Yes, that's correct. Here's further information on AON (Active Optical Network):
Active Optical Network (AON) is an alternative fiber-optic network architecture to Passive Optical Network (PON). In AON, active network elements such as switches, routers, and other active components are used to manage, route, and process data within the fiber-optic network.
Unlike PON, which relies on passive optical splitters for signal distribution, AON requires powered network elements at various points in the network to actively process and manage data traffic. These active elements include optical line terminals (OLTs), optical network units (ONUs), optical network terminals (ONTs), switches, and routers.
In an AON deployment, the OLT serves as the central point of aggregation and communication between the service provider's network and the end-users. The OLT interfaces with active ONUs/ONTs at the end-users' premises, which in turn connect to the users' devices such as computers, telephones, and other networking equipment.
AON offers several advantages and capabilities compared to PON:
1. Greater flexibility: AON allows for more flexible network configurations and topology designs, enabling advanced networking functionalities such as VLANs (Virtual Local Area Networks), QoS (Quality of Service) management, and traffic prioritization.
2. Enhanced control and management: With active network elements, AON provides greater control over network traffic, allowing for more granular management and monitoring of data flows within the network.
3. Higher bandwidth and throughput: AON can support higher data rates and throughput compared to PON, making it suitable for applications requiring ultra-high-speed connectivity and low-latency communication.
4. Support for advanced services: AON's active architecture enables the delivery of advanced services such as IPTV (Internet Protocol Television), VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol), video conferencing, and other multimedia applications.
However, AON typically involves higher deployment and operational costs compared to PON due to the need for powered network elements and increased complexity in network management. As a result, AON is commonly deployed in scenarios where advanced networking capabilities and customized service offerings are required, such as enterprise networks, metropolitan area networks (MANs), and carrier-grade networks.