1. Introduction to EPON Technology

EPON (Ethernet Passive Optical Network) is a single-fiber, dual-fiber passive optical network characterized by point-to-multipoint (P2MP). The EPON includes three components: an OLT (Optical Line Terminal), an ONU (Optical Network Unit), and an (ODN) Optical Distribution Network; and the passive optical splitter in the ODN may be a cascade of one or more optical splitters.

EPON technology was standardized by IEEE in 2003. Based on Gigabit Ethernet technology, it implements point-to-multipoint transmission of PON through MPCP on the MAC layer. The protocol implementation is simple, but OAM capability is weak. EPON technology is a relatively mature and scalable PON technology. There are many commercial chips and devices. The product maturity is high and the cost is decreasing. The interoperability between different vendors’ OLT and ONU is basically solved when accessing IP services. It is the mainstream technology of PON applications at this stage.

2. The basic principle of EPON

EPON adopts a point-to-multipoint topology, and adopts a broadcast mode in the downlink and a TDMA mode in the uplink to implement bidirectional data transmission. EPON technology combines Ethernet technology with PON technology, and its goal is to achieve point-to-multipoint high-speed Ethernet fiber access in a simple manner. EPON defines a new physical layer (mainly optical interface) specification, MAC Multipoint Control Protocol (MPCP) and Operational Maintenance and Management (OAM) mechanism applied to the EPON system based on the legacy Ethernet architecture. Time division multiple access of Ethernet frames in a point-to-multipoint passive optical network.

3.Advantages of EPON

(1) Reliable: There is no active electronic device in the passive optical network, the maintenance cost is low, the network components are few, and the fault point is low;
(2) Long distance: EPON transmits 10-20KM distance under the condition of ensuring high bandwidth, overcoming the limitation of Ethernet technology in distance and broadband;
(3) Multi-purpose: EPON adopts single-fiber wavelength division multiplexing technology, which can superimpose CATV signals into EPON at the OLT end, and then separate them through the splitter at the user end, so that EPON can simultaneously transmit data signals and cable TV signals;
(4) Saving: saving fiber and saving optical transceiver, the relative cost is low.

4. Application of EPON technology

With the development of optical access technology, the need for economic construction and operator access network transformation, the emergence of more higher bandwidth services, the construction of FTTx, and the implementation of the “light into copper retreat” development strategy have become the choice of mainstream operators worldwide. . In the face of the various needs of future operators, EPON technology has become a strong technical support of FTTx with its unique technical features, and its application is more and more extensive.

Richerlink has advanced technology and more than 10 years of experience in EPON technology.

The RicherLink RL8004EN OLT is self-developed Compact 1U EPON OLT equipment,meeting the requirements of IEEE802.3ah and meets the EPON OLT equipment requirements of YD/T 1945-2006 Technical requirements for access network——based on Ethernet Passive Optical Network (EPON) and China telecom EPON technical requirements 3.0, possessing super EPON access capacity, carrier-class reliability and the complete security function. It can satisfy long-distance optical fiber access requirement on account of its excellent management, maintenance and monitoring capability, abundant service features and flexible network mode. RL8004EN can be used with NMS3000 network management system so as to provide users with the perfect solution.

The RL8004EN OLT provides 4 *Downsteam EPON ports, 4 * Uplink GE ETH ports and 2 * Uplink GE SFP ports. Up to 1:64 Split ratio for up to 256 EPON users. The 1U pizzabox design is for easy installation, Maintenance and Space saving. RL8004EN is suitable for Broadcast three in one, video surveillance network, enterprise LAN, Internet of Things, etc.

RicherLink RL8004EN OLT

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