GPON · COMPARATIVE GUIDE

GPON vs Ethernet in hotels: cost, scalability and lifespan

Two network architectures, two investment philosophies. This guide analyses in detail when GPON is the right choice for a hotel and when traditional Ethernet is still adequate — with real data from Costa del Sol installations.

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When a hotel faces a telecommunications infrastructure renovation, the same question always arises: is it worth switching to GPON, or is it enough to modernise the existing copper cabling? The answer depends on technical, economic and operational factors specific to each property.

What each technology means in practice

ETHERNET Cat6A

Point-to-point copper structured cabling

Each room has its own cable from the floor distribution frame. Requires PoE switches per floor. Abundant active electronics (switches, UPS, patch panels) requiring ongoing maintenance. Max speed: 10 Gbps up to 100m. Cabling lifespan: 15-20 years.

GPON

Passive optical fibre network (FTTR)

A single fibre strand leaves the central OLT and is split by passive optical splitters to reach the ONT in each room. The ONT provides data, phone, TV and integrated WiFi ports — without floor electronics. Speed: 2.5 Gbps (XGS-PON: 10 Gbps). Cabling lifespan: 30-40 years.

7-criterion comparison

Criterion	Ethernet Cat6A	GPON	Advantage
Initial CAPEX	Lower with existing cabling	Higher from scratch	Ethernet
10-year OPEX	High: floor switches, UPS, maintenance	Low: no floor electronics	GPON
Service convergence	Partial: separate TV and data	Total: voice, data, TV, WiFi on one ONT	GPON
Future scalability	Limited by installed copper	High: upgrade to XGS-PON without rewiring	GPON
Infrastructure lifespan	15-20 years	30-40 years	GPON

GPON OR ETHERNET FOR YOUR HOTEL?

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We analyse your current infrastructure and deliver a specific comparison for your property, with CAPEX, OPEX and payback period estimates for each option.

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