Passive Optical Network (PON) Test Solution

What is PON?

A PON (Passive Optical Network) is an optical fiber network that transfers data from one Optical Line Terminal (OLT) to many Optical Network Units via an optical splitter. Fiber To The X (FTTx) networks use optical fiber to connect subscribers directly to the service provider or CATV operator, and the PON widens the FTTx area coverage. Additionally, PON usage by Radio Access Networks (RAN) is growing.

Types of PON Service

ITU-T and IEEE standardize PON specifications. PON services differ depending on the up and down transfer speeds, optical wavelength, bandwidth, etc. Current PON specifications use the 10G-EPON (IEEE)/XGS-PON (ITU-T) standards with a transmission speed of 10 Gbit/s. Additionally, the ITU-T has already standardized NG-PON2 with a 40 Gbit/s transmission speed by combining wavelength-division multiplexing (WDM) and time-division multiplexing (TDM); ITU-T also promotes the 50G-PON standard. On the other hand, the 25GS-PON MSA Group promotes the 25G-PON standard.

G-PON（1 Gbps）

Downstream

1490 nm

Upstream

1310 nm

XGS-PON（10 Gbps）

Downstream

1578 nm

Upstream

1270 nm

NG-PON2（40 Gbps）

Downstream

1596-1603 nm

Upstream

1528-1540 nm

Challenges in PON I&M

Challenge1
Difficulties Locating Optical Fiber Network Faults

Next-generation PON networks will split the optical signal into 128 ways. However, the power of each split optical signal decreases as the number of split signals increases. If contractors use an OTDR with insufficient receiver sensitivity for network installation and maintenance (I&M), faults cannot be detected appropriately at End-To-End testing, which risks missing problems that might disrupt communications. Moreover, testing at optical fiber repeaters and multiple locations on the fiber network increases costs.

Challenge 2
Rapid Growth in PON I&M

Due to the rapid growth in PON I&M, the workload of engineers increase, requiring better work efficiencies by service providers and contractors. This rapid growth also requires the need for more experienced engineers in test equipment operation however, training inexperienced engineers quickly can be difficult.

Anritsu PON Test Solutions

faults can detect appropriately at End-To-End testing

Solution 1
End-to-End Troubleshooting of Next-Generation PON with MT1000A/MT9085 Series

With their high receiver sensitivity (dynamic range), the MT1000A and MT9085 series are ideal for detecting end-to-end faults in next-generation PON including 128-way optical splitters to cut network operators’ and contractors’ PON I&M costs and prevent missed fault detection).

Solution 2
Efficient Testing with MT1000A Automated Test and Remote Operation Functions

The following three functions facilitate efficient testing and fast engineer training.

Scenario-Based Testing displays operation help guides and automates test pass/fail evaluation, which increases work efficiency, shorten test times and cuts training costs.

The Fiber Visualizer function detects the location of events such as optical splitters, optical connectors, and faults automatically and displays them on the GUI as easily recognized symbolic icons. As a result, even engineers without OTDR test experience can easily troubleshoot optical network faults.

Using Remote Operation, experienced engineers can provide troubleshooting support remotely without requiring an on-site visit, which cuts troubleshooting costs and reduces the work burden of experienced engineers.