GPON’s Multi-point Feature Gives It a Clear Advantage Over Other Ethernet Connections

In the world of networking, no other type of cable is more effective than fiber optic cables. A GPON, or a gigabyte passive optical network, is the leading form of a passive optical network currently available. GPON architecture utilizes fiber optic cables to deliver information both effectively and quickly.

GPON has a type of connection called a multi-point connection. This gives it an advantage over traditional point-to-point connections. What multi-point connections are is a complicated topic, however, and warrants an in-depth explanation. House of I.T is here to provide you with an explanation. Please keep reading to learn what it is, why it is beneficial, and other important information related to GPON and how it transmits data.

What Does Multi-point Refer To?

In terms of networking, point to multi-point refers to a link between three or more devices or nodes. These nodes help to balance traffic and allow for more reliable data transmission.

This is different than a point-to-point connection where there is only a single connection between two devices or nodes; in other words, one device transmits data while one receives it.

Why Is Multi-point Beneficial?

In multi-point connections, multiple devices share one link. This means that data is not regulated or managed like in point-to-point and is more reliably transmitted to devices and nodes as a result.

Multi-point devices always stay connected since they share a connection, making them highly stable. This means that all devices will have a roughly equal share of the network’s download and upload speeds available to them, helping with network load balancing.

Additionally, multi-point connections are great for businesses with two or more locations. Since multi-point connections allow three or more points to work effortlessly together on the same network, this will help eliminate the need to set up a VPN and enable different businesses to communicate with one another (or a data center or any other location).

How fast is GPON?

GPON is incredibly fast relative to standard copper cable wiring. At its maximum transmission speed, data can download at a rate of 2.4888 gigabits per second. To put this perspective: In the Philippines, the average speed of fixed internet connections was 31.44 megabits per second and 22.5 megabits for mobile internet connections in December of 2020. For clarity, 1 gigabit is equal to 1,000 megabits.

This means that, at its maximum download speed, GPON is almost 80 times faster than the average internet connection plugged in via an ethernet cable and over 110 times faster than a wireless connection! Based on these statistics, it is clear why GPON is so highly effective as a network.

                As stated before, download and upload speeds are equally shared between devices. Put another way: you can feel comfortable knowing that all your employees will never need to worry about experiencing slow download speeds, muffled audio on their phone calls, web pages loading slowly, and more.

Further Reasons GPON Is Effective

Beyond what we just described, GPON has several other advantages that make it a superior network. Here are some of the top reasons.

GPON Can Transit Data Over Longer Distances

GPON can transmit data up to 20 kilometers before the signal starts to degrade. Traditional copper wire cabling, in comparison, begins to degrade after only 100 meters.

GPON Cabling Takes Up Less Space Than Copper Wires

On average, fiber optic cables will take up roughly a fraction of the space that copper wire cabling takes up. As a result, it is an excellent choice for optimizing the space available in a server room.

Fiber Optic Cables are Cheaper than Copper Cables

The average cost of implementing a GPON fiber optic cable will be around half of what it costs to install a copper wire cable.

GPON Is More Environmentally Friendly

Due to the lower energy requirements required to run GPON equipment, GPON networks are roughly 95% more energy efficient than traditional copper wire cables networks.

As a bonus, since GPON equipment requires less electricity and air conditioning to keep them running optimally, your utility bills will be cheaper.

Final Thoughts

GPON, as explained prior, is incredibly efficient as a means of transmitting data. Due to its ability to handle large amounts of data, download and upload information quickly, and effectively process data across multiple devices, it is no wonder that GPON is the best network system currently available on the market for businesses.

GPON is both incredibly cost-efficient, too, so most businesses will benefit from having an installation performed. If you have not had GPON installed and feel that your business would benefit from having it done, we highly encourage you to contact us to speak about this and determine a plan of action.