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XGS-PON (10-Gigabit-capable Symmetric Passive Optical Network) Definition

XGS-PON stands for 10-Gigabit-capable Symmetric Passive Optical Network. XGS-PON is a fiber-optic network standard that delivers symmetrical broadband services with up to 10 Gbps data rates for both upstream and downstream.

XGS-PON is often compared to GPON in fiber-optic networks; XGS-PON delivers higher symmetrical speeds (10 Gbps), whereas GPON provides asymmetrical speeds (2.5 Gbps downstream, 1.25 Gbps upstream).

The term XGS-PON is relevant in areas including fiber-optic networks, broadband networks, internet service providers, and telecommunications.

Usage examples Origin Current use

XGS-PON Usage Examples

The service provider upgraded their network infrastructure to XGS-PON, enabling faster and more symmetric broadband services for their customers.
Sonic provides 10 Gbps internet service in much of their service area, thanks to the use of XGS-PON.

Background & Industry Context

XGS-PON was standardized by the ITU-T in 2016 as an evolution of the earlier GPON standard. It was developed to support higher data rates and enable symmetrical broadband services with up to 10 Gbps for both upstream and downstream.

By deploying XGS-PON technology, ISPs can provide gigabit-level symmetrical internet speeds to end users, enabling faster and more efficient connectivity.

As demand for faster and more efficient connectivity grows, XGS-PON offers a cutting-edge solution for ISPs looking to provide gigabit-level symmetrical speeds to their subscribers.

XGS-PON: An Overview

The XGS-PON standard delivers higher symmetrical speeds than its predecessor, GPON. With 10 Gbps upstream and downstream capacity, XGS-PON meets the increasing demand for bandwidth-intensive applications and services.

AT&T is the most notable widespread use of XGS-PON in consumer-marketed broadband services.

XGS-PON vs. GPON: Key Differences

XGS-PON and GPON are both passive optical network standards, but XGS-PON offers significant advantages in terms of speed and capacity. While GPON provides 2.5 Gbps downstream and 1.25 Gbps upstream capacity, XGS-PON supports symmetrical 10 Gbps speeds, making it better suited for bandwidth-intensive applications.

The deployment of XGS-PON in broadband networks is essential for meeting the growing demand for high-speed connectivity.

Coexistence of XGS-PON and GPON Networks

XGS-PON and GPON networks can coexist on the same fiber infrastructure, allowing service providers to gradually upgrade their networks without disrupting existing services.

This coexistence is facilitated by the use of wavelength division multiplexing (WDM), which enables XGS-PON and GPON signals to be transmitted simultaneously over the same fiber. The ability to deploy XGS-PON alongside GPON networks helps operators meet the growing demand for high-speed broadband while minimizing network disruption and costs.

Embracing XGS-PON for Gigabit Connectivity

As demand for high-speed broadband grows, XGS-PON technology will play a significant role in enabling service providers to upgrade their networks and deliver gigabit-speed connectivity to homes and businesses.

XGS-PON in Context

PON SystemSpeed Limit (Downstream/Upstream)
BPON622 Mbps / 155 Mbps
GPON2.488 Gbps / 1.244 Gbps
EPON (1G-EPON)1 Gbps / 1 Gbps
10G-EPON10 Gbps / 1 Gbps or 10 Gbps / 10 Gbps
XG-PON10 Gbps / 2.5 Gbps
XGS-PON10 Gbps / 10 Gbps
25G-PON25 Gbps / 25 Gbps (Future standard)

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Page Summary
  • XGS-PON stands for 10 Gigabit Symmetrical Passive Optical Network, a high-capacity fiber-optic network technology.
  • 10 Gbps symmetrical speeds are provided by XGS-PON, which allows for faster download and upload speeds compared to traditional GPON networks.
  • Internet service providers (ISPs) deploy XGS-PON to meet the growing bandwidth demands of customers and support next-generation applications.

Author
Jameson Zimmer
Broadband Market Analyst
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Last Update: April 19, 2023
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