October 27, 2020
MikroTik's Gigabit Passive Ethernet Network (GPEN) products are designed as a cost-effective alternative to fibre's Gigabit Passive Optical Network (GPON) solution. The key difference between these two technologies is that MikroTik's GPEN utilises copper Ethernet cabling instead of fibre. MikroTik has introduced a clever concept. Copper Ethernet runs of up to 1.5km makes this an ideal alternative to complex FTTX installations. Here are some of the benefits when choosing GPEN over GPON.
1. GPEN - Easy Deployment
Copper Ethernet is easier to install as it requires a less skilled approach in almost all aspects of the installation. The cable medium is more robust, particularly around corners, and there is no need for specialised tools like a splicing machine to terminate endpoints. Typically, copper cable runs cannot exceed 100m at full Gigabit speeds. To solve this, MikroTik provides the GPER product. This product allows you to extend the copper cable run up to 1.5km in 210m increments. It also allows you to make use of PoE over this distance.
2. GPEN - Reverse PoE
Most of us are familiar with PoE switches which allow us to distribute power to end devices from a single source. Reverse PoE turns this concept on its head. A Reverse PoE switch is able to receive power from multiple end devices. This technique provides a highly robust power redundancy solution. Essentially, the GPEN product functions as a lockable PoE injector installed in the customer's premises which returns power to one of MikroTik's netPower Reverse PoE switches. The result is an impressively neat installation with media access available for the client either via Ethernet or Fibre (SFP) directly into the GPEN product.
3. GPEN - Functionality
In a GPEN installation where all connected devices are MikroTik products, the configuration possibilities are virtually endless. netPower switches are available with RouterOS or SwOS to provide the features you need to optimise network performance and limit clients. No need for an additional router. It's even possible to utilise smart functionality at the client side when using the MikroTik RB-GPEN21.
4. GPEN - Price
Fibre installations can be very costly due to the complexity of installation, high skill level and speciality tools required to implement a full-fibre solution. Using copper in this instance can significantly reduce your overheads and time spent on the job.5. GPEN - Performance
Fibre has always been marketed as 'the silver bullet' for your bandwidth problems but you might actually be better off with copper Ethernet. The reason for Fibre’s GPON standard’s popularity is mostly due to its split down to the customer at a rate of 2.5Gbps down and 1.25Gbps up. Although these speeds are greater than copper, it needs to be considered how much splitting occurs before reaching the end-user. Excessive splitting may result in fibre speeds being significantly less, especially in high-use scenarios. MikroTik’s GPEN offers an active ethernet solution which ensures 1Gbps symmetrical performance, regardless of network load, and an ideal choice for providing services to high-demand clients.Although the GPEN solution is not for everyone, it is definitely a solution which cannot be ignored. It gets the job done quickly and effectively without the headaches of fibre and does not compromise on performance. For more information, check out MikroTik's new and improved Youtube channel and this comprehensive guide on MikroTik's GPEN concept.
