What type of star topology in a PON puts splitters closer to customer premises?

The type of star topology in a Passive Optical Network (PON) that puts splitters closer to customer premises is the distributed star topology. In this configuration, optical splitters are placed in various locations throughout the network, allowing for shorter distances between the splitter and the end user. This leads to reduced signal degradation and improved network efficiency, as the optical signal doesn't have to travel as far to reach each subscriber.

The distributed nature of this topology enhances scalability and flexibility in adding new users or adapting the network to evolving demand. As the splitters are positioned closer to the customers, the overall network performance is optimized, which is particularly crucial in scenarios where high bandwidth is essential.

In contrast, a centralized star generally means that all connections terminate at a single central node, which may result in longer connections to individual users and potential bottlenecks. A ring topology typically interconnects nodes in a circular format, which doesn't prioritize splitter placement near customer premises. Lastly, a linear bus layout connects all nodes along a single cable, which is not suitable for high efficiency and high-density user environments like PONs.