APON, ATM Passive Optical Network.

APON the mid-1990s developed, and was able to develop a fiber-based standard include IP data, video and Ethernet services for business and residential users, logical ATM and PON were selected as the network protocol and network platform, because ATM is seen as the only able to provide various types of communication protocols, and is the most economical broadband PON fiber solution. APON can use ATM concentration and statistical multiplexing, combined with the shared role of passive splitter for optical fibers and optical line termination, so cost than traditional, circuit-switched based PDH / SDH access systems by 20 to 40 %.

With the constant improvement of IP technology, most of the operators have to IP technology as the main bearer technology data network. Which are derived from a large number of technology-based with Ethernet access technology. At the same time due to the rapid development of Ethernet technology, making the ATM technology is completely out of the local area network.