Hierarchical vs. GPON Network Design: A Comparative Analysis Report

This report delves into the comparative analysis of two prominent network designs: hierarchical and GPON (Gigabit Passive Optical Network). The report begins by outlining the characteristics of hierarchical network design, highlighting its advantages such as efficient packet forwarding and adaptability to business expansion. It then transitions to a detailed examination of GPON network design, emphasizing its utilization of optical splitters and its suitability for high-speed internet connections. The report underscores the benefits of GPON, particularly its multiplexing capabilities and its alignment with current and future networking standards. The document also includes visual aids like figures depicting hierarchical and GPON network designs, and concludes with a comprehensive list of references to support the information and claims made within the report. The report aims to offer a clear understanding of the two network designs and helps in making informed decisions for optimal network design choices.

Running head: TCP/IP NETWORKING
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There are various network designs options which are employed by various organizations
but the two common network designs are hierarchical network design and GPON network
design. The hierarchical network designs accesses the switch aggregating to the distribution layer
and then aggregates to the distribution layer. As indicated by network engineers hierarchical
network design can be collapsed into one another because of the size of the network.
A hierarchical network design is as shown by the figure below and is as shown by figure
one below. Some of the advantages of hierarchical network design are; efficient, logical
forwarding of packets, and fast. In addition, this type of design adapts well to business expansion
and traffic shaping. Also it is very easy to design a hierarchical network design.
An alternative approach of hierarchical network design is GPON network design. This one of the
current network design which is also known as PON or Passive Optical Networking. This new
network design uses what are known as Optical Splitters so as to divide the organizational or the
company network into one optical connection. The main methodology is to use splitters so as
that one can have a lot of connections rather than having switches. A GPON network design is as
shown by figure two (Kurose & Ross, 2018).
For this network design, this paper will go for a GPON Network design. According to
network engineers it is a technology which can increase with about 10G-GPON. This paper goes
for type of design as it uses multiplexing. As compared to hierarchical network with GPON
network design there is no need of running extra cables in each user computer. Lastly, GPON
network design fits the current networking standards which requires fast internet connection
speed and accommodates future growth (Vasudevan, 2015).

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Figure 1: Hierarchical network design (Kurose & Ross, 2018)
Figure 2: GPON network design (Vasudevan, 2015)

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References
Kurose, J. F., & Ross, K. W. (2018). Computer networking : a top-down approach . Chicago:
John & Wiley Press.
Vasudevan, h. K. (2015). Computer networking. Chicago: Oxford Press.