Fiber optic network architecture refers to the structure and design of networks that utilize optical fiber to transmit data in the form of light signals. Fiber optic networks offer advantages like high bandwidth, low latency, and resistance to electromagnetic interference, making them preferable for modern high-speed communication.

Here’s a breakdown of fiber optic network architecture:

Basic Components:

  • Optical Line Terminal (OLT): A device in a central office or data center that sends and receives the optical signal.
  • Optical Network Terminal (ONT) or Optical Network Unit (ONU): Equipment on the customer’s premises converting optical signals to electrical signals and vice versa.
  • Optical Splitter: Divides the optical signal to serve multiple ONTs/ONUs.
  • Optical Fiber: Thin strands of glass or plastic that carry data as light signals.

Architectural Models:

  • Point-to-Point (P2P): Direct fiber connection from the central office to the user’s premises.
  • Passive Optical Network (PON): A point-to-multipoint architecture. A single strand of fiber extends from the OLT and gets divided by optical splitters to serve multiple end-users.

Types of PONs:

  • GPON (Gigabit Passive Optical Network): Widely used PON offering high bandwidth.
  • EPON (Ethernet PON): Based on Ethernet protocol, offering symmetrical speeds.
  • WDM-PON (Wavelength Division Multiplexing PON): Uses multiple wavelengths on the same fiber, each serving a different customer or service.
  • NG-PON2 (Next-Generation Passive Optical Network 2): An advanced PON offering even higher speeds.

Deployment Models:

  • FTTH (Fiber-to-the-Home): Fiber runs directly to the user’s home.
  • FTTB (Fiber-to-the-Building or Basement): Fiber goes to a building’s main point, and other technologies distribute it to individual units.
  • FTTC (Fiber-to-the-Curb or Cabinet): Fiber goes to a street cabinet close to users, and another medium (often copper) covers the short distance remaining.
  • FTTN (Fiber-to-the-Node or Neighborhood): Fiber reaches a local node, and existing lines (usually copper) connect to individual premises.

Techniques:

  • DWDM (Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing): Allows multiple data streams to be transmitted simultaneously on different wavelengths, significantly increasing capacity.
  • CWDM (Coarse Wavelength Division Multiplexing): A simpler, less expensive version of DWDM with fewer channels.

Additional Elements:

  • Optical Amplifiers: Boost the strength of the optical signal for long-distance transmission.
  • Optical Add/Drop Multiplexers (OADM): Allow individual wavelengths (channels) to be added or removed from a multi-wavelength optical signal without converting it to electrical signals.

Security and Management:

  • Optical Time-Domain Reflectometer (OTDR): Tests the integrity of fiber networks and locates faults or breaks.
  • Network Management Systems (NMS): Provides operators with tools to monitor, manage, and troubleshoot the network.

Fiber optic networks can be found in long-haul (inter-city or inter-country) links, metropolitan area networks, and local area networks (LANs). As the demand for high-speed internet, video streaming, cloud computing, and other data-intensive applications grows, the importance and prevalence of fiber optic networks are only expected to increase.