The full form of EPON is Ethernet Passive Optical Network.
EPON is a type of optical fiber access network that utilizes Ethernet packets for data transmission instead of ATM (Asynchronous Transfer Mode) cells. It leverages the Internet Protocol (IP) to carry data, voice, and video services.
Here's a breakdown:
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Ethernet: This refers to the widely used networking standard for local area networks (LANs). EPON leverages Ethernet's simplicity and cost-effectiveness.
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Passive: In a passive optical network (PON), optical splitters are used to distribute the optical signal from a single optical fiber to multiple users. These splitters are passive devices, meaning they don't require electrical power, which reduces maintenance costs and improves reliability.
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Optical Network: This signifies that the data transmission occurs over optical fibers, providing high bandwidth and long-distance capabilities.
In essence, EPON combines the benefits of Ethernet's ubiquity and low cost with the high bandwidth and reach of fiber optic technology to deliver high-speed internet access to homes and businesses.