How Industry Associations Are Helping with Enterprise PON Support

Have you heard about passive optical local area networks and want to learn more about deploying this technology in the enterprise? David Hall explains where you can go for help to learn about the technology and proper enterprise deployment.

PON_wire_building_imageYou might be aware that passive optical networks (PON) is the architecture traditionally used in many fiber-to-the-home applications. What you might not know is that PON is increasingly finding its way into enterprise environments such as office buildings, sports venues and hospitality. While end users, distributors, integrators and consultants may be well-versed on Ethernet point-to-point networks, some are unsure on where to go to for additional information on deploying PON.

Fortunately, the usual “go-to” standards organizations for enterprises in the United States, such as the Telecommunication Industry Association (TIA), are updating their standards to incorporate application support for PON. One such standard—ANSI/TIA-568-C.0—specifies requirements for splitters and recognized cabling for the work area. The TIA-568-C.3 standard lists requirements for optical connectivity and testing requirements. Performance, testing and labeling requirements for single-mode optical fiber and connectors are covered in these and other TIA standards.

BICSI has updated many of their documents to include information on PON for in-building deployment. In the thirteenth edition of its flagship publication, the Telecommunications Distribution Methods Manual, BICSI includes material on PON channel definitions, channel lengths, testing and best practices.

Another good source for information regarding PON is the Association for Passive Optical Local Area Network (APOLAN). Founded in August 2013, it is a non-profit organization composed of manufacturers, distributors, integrators and consulting companies who are actively involved in the passive optical LAN marketplace. The organization supports the growth and education of the passive optical LAN industry and is focused on how best to market, install, educate, and support PON in enterprise applications. APOLAN holds webinars through industry media partners to help educate the industry on PON and to provide a forum for questions and answers. The APOLAN website contains white papers, case studies, as well as best practices for enterprise PON and member companies that may be contacted for additional information.

The evolution of PON to the enterprise continues to gain momentum and CommScope supports these associations with the continued education of this vital technology. If you have questions about PON technology or the latest standards supporting PON then you can use the comment section below.