ZyXEL Communications ONU-2024 Series User Manual page 66

Chapter 7 Basic Setting
PON
A Passive Optical Network (PON) sends fiber optical cables from a service provider to the
premises. "Passive" means that no power is required once the data, which is transmitted as
light, enters the cables.
ONU
In a PON, an Optical Network Unit (ONU) is a fiber optical modem that allows a subscriber or
client to receive very high-speed Internet access over an optical network.
OLT
In a PON, an Optical Line Terminal (OLT) is placed at broadband service provider's central
office, where it receives voice, video, and other data from the service provider's networking
servers. It then converts and transmits this data as light across a fiber optical network, where it
is received and translated on the opposite end by one or more Optical Network Units (ONUs).
FTTx
Fiber-To-The-x (FTTx) refers to networking infrastructure that extends from a service
provider to the x, where x can one of many locations: Office (FTTO), Home (FTTH), Desk
(FTTD), Building (FTTB) or even Curb (FTTC), to name a few. In an FTTO connection, the
Optical Network Unit (ONU) is often placed inside the building, whereas in FTTH or FTTC
the fiber ends at an end-user's house (or somewhere nearby), or at a curb-side unit.
IP Address
IP addresses identify individual devices on a network. Every networking device (including
computers, servers, routers, printers, etc.) needs an IP address to communicate across the
network. These networking devices are also known as hosts.
Subnet Masks
Subnet masks determine the maximum number of possible hosts on a network. You can also
use subnet masks to divide one network into multiple sub-networks.
DHCP
A DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) server can assign your ONU an IP address,
subnet mask, DNS and other routing information when it's turned on.
66
ONU User's Guide