ZTE launches world's first 50G PON three-generation time-division coexistence solution

• ZTE's 50G PON three-generation time-division coexistence solution allows for coordinated operation of symmetric 50G PON, 10G-EPON, and EPON over the same ODN
• The 50G PON channel supports 50Gbps/25Gbps dual-rate adaptive receiving in the upstream direction, with optical power budget meeting international standards, addressing the compatibility issues of massive non-narrowed-wavelength EPON terminals in the existing networks

Shanghai, China, 17 June 2025 - ZTE Corporation (0763.HK / 000063.SZ), a global leading provider of integrated information and communication technology solutions, has unveiled the world's first 50G PON three-generation time division coexistence solution at the "Next-Generation Optical Network Technology Strategy and Development Forum". This innovative solution fills the technology gap in the ultra-high-speed optical communication field.

Overcoming international challenges and allowing for the coexistence of three generations of EPON technology

As a key enabling technology for the MIIT's "10G optical network pilot", 50G PON is regarded as the "pivotal key"  to unlocking the 10G era. ZTE's 50G PON three-generation time-division coexistence solution has overcome the industry-wide challenge of compatibility between ITU 50G PON and IEEE EPON standards. Utilizing a world-first technology, it allows for coordinated operation of symmetric 50G PON, 10G-EPON, and EPON over the same Optical Distribution Network (ODN).

In April, ZTE successfully completed laboratory validation of the 50G PON three-generation time-division coexistence solution in collaboration with China Telecom Research Institute. Test data shows that the 50G PON channel supports 50Gbps/25Gbps dual-rate adaptive receiving in the upstream direction, and 50Gbps in the downstream direction, with optical power budget meeting international standards. This completely solves the compatibility issues of massive non-narrowed-wavelength EPON terminals in existing networks, paving the way for seamless network upgrades by operators and saving the cost of migration.

Subsequently, ZTE will partner with operators to carry out live-network verification of the 50G PON three-generation time-division coexistence technology. Real-world scenario testing will focus on three core indicators: coexistence and compatibility among multiple generations of EPON terminals, low-latency performance, and throughput performance. These collaborative tests will provide key empirical data to support the large-scale commercial deployment of 50G PON, promoting smooth evolution of optical access networks toward higher speeds, lower latency, and multi-generation coexistence.

Building a complete "standard-R&D-commercialization" chain and setting a benchmark for global optical network innovation

Xiong Jie, Vice President of ZTE, stated at the forum: "Through the innovative time-division multiplexing mechanism, the three generations of technologies can share the time slot resources of the same physical channel, enabling seamless switching and on-demand allocation. This design enables the networks to have elastic upgrade capabilities and deliver 10G experiences by simply replacing terminals on the user side, offering global operators an optimal path that balances cost and performance."

This breakthrough will accelerate the large-scale deployments of 50G PON. Through independent innovation, ZTE is pioneering a new 10G optical network technology system, leading the way into a new era of 10G optical networks.