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Technology Types

GPON (Gigabit Passive Optical Network)

The most common fiber-to-the-home deployment architecture, using passive splitters to serve up to 128 homes from a single fiber strand with up to 2.5 Gbps shared bandwidth.

What It Means

GPON is the standard behind most fiber broadband deployments from AT&T, Verizon FiOS, Google Fiber, and regional ISPs. A single optical line terminal (OLT) at the provider's central office connects to an optical splitter, which divides the signal to serve multiple homes. Each home gets an Optical Network Terminal (ONT) that converts light signals to ethernet. While the 2.5 Gbps bandwidth is shared, real-world speeds typically reach 900 Mbps-1 Gbps per home. XGS-PON, the next generation, supports 10 Gbps symmetrical.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does "GPON" mean?

The most common fiber-to-the-home deployment architecture, using passive splitters to serve up to 128 homes from a single fiber strand with up to 2.5 Gbps shared bandwidth.

Why does GPON matter for internet quality?

GPON is the standard behind most fiber broadband deployments from AT&T, Verizon FiOS, Google Fiber, and regional ISPs. A single optical line terminal (OLT) at the provider's central office connects to an optical splitter, which divides the signal to serve multiple homes. Each home gets an Optical Ne...

Related Terms

Fiber Optic (FTTH)
Internet delivered via glass or plastic strands that transmit data as pulses of light, offering the fastest and most reliable residential connections available.
Cable Internet (DOCSIS)
Broadband delivered over coaxial cable TV lines using the DOCSIS protocol, typically offering 100-1,200 Mbps download but significantly slower upload speeds.
DSL (Digital Subscriber Line)
Internet service delivered over traditional copper telephone lines, with speeds that degrade significantly over distance from the provider's central office.
Fixed Wireless Access (FWA)
Broadband delivered wirelessly from a cell tower or base station to an antenna at the customer's location, using 4G LTE or 5G signals.

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About This Data

Definitions based on FCC standards, industry specifications, and federal broadband policy. Speed benchmarks reflect 2024 FCC standards. See our methodology.