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Extending Your Network with MikroTik's GPEN Technology

26.06.2024
Wireless Netware Technology Ltd.

GPEN for Reliable Connectivity

 

In our digital world, reliable and fast internet is crucial for everyone, from businesses to homes. While GPON (Gigabit Passive Optical Network) has been the go-to solution for service providers, MikroTik's GPEN (Gigabit Passive Ethernet Network) technology offers a compelling, budget-friendly alternative. This blog dives into GPEN, its advantages, and the key MikroTik products that make it a powerful solution for ISPs, WISPs, and SMBs.

What is GPEN Technology?

GPEN merges the high speeds of fiber optics with the ease of use of Ethernet. This cost-effective alternative to GPON  reduces infrastructure expenses and simplifies deployment.  Plus, GPEN's scalability makes it perfect for diverse networking needs.

Key GPEN Products

To build a robust GPEN network, MikroTik offers a range of products that cater to different layers of network infrastructure: core, distribution, and access.

1. GPeR 

 

The GPeR (Gigabit Passive Ethernet Repeater) allows extending Ethernet cable by an additional hop, up to 150 meters to regular devices and up to 210 meters to another GPeR unit. It features:

 

 2 Gigabit Ethernet ports
 Supports PoE in (802.3af/at)
 PoE out (802.3af/at)


This repeater is handy for extending networks in high-rise buildings and multi-apartment complexes.

2. GPeR IP67 Case 

 

The GPeR IP67 Case provides robust protection for GPeR units in challenging environments. It features:

 

 IP68 rating for water and dust protection
 Easy mounting on walls and poles

 

This case ensures the GPeR units remain safe and operational in harsh conditions.

3. GPEN11

 

The GPEN11 is a simple power injector that can be mounted on a wall and powers uplink devices with PoE. It features:

 

 2 Gigabit Ethernet ports
 1 PoE-out port
 Supports input voltage of 12-57 V
 Passive cooling


This device is perfect for providing PoE power to uplink devices in a cost-effective manner.

4. GPEN21

 

The GPEN21 is a smart power injector and advanced software-controlled repeater. It offers:

 

 Interface management and monitoring
 GPEN link fault detection
 VLAN support
 SNMP reporting
 Basic traffic shaping


It includes an Ethernet and SFP port for fiber connectivity and supports both passive and 802.3af/at PoE input.

5. netPower Lite 7R

 

The netPower Lite 7R is an outdoor reverse PoE switch with Gigabit Ethernet and 10G SFP+ ports. It features:

 

 7 reverse PoE Gigabit Ethernet ports
 1 PoE-out Gigabit Ethernet port
 2 SFP+ ports for fiber connectivity
 Non-blocking throughput of 28 Gbps
 Switching capacity of 56 Gbps
 Forwarding rate of 41.7 Mpps


This switch eliminates the need for expensive GPON base stations and optical splitters, offering a low-cost way for ISPs to deliver high-speed internet to individual apartments

6. netPower 15FR

 

The netPower 15FR is another outdoor switch with 18 ports, including 15 reverse PoE ports. It features:

 

 15 reverse PoE 10/100 Ethernet ports
 1 PoE-out Ethernet port
 2 SFP ports for fiber connectivity
 Non-blocking throughput of 3.6 Gbps
 Switching capacity of 7.2 Gbps
 Forwarding rate of 5.4 Mpps

 

This switch is ideal for environments where long Ethernet cables are needed, such as high-rise buildings and multi-apartment complexes.

Network Infrastructure with GPEN

 

In a GPEN-based network infrastructure, we have three main layers: core, distribution, and access.

 

1. Core Layer

 

Devices: Routers and firewalls.
Function: Centralized management and high-level network routing and security.

 

 

2. Distribution Layer

 

Devices: MikroTik fiber switches like CRS328-4C-20S-4S+RM or CRS326-24S+2Q+RM.
Function: Connect to the core router as an upstream, distributing connectivity to access switches.

 

3. Access Layer

 

Devices: netPower 7R or netPower 15FR switches.
Function: Serve as distribution points based on the number of end-users and connection speed (100Mbps or 1Gbps). These reverse PoE switches do not require direct power, making them easy to mount centrally among end customers. They are powered over Ethernet by CPEs at customer units, ensuring redundant power and high-speed connectivity.

Advantages of GPEN Technology:


 Cost-Effective: Reduces the need for expensive GPON base stations and optical splitters.
 Flexible Installation: Outdoor-rated enclosures allow deployment in various environments.
 Reliable Connectivity: Provides redundant power and high-speed internet through multiple power sources from customer units.
 Scalable: Easily extend your network over long distances without significant investment in new infrastructure.

Conclusion

 

MikroTik's GPEN technology, paired with its specialized products, delivers a cost-effective, scalable, and reliable network solution for ISPs, WISPs, and SMBs.  By combining fiber-optic speed with Ethernet ease-of-use, GPEN ensures high-performance connectivity at minimal infrastructure cost.  Need to upgrade or build a new network? GPEN offers the flexibility and performance to handle today's demanding networking needs.

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