A passive optical network (PON) is a fiber-optic telecommunications network that uses only unpowered devices to carry signals, as opposed to electronic equipment. In practice, PONs are typically used for the last mile between Internet service providers (ISP) and their customers. The “passive” aspect refers to the optical components in the distribution network—splitters, filters. Key Finding: Passive Optical Networks have evolved from first-generation GPON systems delivering 2. 5 Gbps to cutting-edge 50G-PON implementations in 2025, with 100G Coherent PON (CPON) technologies emerging as the next frontier for ultra-high-speed broadband delivery. Passive Optical Networks (PON).