How about passive optical splitters

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Passive optical splitters are unpowered devices that divide a single optical signal into multiple outputs, enabling efficient point-to-multipoint fiber networks.

Overview

A passive optical splitter is a key component in Passive Optical Networks (PONs), used to distribute optical signals from a single Optical Line Terminal (OLT) to multiple Optical Network Terminals (ONTs) without requiring any electrical power . They are essential in Fiber to the Home (FTTH) deployments, allowing a single fiber to serve multiple subscribers, reducing fiber counts, deployment costs, and operational complexity .

How They Work

Splitters take an incoming optical signal and divide it into multiple outputs according to a split ratio. Common split ratios include 1:2, 1:4, 1:8, 1:16, 1:32, and 1:64, with some networks using odd ratios like 1:3 or 1:5 . Each output receives a portion of the input power, with power decreasing roughly 3 dB for every doubling of the split ratio . The splitters can be equalized, where all outputs receive the same power, or unequal, where outputs receive different power levels to optimize network performance .

Types of Splitters

FBT (Fused Biconical Taper) Splitters: Suitable for low split ratios (up to 1:8), cost-effective, and commonly used in small-scale deployments .
PLC (Planar Lightwave Circuit) Splitters: Ideal for high split ratios (1:32, 1:64), offering uniform power distribution and compact form factors, widely used in large-scale FTTH networks .

Deployment Architectures

Centralized Splitting: Splitters are located at a central office or cabinet, allowing flexible assignment of subscribers via jumpers. This setup simplifies maintenance and reconfiguration .
Distributed Splitting: Splitters are placed closer to subscribers in closures or pedestals. Once installed, connections are fixed, providing a cost-effective solution for widespread networks .

Advantages

Passive Operation: No power, cooling, or active electronics required, reducing operational costs .
Scalability: Networks can expand by connecting additional ONTs to existing splitter outputs without major infrastructure changes .
Fault Tolerance: Splitters enable redundancy and flexible network topologies, improving reliability .

Applications

Passive optical splitters are used in GPON, XGS-PON, EPON, and other PON technologies to deliver high-speed data, voice, and video services over a single fiber to multiple endpoints . They are critical for efficient last-mile fiber deployments, enabling service providers to maximize fiber utilization while maintaining high-quality connectivity .

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