PON Splitters - Splitter PLC
Passive Optic Network(PON) splitters play an important role in Fiber to the Home (FTTH) networks by allowing a single PON network interface to be shared among many subscribers. Splitters contain no electronics and use no power. They are the network elements that put the passive in Passive Optical Network and are available in a variety of split ratios, including 1:8, 1:16, and 1:32.
There are two basic technologies for building passive optical network splitters: Fused Biconical Taper (FBT) and Planar Lightwave Circuit (PLC). Fused Biconical Taper is the older technology and generally introduces more loss than the newer PLC splitters, though both PLC splitter and FBT splitters are used in PON networks.
FBT and PLC splitter Feature in Comparison
| FBT Splitter | PLC Splitter | |
| Operating Wavelengths | 850nm | 1260nm-1650nm |
| 1310nm | ||
| 1550nm | ||
| Number of Inputs | One or Two | One or Two |
| Splitter Ratio | Customisable | Equal for all branches |
| Reliable Splits | 1:8(larger with higher failure rate) | 1:64 |
| Maximum Splits | 1:32 | 1:64 |
| Other | High Failure Rate | Low Failure Rate |
| Lower Price | Higher Price |
Splitter PLC is a type of optical power management device that is fabricated using silica optical waveguide technology. It features small size, high reliability, wide operating wavelength range and good channel-to-channel uniformity, and is widely used in PON networks to realize optical signal power splitting.
PLC Splitters are installed in each optical network between the PON Optical Line Terminal (OLT) and the Optical Network Terminals (ONTs) that the OLT serves. Networks implementing BPON, GPON, EPON, 10G EPON, and 10G GPON technologies all use these simple optical splitters. In place of an optical splitter, a WDM PON network will use an Arrayed Wave Guide (AWG).
Classification and Application of PLC Splitter
1. Rack mount PLC splitter: It is recommended when 19-inch OLT enclosure or standard network cabinet is used in fiber network, or ODN needs to be placed on the desk.
2. ABS box type PLC splitter: It is used when standard 19-inch network cabinet, splice box or a specified installation device is used.
3. PLC splitter with bare fiber: It is often installed in pigtail boxes, test instruments and WDM system.
4. PLC splitter as component: It is utilized at access points of FTTx systems where optical splitting is needed, such as terminal box.
5. PLC splitter tray: It is applicable for WDM systems. One-layer tray fits for 1×16 configurations at the most, while two-layer tray fits for 1×32.
Sourcing whole series of 1xN and 2xN splitter PLC products at en.OFweek. They are especially for passive internet (EPON, BPON,GPON). PLC splitters realize easier installation and higher density packaging in a fiber optic closure.