The Fiber Broadband Association has released a guide called “Introduction to Passive Optical Network Splitter Architectures.” The goal of the guide, which is the latest release in the organization’s Fiber 101 series, is to demystify the terminology, configurations, and best practices associated with PON splitter deployment.

“The splitter architecture selected for a Passive Optical Network directly influences the cost-efficiency and scalability of deploying and maintaining Fiber-To-The-X (FTTx) networks,” John George, Senior Director of Solutions Engineering and Fusion Splicers at OFS, said in a press release.

“With the current unprecedented scale of fiber deployment, providing clear, actionable insights is essential to help service providers, utilities, and other stakeholders build smarter networks that serve more communities. This guide reflects FBA’s commitment to equipping the industry with critical knowledge and resources.”

Among the concepts and configurations in the resource:

• Centralized splitter architectures, where splitters are housed in a central office or fiber distribution hub).
• Distributed splitter architectures, which place splitters closer to customers and pedestals or closures.
• Technical considerations such as power split ratios (e.g., 1×32, 1×64) and their implications for network performance.
• Emerging practices like unbalanced splits.

The FBA says that the document explores the ways in which splitter architecture choices impact fiber counts, splicing and customer connections. It sets the stage for a more detailed follow-up analysis of centralized versus distributed splitting architectures.

Helping in efforts to create a trained workforce capable of keeping pace with the proliferation of fiber is a goal of FBA. In September, it announced the creation of the OpTIC Path Membership Bundle. It combines FBA membership with FBA’s Optical Telecom Installer Certification (OpTIC Path) program. The bundle offers access to an ecosystem of broadband operators, suppliers, policymakers, and innovators.