In a PON, which category of fiber optic cable is routed from the headend into the ODN?

In a Passive Optical Network (PON), the category of fiber optic cable that is routed from the headend into the Optical Distribution Network (ODN) is the trunk cable. Trunk cables serve a critical role in the architecture of a PON because they are designed to carry a large amount of data over long distances, typically connecting the central office or headend to the various distribution points throughout the network.

Trunk cables often consist of multiple fiber strands, allowing for high-capacity data transfer and the ability to serve multiple subscribers. By connecting the headend to the ODN, trunk cables facilitate the initial distribution of optical signals before they are further divided and routed to individual residences or businesses through other cable types.

In contrast, drop cables are used to connect the distribution point to individual end-users, distribution cables connect aggregation points in the network, and access cables specifically cater to the connection of the distribution network to the customer premises. Each of these plays a role within the overall PON structure, but it is the trunk cable that is explicitly tasked with the primary connection from the headend into the ODN.