Telecom New Zealand's primary fiber splitters are passive optical devices that divide a single fiber signal from the central office into multiple outputs for end-user connections, typically using centralized or distributed PON architectures.

Overview of Primary Fiber Splitters

Primary fiber splitters in FTTH networks are passive optical devices that split a single optical signal from an Optical Line Terminal (OLT) into multiple outputs for Optical Network Terminals (ONTs) at subscribers' homes, enabling cost-efficient point-to-multipoint connectivity . These splitters are essential for sharing OLT resources without requiring dedicated fibers for each customer, reducing both infrastructure and operational costs .

Split Ratios

Splitters are defined by their split ratio, which indicates how many outputs a single input fiber is divided into. Common ratios include 1:2, 1:4, 1:8, 1:16, 1:32, and 1:64, with 1:32 and 1:64 being typical for modern GPON and XGS-PON networks . The choice of split ratio affects bandwidth allocation, network scalability, and the number of fibers required in the distribution network .

Deployment Architectures

There are two main deployment strategies for primary fiber splitters:

• Centralized Splitters: Located in a central office or Fiber Distribution Hub (FDH), centralized splitters allow flexible customer-to-splitter assignments via jumper connections. This configuration reduces fiber counts on the feeder side and simplifies maintenance and reconfiguration .
• Distributed Splitters: Placed closer to customers in closures or pedestals, distributed splitters are typically fixed once installed. They may use cascaded or unbalanced splitting to achieve the desired final split ratio, such as combining 1:4 and 1:8 splitters to reach 1:32 . Distributed architectures can reduce central office space requirements but may increase field fiber counts.

Splitter Types

Two primary types of splitters are used in FTTH networks:

• FBT (Fused Biconical Taper) Splitters: Cost-effective, suitable for small splits like 1:2 or 1:4.
• PLC (Planar Lightwave Circuit) Splitters: Provide uniform power distribution, ideal for larger splits like 1:32 or 1:64, ensuring consistent signal strength to all subscribers .

Availability in New Zealand

Suppliers such as Hexatronic provide a range of fiber splitters suitable for Telecom New Zealand's FTTH deployments, including both bare and connectorized splitters for inside plant (ISP) and outside plant (OSP) applications . These products support various split ratios and architectures, enabling scalable and reliable network design.

Key Considerations

When deploying primary fiber splitters, Telecom New Zealand would consider:

• Network scalability: Ability to add subscribers without major infrastructure changes.
• Bandwidth allocation: Ensuring each ONT receives sufficient optical power.
• Maintenance and reconfiguration: Centralized splitters allow easier reassignment of customers.
• Cost efficiency: Minimizing fiber counts and OLT ports while maintaining service quality . In summary, Telecom New Zealand's primary fiber splitters are central to FTTH network efficiency, with deployment choices between centralized and distributed architectures, split ratios, and splitter types shaping the overall network performance and scalability.