GPON vs. Traditional Switch Network Technology: A Comparative Analysis

Abstract

The rapid evolution of networking technologies has introduced significant advances with the adoption of Gigabit Passive Optical Networks (GPON) and traditional Ethernet switch networks. GPON, a fiber-optic technology, provides high-speed, cost-effective solutions for large-scale deployments like residential broadband and smart cities. This paper presents a comparative analysis of GPON and traditional Ethernet switch networks, examining network architecture, performance, scalability, cost-effectiveness, and application suitability. Through mathematical modeling, this study examines trade-offs between the technologies in terms of throughput, delay, and network efficiency. While GPON excels in large-scale, cost-effective deployments with passive components, traditional Ethernet switches offer reliable, dedicated bandwidth for performance-sensitive applications. The findings provide insights for network administrators and decision-makers, helping them select appropriate technology based on specific use cases like residential broadband, enterprise networks, and data centers.