Nokia Understanding POL for a more advanced Enterprise network White Paper


Network architects have used local area network (LAN) switches to manage the volume of traffic in enterprise networks for more than 30 years, but over this time there has only been a few substantial changes to the basic design of traditional, copper-based Ethernet networks. However, the performance and physical characteristics of copper-based Ethernet LAN cabling impose a number of limitations on an enterprise LAN. Passive optical LAN (POL) technology eliminates the networking limitations and addresses the evolving demands of enterprises with fiber optic cabling that delivers all services on one efficient, high-capacity network. This paper outlines the key elements of an enterprise POL and explains why it is the best enterprise network option for tomorrow’s digital enterprise.