The 1:128 splitter is currently the maximum available splitter configuration in most practical networks. That means one fiber line can serve up to 128 homes or businesses. Wait. won't the signal get weak? Great question! Yes, it can. The more you split the signal, the weaker it. The split ratio refers to the number of ONUs connected to a single PON port on the OLT through optical splitters. Unlike active devices (which require power), splitters operate without electricity, relying solely on the physics of. A PON system utilizes a passive optical splitter that takes one input and splits it to "broadcast" signals downstream to many users.