Light Reading Podcasts The rise of 25G and 50G PON
Nov 13, 2025
Geert Heyninck, VP and General Manager of Broadband Networks at Nokia, brings his expertise in PON technologies to discuss the exciting advancements of 25G and 50G PON. He delves into how these technologies adapt to changing traffic patterns, revealing their role in enhancing peak performance for both residential and enterprise use. Geert also highlights the shift from point-to-point systems, the real-world trials boosting operator deployments, and the innovative security measures addressing quantum threats. His insights on improving uptime and the future of adoption are particularly compelling.
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Peak Bursts Drive Perceived Performance
- Modern user experience demands peak, short-lived bandwidth bursts rather than sustained averages.
- Geert Heyninck links these bursts to cloud workflows and files feeling slower than local drives, driving need for higher peak speeds.
Match PON Tier To Customer Needs
- Operators must match PON technology to service type: residential, SMB or larger enterprise.
- Geert Heyninck says 25G suits mass multi-gig residential while 50G targets bigger enterprises needing higher capacity.
From Simple Split To Enterprise PON
- Fifteen years ago networks were simpler: PON for residential, point‑to‑point for enterprise.
- Geert Heyninck recounts how PON evolved so operators now deploy it broadly for enterprise services to cut costs and energy.