Finding the right technology to cover the last few miles of any network has always been a problematic challenge for service providers. Whether wireless, copper or optical links are to be used, there's inevitably a set of competing technologies to choose from. Finding the optimum solution can be a complex process, with numerous interlinked factors to be taken into account. In this context, developments underway in the world's market around the use of high speed Passive Optical Networks (PONs) are going to be particularly significant - especially as far as the role of Gigabit PON (GPON) systems are concerned. The newly standardized ITU-T G.984 GPON technology, is delivering extremely high bit rates while still supporting the transmission of native formats such as IP and TDM at extremely high levels of efficiency. Due to its unprecedented offered bandwidth, GPON is the ideal technology for large-scale FTTH applications where multiple end-users are requiring an ever-growing bandwidth. Moreover, in areas populated by both business and residential customers, GPON is the most cost-effective solution.