Optical fiber networks operate on different passive optical network (PON) standards.  A PON is a network system specific to fiber technology that delivers broadband network access to your home or business. One of many PON standards is GPON.

GPON stands for Gigabit Ethernet passive optical network (PON). GPON uses Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) for voice, Ethernet for data, and proprietary encapsulation for voice. This means that it uses fixed-sized cells instead of variably sized packets of data. It offers faster Gbps than EPON (Ethernet passive optical network) on downstream and upstream bandwidths.

A GPON system consists of an optical line terminal (OLT) that connects several optical network terminals (ONTs/ONUs) together using a passive optical distribution network (ODN).

GPON supports:

Triple-play services (VoIP, Data and IPTV), providing competitive all-services solutions.

Higher data rates and bandwidth transmission

Long-reach coverage

Increased security and data encryption (supports block length of 128 bits and key lengths of 128, 192, and 256 bits.)

All types of Ethernet protocols

GPON offers:

Superior quality of service (QoS)

Dynamic bandwidth allocation capabilities

Flexibility

It is a popular option among major telecom operators around the world. And since GPON gives you the ability to consolidate multiple services onto a single fiber transport network, it is why people opt for GPON over other technologies.