Which component of a PON utilizes a Bragg grating filter?

The component of a Passive Optical Network (PON) that utilizes a Bragg grating filter is the Optical Line Terminal (OLT). The OLT is responsible for managing and controlling the network data traffic coming from the service provider to the user. One critical function of certain OLTs is to use a Bragg grating filter. This filter enables the OLT to select specific wavelengths of light for transmitting data, effectively improving the system's efficiency and performance.

Bragg gratings reflect specific wavelengths of light while allowing others to pass through. This capability is beneficial in managing multiple channels of data over a single fiber, facilitating efficient use of available bandwidth. The OLT's ability to filter and manage these wavelengths is essential for maintaining the integrity of data transmission across the PON.

In contrast, the other components listed do not primarily utilize Bragg grating filters. The Optical Distribution Network (ODN) serves as the infrastructure forwarding the optical signals. The Optical Network Unit (ONU) is located at the subscriber's premises and typically receives optical signals without the need for wavelength filtering through Bragg grating. An Optical Amplifier is designed to boost signal strength but does not perform the selective wavelength filtering function provided by Bragg gratings. Thus, the specific