Each doubling of the split ratio increases optical insertion loss by approximately 3 dB. Therefore, 1×2 has low loss, while 1×64 introduces significantly higher loss, affecting maximum transmission distance and allowable attenuation in the PON power budget. By dividing a single optical signal from a central Optical Line Terminal (OLT) into multiple outputs for Optical Network Terminals (ONTs) at users' homes, splitters eliminate the need for dedicated fibers to each residence—slashing infrastructure costs while scaling network reach. This guide. Planar Lightwave Circuit (PLC) splitters are essential components in passive optical networks (PONs), allowing a single optical input to be divided into multiple output signals. These are known as passive optical splitters, and they perform the function. An optical splitter is a passive bidirectional element, which is used to connect a large number of subscribers/ONUs to an OLT. It should be noted that this table is applicable for fused optical splitters (FBP) and of course does not pretend to absolute accuracy (peculiarity of manufacturing of FBT splitters). The choice of split ratio—1×2, 1×4, 1×8, 1×16, 1×32, or 1×64—directly impacts optical power budget, network reach, subscriber density, and long-term expansion capability.