Splitters only lower the optical power—not the bandwidth. Every endpoint still gets the full data stream; the light is just a little dimmer. And here's where optical networks shine (literally): even with that tiny power drop, a single fiber can carry so much data that performance. Bandwidth is shared amongst customers in a PON, and the bandwidth received by a customer is not related to the power received at the optical network terminal (ONT) as long as the power is high enough so the ONT can operate. Splits are most commonly factors of 2, such as 1x2, 1x4, 1x8, 1x16, 1x32. 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. This guide. While passive optical network technology has been around for years, evolving standards, cost efficiencies and AI-driven demand for bandwidth are pushing it further into the mainstream. PON technology might seem complex at first glance, but once you understand the fundamentals, it becomes clear why. In a Passive Optical Network (PON), a single optical fiber carries massive amounts of data using light.