FTTH Networks: Application of GEPON Outdoor Reverse PoE ONUs

To meet the demands of high-quality broadband network development, many operators are currently inclined to deploy fiber optic access networks (FTTB/FTTH). However, in practical FTTB/FTTH applications, the power supply problem for ONU devices in corridors and outdoor scenarios is particularly prominent. Especially in special scenarios such as the renovation of older residential areas, power supply and backup conditions are weak, and the power supply in corridors is extremely unstable. This not only leads to a high failure rate of ONU devices but also increases subsequent maintenance costs and seriously affects the user experience, posing a significant challenge to the implementation of PON solutions.

PoE (Power over Ethernet) technology, also known as POL (Power over Local Area Network) or active Ethernet, has the core advantage of simultaneously transmitting data signals and DC power to IP terminals such as VoIP phones, wireless APs, and IP cameras via Ethernet cables, without the need for additional power lines, effectively solving the power supply problem for terminal devices.

I. Why Choose an Outdoor Reverse PoE ONU?

Reverse PoE (PD) ONUs precisely meet the core needs of outdoor and stairwell scenarios without power supply, focusing on solving two major pain points and providing efficient solutions for operators’ PON network deployments:

1. Solving the Power Supply Problem: Efficiently solves the core pain point of lack of AC power in stairwells and outdoors, and inconvenient power supply. It eliminates the need for on-site power supply facilities and additional power lines, significantly reducing construction difficulty and power supply infrastructure costs, especially suitable for special scenarios such as renovations of older residential areas.
2. Reducing Operating Costs: Users do not need to bear the power supply costs for the equipment; all costs are centrally planned and managed by the operator. This avoids disputes over electricity bills for users and significantly reduces the operator’s later operation and maintenance costs, improving the overall cost-effectiveness of the project.

II. Application Scenarios of Outdoor Reverse PoE ONUs

In a PON (Passive Optical Network) architecture, the OLT (Optical Line Terminal) connects uplink to the core network or switch and downlink to the splitter. As shown in the diagram, the optical splitter can branch out into multiple branches, each connecting to ONT/ONU devices in different scenarios. The OLT, passive optical splitter, and ONU together form a complete passive optical network, supporting stable transmission of various broadband services. Specific application scenarios are as follows:

1. FTTH (Fiber to the Home) Standard Scenario: If the optical splitter is directly connected to a general-purpose ONT deployed in the user’s home, provided that network and power supply conditions are met, it can stably provide users with CATV, VoIP voice, and internet access services, achieving full service coverage for fiber-to-the-home.
2. Outdoor/Unpowered Corridor Scenario: When there is no AC power supply in the house or building corridor to power the ONU devices, an outdoor reverse PoE ONU can be installed in the corridor on the uplink side of the optical splitter. PoE technology is used to power the devices and transmit data, solving the deployment challenges in scenarios without power supply.

III. Core Features of Outdoor Reverse PoE ONU

• Strong Compatibility: Compatible with OLT devices based on Broadcom, PMC, and Cortina chipsets, perfectly adapting to mainstream PON network architectures without requiring large-scale modifications to existing network equipment, reducing upgrade costs.
• Convenient Operation: Press and hold the RST reset button for more than 3 seconds to restart the device and restore factory settings, facilitating later maintenance and debugging, and improving operation and maintenance efficiency.
• Excellent Environmental Adaptability: Featuring a professional waterproof design, it can be directly installed on outdoor walls, pillars, and other open-air environments without the need for additional protective facilities, adapting to various complex outdoor environments and reducing construction and supporting costs.
• Efficient Operation and Maintenance: The device has a simple installation and maintenance process and a wide applicable temperature range, adapting to different outdoor environments and further reducing the workload of later operation and maintenance.
• Stable and Energy-Saving: Adopting a low-power design, it operates quietly without noise, has strong equipment stability, and can effectively reduce the failure rate; at the same time, it meets environmental protection and energy-saving requirements, and long-term operation can significantly reduce energy consumption costs.
• Plug and play: Supports automatic detection, automatic configuration and automatic firmware upgrade functions. No manual intervention is required after deployment, which greatly improves construction efficiency and shortens the project implementation cycle.