Fundamental of GPON

Fundamentals
of
Gigabit Passive Optical Network

ITI Limited
Raebareli
Issue 01

1
ITI Limited Raebareli
 Fundamental of GPON

CONTENT
1. Scope
2. Definitions
3. Architecture of the optical access network
4. Network architecture
5. Reference configuration
6. Services, user network interface and service node interface
7. Services
8. User Network Interface (UNI) and Service Node Interface (SNI)
9. 7 Bit rate
10. Logical reach
11. Physical reach
12. Differential fibre distance
13. Maximum mean signal transfer delay
14. Split ratio
15. Service overlay
16. Protection on the PON section
a. Possible switching types
b. Possible duplex GPON configurations and characteristics
c. Requirements
d. Required information fields for OAM frame
17. Security
Appendix I Examples of services, UNI and SNI
I.1 Examples of services
I.2 Examples of UNI
I.3 Examples of SNI

18. Abbreviation

Gigabit-capable Passive Optical Networks (GPON): General characteristics

2
ITI Limited Raebareli
 Fundamental of GPON

Scope
The general characteristics include examples of services, User Network Interfaces (UNI) and
Service Node Interfaces (SNI) that are requested by network operators. Also, this
Recommendation shows the principal deployment configuration.
GPON systems are characterized, in general, by an Optical Line Termination (OLT) system and
an Optical Network Unit (ONU) or Optical Network Termination (ONT) with a passive Optical
Distribution Network (ODN) interconnecting them. There is, in general, a one-to-many
relationship between the OLT and the ONU/ONTs respectively.

Definitions:

Adaptation Function (AF): AF is additional equipment to change an ONT/ONU subscriber

interface into the UNI interface that is required by an operator or to change a UNI interface into
an ONT/ONU subscriber interface. Functions of AF depend on the ONT/ONU subscriber
interface and UNI interface. AF is also used to change an OLT network interface into the SNI
interface that is required by an operator or to change a SNI interface into an OLT network
interface.
Logical reach: Logical reach is defined as the maximum distance that can be achieved for a
particular transmission system, regardless of the optical budget.
Differential fibre distance: An OLT is connected to several ONU/ONTs. The differential fibre
distance is the difference in the distance between the nearest and furthest ONU/ONT from the
OLT.
Mean signal transfer delay: The mean signal transfer delay is the average of the upstream
and downstream delay values between reference points; this value is determined by measuring
round-trip delay and then dividing by 2.
Optical Access Network (OAN): The OAN is the set of access links sharing the same
network-side interfaces and supported by optical access transmission systems. The OAN may
include a number of ODNs connected to the same OLT.
Optical Distribution Network (ODN): An ODN realizes the optical transmission from the
OLT towards the users and vice versa. It utilizes passive optical components.
Optical Line Termination (OLT): An OLT provides the network-side interface of the OAN
and is connected to one or more ODNs.
Optical Network Termination (ONT): An ONT is an ONU used for FTTH that includes
the User Port function.
Optical Network Unit (ONU): An ONU provides (directly or remotely) the user-side interface
of the OAN and is connected to the ODN.
Physical reach: Physical reach is defined as the maximum physical distance that can be
achieved for a particular transmission system.
Service: Service is defined as a network service required by operators. Service is described
by the name that is clearly recognized by everyone, regardless of whether it is a frame structure
name or a general name.

Architecture of the optical access network :

Network architecture
3
ITI Limited Raebareli
 Fundamental of GPON

The optical section of a local access network system can be either active or passive and its
architecture can be either point-to-point or point-to-multipoint. Figure 1 shows the architectures
considered, which range from Fibre to the Home (FTTH), through Fibre to the Building/Curb
(FTTB/C) to Fibre to the Cabinet (FTTCab). The Optical Access Network (OAN) is common to
all architectures shown in Figure 1, hence the commonality of this system has the potential to
generate large worldwide volumes.

Fig. 1

FTTB scenario
The FTTB scenario is divided into two scenarios, one for multi-dwelling units (MDU) and the
other for businesses. Each scenario has the following service categories:

FTTB for MDU

Asymmetric broadband services (e.g., digital broadcast services, VOD, file download, etc.).
Symmetric broadband services (e.g., content broadcast, e-mail, file exchange, distance
learning, telemedicine, online-game, etc.).
POTS and ISDN. The access network must be able to provide, in a flexible way, narrowband
telephone services with appropriate timing for the introduction.

4
ITI Limited Raebareli
 Fundamental of GPON

FTTB for business

Symmetric broadband services (e.g., group software, content broadcast, e-mail, file
exchange, etc.).
POTS and ISDN. The access network must be able to provide, in a flexible way, narrowband
telephone services with the appropriate timing for the introduction.
Private line. The access network must be able to provide, in a flexible way, private line
services at several rates.

FTTC and FTTCab scenario

Within this scenario, the following service categories have been considered:
Asymmetric broadband services (e.g., digital broadcast services, VoD, file download,
online-game, etc.).
Symmetric broadband services (e.g., content broadcast, e-mail, file exchange, distance
learning, telemedicine, etc.).
POTS and ISDN. The access network must be able to provide, in a flexible way, narrowband
telephone services with the appropriate timing for the introduction.
xDSL backhaul.

FTTH scenario
Within this scenario, the following service categories have been considered:
Asymmetric broadband services (e.g., digital broadcast services, VOD, file download, etc.).
Symmetric broadband services (e.g., content broadcast, e-mail, file exchange, distance
learning, telemedicine, online-game, etc.).
POTS and ISDN. The access network must be able to provide, in a flexible way, narrowband
telephone services with the appropriate timing for the introduction.

Reference configuration
The reference configuration is shown in Figure 2

5
ITI Limited Raebareli
 Fundamental of GPON

Interface at the reference points S/R and R/S

The interface at reference points S/R and R/S is defined as IFPON. This is a PON-specific
interface
that supports all the protocol elements necessary to allow transmission between OLT and ONUs.

Services, user network interface and service node interface

Services
GPON is required to support all currently known services and new services being discussed for
the residential subscribers and business customers, because of such a broadband capability.
What specific services should be provided is clearer to some operators than to others and
depends heavily on the particular regulatory conditions of each operators' markets, as well as on
the own markets potential. How these services are delivered in a cost effective way is a function
not only of legal conditions, but also of factors including existing telecommunications
infrastructure, dwelling distribution and residential and business customers mix.

User Network Interface (UNI) and Service Node Interface (SNI)

6
ITI Limited Raebareli
 Fundamental of GPON

ONU/ONT has UNI, as well as OLT, has SNI as described in Figure 2. UNI/SNI depends on
which services are provided by the service operator.
The examples of UNI are described in clause I.2. Also, The examples of SNI are described in
clause I.3.

Bit rate
Basically, GPON aims at transmission speeds greater than or equal to 1.2 Gbit/s. However, in the
case of FTTH or FTTC with asymmetric xDSL, such a high-speed upstream bit rate might not be
needed. Accordingly, GPON identifies 7 transmission speed combinations as follows:

155 Mbit/s up, 1.2 Gbit/s down;

622 Mbit/s up, 1.2 Gbit/s down;
1.2 Gbit/s up, 1.2 Gbit/s down;
155 Mbit/s up, 2.4 Gbit/s down;
622 Mbit/s up, 2.4 Gbit/s down;
1.2 Gbit/s up, 2.4 Gbit/s down;
2.4 Gbit/s up, 2.4 Gbit/s down.
Logical reach
Logical reach is the maximum distance between ONU/ONT and OLT except for the limitation of
the physical layer. In GPON, the maximum logical reach is defined as 60 km.
Physical reach
Physical reach is the maximum physical distance between the ONU/ONT and the OLT. In
GPON,two options are defined for the physical reach: 10 km and 20 km. It is assumed that 10
km is the maximum distance over which FP-LD can be used in the ONU for high bit rates such
as 1.25 Gbit/s or above.
Differential fibre distance
In GPON, the maximum differential fibre distance is 20 km. This affects the size of the ranging
window and provides compliance with ITU-T Rec. G.983.1.
Maximum mean signal transfer delay
GPON must accommodate services that require a maximum mean signal transfer delay of 1.5
ms. Specifically, GPON system must have a maximum mean signal transfer delay time of less
than 1.5 ms between T-V (or (a)-V, depending on operator's preference). See clause 12/G.982
[3]. Although a section of the delay measurement is T-V for FTTH system or (a)-V for the other
application in ITU-T Rec. G.982, in a GPON system the reference points are not restricted by the
system configuration.

Split ratio
Basically, the larger the split ratio is for GPON, the more attractive it is for operators. However,
a larger split ratio implies greater optical splitting which creates the need for an increased power
budget to support the physical reach.
Split ratios of up to 1:64 are realistic for the physical layer given current technology. However,
anticipating the continued evolution of optical modules, the TC layer must consider split ratios
up to 1:128.

7
ITI Limited Raebareli
 Fundamental of GPON

Service overlay
An overlay wavelength may be used to provide enhanced services to the subscriber.
Accordingly, GPON must vacate the Enhancement Band defined in ITU-T Rec. G.983.3.
Protection on the PON section
From the viewpoint of administration of the access network, the protection architecture of GPON
is considered to enhance the reliability of the access networks. However, protection shall be
considered as an optional mechanism because its implementation depends on the realization of
economical systems.
This clause presents some possible duplex configurations and related requirements as examples
of protected GPON systems. In addition, the required OAM message for protection is mentioned.
Possible switching types
There are two types of protection switching both of which are analogous to those of SDH
systems:
i) automatic switching; and
ii) forced switching.
The first one is triggered by fault detection, such as loss of signal, loss of frame, signal degrade
(BER becomes worse than the predetermined threshold), and so on. The second one is activated
by administrative events, such as fibre rerouting, fibre replacement, etc. Both types should be
possible in the GPON system, if required, even though they are optional functions. The
switching mechanism is generally realized by the OAM function, therefore, the required OAM
information field should be reserved in the OAM frame.
Figure 3 shows the duplex system model for the access network. The relevant part of the
protection in the GPON system should be a part of the protection between the ODN interface in
the OLT and the ODN interface in the ONU via the ODN, excluding the SNI redundancy in the
OLT.

Fig. 3

Possible duplex GPON configurations and characteristics

There can be several types of duplex GPON systems, as shown in Figures 4a to d. The control
protocols for each configuration should be specified independently from one another.
For example, no switching protocol is required for the OLT/ONU in Figure 4a, since the
switching is only applied for the optical fibres. Also, in Figure 4b, no switching protocol is
required since the switching is carried out only in the OLT.
14.2.1 Configuration examples
Type A: The first configuration doubles only the optical fibres, as shown in Figure 4a. In this
case, the ONUs and OLT are singular.
8
ITI Limited Raebareli
 Fundamental of GPON

Type B: The second configuration (Figure 4b) doubles the OLTs and the optical fibres between
the OLTs and the optical splitter, and the splitter has two input/output ports on the OLT side.
This configuration reduces the cost of duplexing the ONUs, although only the OLT side can be
recovered.
Type C: The third configuration (Figure 4c) doubles not only the OLT side facilities but also the
ONU side. In this configuration, recovery from failure at any point is possible by switching to
the standby facilities. Therefore, the full duplex cost enables a high reliability.
Type D: If the ONUs are installed in the customer buildings, the in-house wiring may or may not
be duplexed. Additionally, if each ONU is owned by a different user, the reliability requirement
depends on each user and only a limited number of ONUs may have the duplex configuration.
Based on this consideration, the last configuration (Figure 4d) permits a partial duplexing on the
ONU side. This Figure shows an example where there are duplex (ONU#1) and single (ONU#N)
ONUs. Its key principles are:
1) using double N:2 optical splitters to connect PON LT(0) in ONU#1 to splitter N(0) and
PON LT(1) in ONU#1 to splitter N(1);
2) connecting PON LT in ONU#N to either optical splitter (because it is single);
3) using double 2:1 optical splitters to connect PON LT(0) in the OLT to splitter(0) and PON
LT(1) in the OLT to splitter(1);
4) connecting double N:2 optical splitters and double 2:1 optical splitters, where one port of
splitter(1) is connected to splitter N(0), and one port of splitter(0) to splitter N(1);
5) using the cold standby method in both OLT and ONUs to avoid optical signal collision
from PON LT(0) and PON LT(1) in the OLT, or PON LT(0) and PON LT(1) in ONU #1.

Fig.4a

9
ITI Limited Raebareli
 Fundamental of GPON

Fig. 4b

Fig. 4c

10
ITI Limited Raebareli
 Fundamental of GPON

Fig. 4d

Characteristics
Type A: In this case, signal loss or even frame loss is inevitable in the switching period.
However, all the connections between the service node and the terminal equipment should be
held after this fibre switching.
Type B: This configuration requires cold standby of the spare circuit in the OLT side. In this
case, signal loss or even frame loss is, in general, inevitable in the switching period. However, all
the connections supported between the service node and the terminal equipment should be held
after this switching.
Type C: In this case, the hot standby of the spare receiver circuits is possible in both ONU and
OLT sides. In addition, hitless switching (without frame loss) is also possible in this
configuration.
Type D: The characteristics of this type are the same as Type B.
Requirements
i) The protection switching function should be optional.
ii) Both automatic protection switching and forced switching are possible in the GPON
system, if required, even though they are optional functions.
iii) All the configuration examples of 14.2 will be possible, even though they are optional
functions.
iv) The switching mechanism is generally realized by the OAM function, therefore, the
required OAM information field must be reserved in the OAM frame.
v) All the connections supported between the service node and the terminal equipment should
11
ITI Limited Raebareli
 Fundamental of GPON

be held after switching. Regarding the last requirement, one implementation of the POTS service
node (exchange) requires the frame loss period to be less than 120 ms. If the frame loss period
becomes longer than that, the service node disconnects the call, and the call set-up is required
again after the protection switching. Since GPON supports the emulation of conventional
services, such as POTS and ISDN, this value should be taken into consideration.

Required information fields for OAM frame

According to the analogy of the SDH system, protection switching requires less than ten codes to
be used for both upstream and downstream, which will be realized by the field of the OAM
frame. The field mapping of the OAM frame for the protection will be required to be defined.

Security
Due to the multicast nature of the PON, GPON needs a security mechanism adapting the
following requirements:
To prevent other users from easily decoding the downstream data;
To prevent other users from masquerading as another ONU/ONT or user;
To allow cost-effective implementation.

Abbreviations
The following abbreviations are used:

AF Adaptation Function
BRI Basic Rate Interface
DSL Digital Subscriber Line
FTTB Fibre to the Building
FTTCab/C Fibre to the Cabinet/Curb
FTTH Fibre to the Home
ISDN Integrated Services Digital Network
LT Line Terminal
MDU Multi-dwelling Unit
NT Network Termination
OAM Operation, Administration and Maintenance
OAN Optical Access Network
ODN Optical Distribution Network
OLT Optical Line Termination
ONT Optical Network Termination
ONU Optical Network Unit
OpS Operations System
PDH Plesiochronous Digital Hierarchy
PON Passive Optical Network
POTS Plain Old Telephone Service
PRI Primary Rate Interface
PSTN Public Switched Telephone Network
SDH Synchronous Digital Hierarchy
SN Serial Number
12
ITI Limited Raebareli
 Fundamental of GPON

SNI Service Node Interface

TC Transmission Convergence
UNI User Network Interface
VOD Video-On-Demand
WDM Wavelength Division Multiplexing

13
ITI Limited Raebareli