. And GPON can reach up to 128 ONUs.

On the other hand, ONT and OLT components are cheaper for EPON, moreover, transceiver modules for EPON are also budget-friendly. As for the EPON, it can reach Up to 32 ONUs per OLT.

Verdict: EPON is more cost-effective than GPON.

  • GPON Vs EPON: OAM (Operation Administration and Maintenance): 

Undoubtedly GPON ONU (optical network unit) or ONT (Optical Network Terminal) has a user-friendly graphical user interface (GUI) and plug-and-play design. That comes with powerful Operation, Administration, and maintenance capabilities. It is equipped with three control channels: OMCI (ONT Management and Control Interface), OAM (Operations, Administration, and Maintenance) for strong operational and maintenance, and PLOAM (Physical Layer OAM). These control channels help users and operators perform various admin and maintenance tasks.

Contrary to this, EPON comes with optional ONT for loopback, link monitoring, fault isolation, and similar tasks. And also comes with, simple OAM functions, such as FEF (far-end fault). Overall, these admin and maintenance capabilities are comparatively weak.

Verdict: GPON is the clear winner here.

  • GPON Vs EPON: Range & Coverage: 

Range and reach are also differentiating factors. The range and reach of PON depend upon many factors such as the number of optical splitters and the quality of fiber optic cables. Normally, GPON supports long-distance data transmission, often as high as 20km without suffering any kind of signal deterioration.

EPON, on the other hand, can support up to 10km range and if you want to extend more, you will need signal amplification.

Verdict: GPON is the clear winner here in terms of range & Coverage.

Final Thoughts:

Both GPON and EPON are used widely when it comes to deploying passive optics network access for various end uses. However, both these PON technologies differ considerably when we compare them against various benchmarks such as price, range, splitter ratio, data transmission rate, and OAM capabilities.

As a recommendation, GPON should be preferred for larger deployment and network expansion, whereas, EPON should be given priority when it comes to smaller network environments such as residential areas, and small and medium-sized business networks.

How Can We Help You?

Morgan Ingland Ltd is one of the most prominent IT firms in the UK, specializing in offering the widest range of networking equipment including routers, modems, WiFi range extenders, network cables, optical transceiver modules, and accessories.  We deal in every network brand such as TP-Link, Netgear, D-Link, Ubiquiti Networks,  Linksys, and more.  Contact us and enhance your internet experience with our top-rated and cost-effective WiFi Signal Boosters.