Overview of Passive Optical Networks (PONs) Security

Passive Optical Networks (PONs) connect end-users to infrastructure using optical fibre in the last kilometre (Fibre-to-the-x). This article provides a technical overview of the security features in ITU-T specifications: Gigabit-capable PON (GPON), 10-Gigabit-capable PON (XG-PON), 10-Gigabit-capable Symmetric PON (XGS-PON), Next-generation PON 2 (NG-PON2), and 50-Gigabit-capable PON (50G-PON). The analysis covers authentication schemes, key derivation, encryption methods, and associated security implications.