Optical splitters are inexpensive

FBT optical splitters are generally inexpensive, while PLC splitters are more costly due to their complex manufacturing process.

Optical splitters are devices that divide a single optical signal into multiple outputs. FBT (Fused Biconical Taper) splitters are made by fusing and tapering two or more optical fibers, a process that is simple and cost-effective. Low-channel FBT splitters, such as 1×2 or 1×4, are particularly inexpensive and widely used in small-scale fiber networks or FTTH deployments because they require minimal materials and straightforward manufacturing techniques . They are suitable for applications where a few outputs are needed and cost is a primary concern. On the other hand, PLC (Planar Lightwave Circuit) splitters use integrated waveguide technology on a quartz substrate, which allows for precise and uniform splitting across many outputs. This technology is more complex and expensive to produce, especially for high-channel splitters like 1×16, 1×32, or 1×64. PLC splitters offer better performance in terms of insertion loss, wavelength uniformity, and environmental stability, making them ideal for dense PON networks, data centers, and large-scale deployments . In summary, while FBT splitters are inexpensive and suitable for small, low-ratio applications, PLC splitters are more costly but provide higher performance and reliability for larger, high-ratio networks. The choice between them depends on the network size, required split ratio, and budget considerations .