By dividing a single optical signal from a central Optical Line Terminal (OLT) into multiple outputs for Optical Network Terminals (ONTs) at users' homes, splitters eliminate the need for dedicated fibers to each residence—slashing infrastructure costs while scaling network reach. An Optical Splitter, also known as a beam splitter, is a passive optical device that divides a single input optical signal into two or more output signals. Conversely, it can also combine multiple signals into one. Optical splitter. Where splitters are placed in the network can make significant impacts on fiber counts, network cost and deployment time and operational steps, such as customer onboarding and maintenance. One important note is that splitting architectures should be seen as tools that can be mixed and matched to. The trick is how that single signal gets divided. That's where splitters come in.
[PDF Version]