What is a passive optical network (PON)?

Question

Options

• AA point-to-multipoint network architecture in which unpowered optical splitters are used to enable
• BA point-to-point network architecture in which powered optical splitters are used to enable a single
• CA point-to-point network architecture in which unpowered optical splitters are used to enable a
• DA point-to-multipoint network architecture in which powered optical splitters are used to enable a

• A
  71% (15)
• B
  5% (1)
• C
  19% (4)
• D
  5% (1)

Explanation

Option A is correct because a PON is definitionally a point-to-multipoint architecture - a single fiber from the central office fans out via unpowered (passive) optical splitters to serve multiple end users, which is exactly what makes it "passive": no electrical power is required in the distribution network itself.

B is wrong on two counts: PONs are not point-to-point (they serve multiple endpoints), and the splitters are unpowered, not powered. C gets the "unpowered" part right but incorrectly calls it point-to-point - a point-to-point link would be a dedicated fiber per user, not a shared splitter-based network. D has the topology right (point-to-multipoint) but incorrectly says the splitters are powered, which would make it an active optical network, not a passive one.

Memory tip: Focus on the two key words - Passive = unpowered splitters (no electricity in the field), and the "multi" in PON = one-to-many (point-to-multipoint). If either splitters have power OR it's one-to-one, it's not a PON.

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