Fiber U Self Study


Lesson # 3: Passive Optical LANs


Level: Technician



 
Passive Optical LANs

Objectives: From this self-study lesson you should learn:
  • What is a Passive Optical LAN?
  • What are the differences between regular Ethernet LANs and passive OLANs?
  • How passive OLAN systems work
  • What are GPON and EPON?
  • How passive OLANs fit into structured cabling standards
  • How passive OLAN cable plants differ from regular cabling

Passive optical LANs use standard FTTH architecture and protocols which are quite different from typical LANs. A PON (passive optical network) utilizes a passive splitter that takes one input and splits it up to broadcast to many users to cut the cost of the links substantially by sharing one set of electronics and an expensive laser with up to 32 homes. There are three main types of PONs, BPOB, GPON and EPON that are standardized and in widespread use today.

This Fiber U self-study program will introduce you to based on PONs and explain how they work..

The course leads you to read online or printed materials (with an emphasis on the online using the FOA Guide), watch FOA YouTube Videos, complete some activities and take the quizzes. Each lesson plan will be self-contained. Lesson plans open in new pages so the course overview page stays open to lead you to the next lesson or you may use the link at the bottom of the page.



Assignment
Read the references, watch the videos and take the quizzes (Test Your Knowledge)

Background
Overview of Premises Cabling with History  

Reading
Passive Optical LANs  (Also see Lecture 30 video, below)

Videos
FOA YouTube Videos, Lecture 30, Optical LANs  (Repeat)


Reference Textbook
FOA Reference Guide Premises Cabling (2014), Appendix B 

Extra Credit Reading
Assignments beyond the basics required for the course will be listed as extra credit.




Test Your Knowledge
Online Quiz



Next Lesson:
Lesson Plan No. 4, Installing OLANs


Lesson Plans

FOA Fiber U Self-Study - OLANs - Home Page 
Lesson Plan No. 1: What is an OLAN?  
Lesson Plan No. 2, Centralized Fiber Networks  
Lesson Plan No. 3, Passive Optical LANs   
Lesson Plan No. 4, Installing OLAN Networks  
Lesson Plan No. 5, Testing OLAN Networks  
Lesson Plan No. 6, OLAN Design, Case Study  


Fiber U Certificate of Completion
When you finish, you can take an online exam on this course to qualify for a "Fiber U Certificate of Completion."



 


Table of Contents: The FOA Reference Guide To Fiber Optics

(C)2012, The Fiber Optic Association, Inc.