Why does vOLT become the first choice for switching from data networking to all-optical networking?One device builds a complete small-scale all-optical network at a cost of less than 1,000 RMB.

AINOPOL – Provider of All-Optical Converged Solutions

Want to deploy an all-optical network for small and medium-sized scenarios?The vOLT module integrates core traditional OLT functions into an SFP+ package, plug-and-play. Perfect for renovating small shops, offices and homestays — you can get started with hardware costs under 1,000 RMB.

All-optical networks are usually regarded as exclusive to high-budget projects, but the vOLT module breaks this stereotype.The AINOPOL vOLT series includes GPON models such as ZH-VOLT16 and ZH-VOLT32, as well as the 10G-grade ZH-VOLTXG64.Its XGPON module (ZH-VOLTXG64) delivers 10G downlink / 2.5G uplink, features SFP+ plug-and-play installation and automatic ONU registration.Weak-current integrators can build a 10G-class small all-optical network simply by using their existing ordinary switches.This article explains why vOLT has become the first step for small and medium scenarios to transition from traditional data networking to all-optical networking.

A Low-Cost All-Optical Network Starter Solution for Small & Medium Scenarios

Scenarios such as small offices, street shops, community clinics, homestays and small factories often have outdated network infrastructure: Category 5 cabling, stacked home routers, and messy weak-current equipment rooms.

Their renovation budgets are usually only a few thousand RMB, while traditional OLT devices easily cost tens of thousands, and require professional PON engineers for commissioning.As a result, most small and medium projects are stuck with copper cabling, never solving fundamental bandwidth bottlenecks.

The vOLT series is designed with two core advantages: thousand-yuan-level hardware investment and plug-and-play deployment.It enables budget-sensitive and technically limited small venues to easily adopt all-optical networks, pushing fiber-forward and copper-retreat upgrades down from large projects to small sites.

Three Major Concerns That Stop Small & Medium Scenarios From Deploying All-Optical Networks

These concerns are not groundless. Traditional OLT devices indeed require proficient CLI configuration. The serial number of each ONU must be manually entered, and VLAN mapping is highly complex, making it difficult for non-professional engineers to handle.

Small and medium projects have slim profit margins and cannot afford to hire dedicated professional technical teams, creating a vicious cycle: small projects dare not adopt all-optical networks, and those that try cannot afford the deployment cost.

How vOLT Eliminates Concerns with "Three Low Advantages"

Core Design 1: Ultra-Low Cost, Breaking the Myth that All-Optical Networking Equals High Expense

The XGPON module (ZH-VOLTXG64) only costs several hundred RMB in procurement. It can be directly inserted into the SFP+ port of an existing switch, eliminating the need to purchase a separate OLT chassis. This allows weak-current integrators to test all-optical projects with an extremely low entry threshold.

Core Design 2: Plug-and-Play, Easy Deployment Even in Compact Weak-Current Boxes

The vOLT series complies with the SFP MSA standard and supports hot swapping.Installers only need to insert the module into the SFP port (for GPON modules) or SFP+ port (for XGPON modules) of a regular switch. No drivers or additional power cables are required.

It works perfectly when plugged into the Gigabit optical port (for GPON) or 10G optical port (for XGPON) of a common switch. Its compact size makes it ideal for space-limited weak-current equipment rooms.

Core Design 3: Wide Temperature Operation, Adaptable to Harsh Environments

GPON modules (ZH-VOLT16/32/128) operate stably in a wide temperature range of -40℃ to 85℃, and the XGPON module supports the same temperature range.It maintains long-term stable operation even in outdoor weak-current cabinets and non-air-conditioned equipment rooms.

All-optical networking is no longer exclusive to luxury hotels and large industrial parks.Boasting five major advantages — thousand-level cost, plug-and-play deployment, zero CLI configuration, wide-temperature stability, and smooth upgradeability — the AINOPOL vOLT series offers the shortest path for data-networking-based weak-current integrators to enter the all-optical market.

Starting from small offices, homestays and mini industrial parks, vOLT modules help weak-current engineering contractors seize the era opportunity of Fiber Forward, Copper Retreat. They can gradually accumulate all-optical project experience and expand into larger market segments.

FAQ

Q: What is the maximum rate of the vOLT module? Is fiber replacement required for future upgrades to higher-speed PON?A: The GPON module supports 2.5G downlink / 1.25G uplink, while the XGPON module supports 10G downlink / 2.5G uplink.When upgrading to next-generation PON such as 50G-PON, there is no need to replace the existing optical fiber. Only the central office module and ONU need to be updated. This is the core advantage of all-optical networks: one-time physical fiber deployment, speed upgrade on demand.

Q: Can a vOLT GPON module run at full 2.5G speed on an ordinary Gigabit switch?A: The 2.5G downlink of the GPON module requires the switch SFP port to support 2.5G rate. Some Gigabit switches only support 1G on SFP ports, which will limit the actual bandwidth to 1G.It is recommended to use switches with 2.5G-capable ports or 10G SFP+ ports (backward compatible with 2.5G). The XGPON module must be used with a 10G SFP+ port.

Q: Is the automatic ONU registration of the vOLT module 100% successful?A: For ONUs complying with standard GPON/XGPON protocols, the automatic registration success rate is extremely high.If registration fails, first check whether the optical power of the fiber link is within the ONU sensitivity range (-8dBm to -27dBm). If optical power is normal but registration still fails, you can manually add the ONU serial number via the management interface as an alternative solution.

Q: Can one vOLT module support both GPON and XGPON optical modems simultaneously?A: They cannot be mixed under the same PON port. GPON and XGPON use different wavelengths and rates and are incompatible.However, you can insert a GPON vOLT and an XGPON vOLT into different optical ports on the same switch, running their respective ONUs without mutual interference — ideal for hybrid deployment scenarios.

Q: Is the vOLT module compatible with mainstream brand switches?A: Adopting standard SFP/SFP+ encapsulation and complying with MSA electrical specifications, the vOLT module is theoretically compatible with all switches equipped with standard SFP ports.In actual tests, it works perfectly with mainstream brands including Huawei, H3C, Ruijie, TP-Link and ZTE. A simple lab compatibility test is recommended before official deployment.

Q: What if the number of rooms exceeds the maximum ONU capacity of one vOLT module in later expansion?A: Two expansion options are available:

Add a second vOLT module to another idle SFP port on the same switch, with each module serving part of the rooms.

Directly upgrade to a higher-spec vOLT module; existing ONUs can remain in service with simple re-registration, no replacement needed.

In accordance with the Notice on Launching 10G Optical Network Pilot Projects issued by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT Letter on Communications No. 〔2025〕3), 10G optical network pilots cover residential communities, factories, industrial parks and other key scenarios, promoting the full implementation of 50G-PON and FTTR technologies.

Deploying all-optical networks with vOLT modules aligns with the national policy of Fiber Forward, Copper Retreat and the construction requirements of new digital infrastructure. It is a practical and cost-effective choice for small and medium-sized scenarios to implement Fiber-to-the-Room, fiber networking, all-optical hotel construction and POL solutions.