BPON vs EPON vs GPON: A Comparative Analysis

This article compares BPON, EPON, and GPON technologies, highlighting the key differences between them. PON stands for Passive Optical Network, a common access technology used by service providers to deliver internet and other services.

Access networks come in three main types: wireless, fiber, and copper. PON falls under the fiber category.

The following table summarizes the key specifications of BPON, EPON, and GPON as defined by the ITU organization.

BPON vs EPON vs GPON: A Comparison Table

SpecificationsBPONEPONGPON
Full formBroadband PON (enhancement of APON-ATM PON)Ethernet PONGigabit PON
StandardITU-T G.983IEEE 802.3ahITU-T G.984
Upstream λ1310 nm1310 nm1310 nm
Downstream λ1490 nm and 1550 nm1550 nm1490 nm and 1550 nm
ProtocolATMEthernetATM, TDM, GEM, Ethernet
Speed supportedDownstream: <=622 Mbps
Upstream: <= 155 Mbps
Downstream: <=1.25 Gbps
Upstream: <= 1.25 Gbps
Downstream: <=2.488 Gbps
Upstream: <= 1.244 Gbps
Maximum distance20 Km10/20 Km10/20 Km