Most PON splitters are 1X32 or 2X32 or some smaller number of splits in a binary sequence (2, 4, 16, 32, etc. ). Couplers are basically symmetrical, say 32X32, but PON buildings doesn’t need but one fiber connection on the central office side, or maybe 2, so one is available for monitoring, testing and as a spare, so the other fibers are cut off. Couplers work by busting the signal equally into all the fibers opposed to this of the coupler, splitters add considerable loss to a FTTH link, constraining the space of a FTTH link compared to typical point-to-point telco link. When designing a fiber optic network, here are guidelines on loss in PON couplers.
The splitter can be housed in a central office or a pedestal in the neighborhood near the homes served. Some typical pedestal has connections to the central office, splitters and fibers out to each home in a sealed fencing. The main benefit of PONs is that this pedestal is passive -- it does not require any power as would a switch or node for fiber to the curb.
Below is the payout of a typical PON network with the equipment required at the central office, fiber distribution hub and the home. This drawing shows the venue of the hardware used in creating a complete PON network and becomes the network vocabulary.
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