Powering PON with conventional cable broadband equipment

Billions of dollars of public funding are being allocated to expand high speed broadband connectivity into unserved or underserved parts of the rural US and Canada, and cable operators are taking advantage of these government incentives to expand their network footprints. One of the most common methods for expanding the network is through passive optical networks (PON). PON remote optical line terminals (R-OLTs) – located in remote service areas – distribute fiber connections for homes and businesses. These OLTs are critical elements and therefore keeping them running in all conditions is essential to network reliability.

OLTs Modelled after HFC nodes

HFC nodes and amplifiers are designed specifically for cable broadband, with standards and best practices developed to help ensure network reliability and operational efficiency. Many HFC node manufacturers are leveraging the HFC-based designs and interfaces to build OLT functionality into modules that retrofit into existing nodes. Like traditional cable broadband network elements, the OLTs have been optimized to operate at maximum power levels below 100 W, allowing operators to install and upgrade without major power challenges.