Zhone Technologies is adding active Ethernet equipment to its fiber-to-the-premises (FTTP) products.

Unlike passive optical networks (PON), in which optical signals are split “passively” without active electronics to reduce costs, active Ethernet gear uses active electronics but applies the cost-effectiveness of Ethernet technology.

Zhone’s new EtherActive optical line terminal (OLT) allows the delivery of gigabit Ethernet services to homes and businesses, supporting up to 10 subscribers per blade through either copper or fiber access lines (or a mix of copper and fiber on the same blade).

As part of the new product line, Zhone also introduced today a residential gateway for indoor or outdoor installation. It includes two to four Ethernet ports and two FXS ports for voice-over-IP services and HPNAv3 to support IPTV.

The EtherActive gear operates with Zhone’s Multi-Access Line Concentrator (MALC) broadband loop carrier platform.

Last month, Zhone introduced new line cards for the MALC that deliver Ethernet services over bonded copper loops based on the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers’ 802.3ah Ethernet First Mile (EFM) standard.