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The UNH Interoperability Labs Listed as Official Testing Lab for BBF.247 PON ONU Certification

via Business Wire

Supporting the expansion of fiber connectivity in homes for more reliable PON networks with ONU compliance

The University of New Hampshire Interoperability Labs (UNH-IOL), an independent provider of comprehensive testing and standards conformance services for the networking industry, has announced its approval as a testing laboratory for the Broadband Forum’s BBF.247 PON ONU Certification. Currently, the UNH-IOL offers a wide range of broadband testing services, and its PON expansion aims to facilitate open interoperability for PON networks, equipment manufacturers, and service providers.

With the growth of fiber technology, ensuring seamless interoperability prior to deployment has become more crucial than ever. This ensures that devices and equipment from different manufacturers can work together effectively. Through PON certification, internet service providers gain the ability to utilize various equipment from multiple manufacturers, fostering equipment flexibility. This flexibility not only reduces costs but also broadens the supply chain, enhances network reliability, and ensures that infrastructure can adapt as PON networks evolve.

"The expansion of the PON certification program is essential for helping operators confidently implement new technologies like XGS-PON and the forthcoming 25GS-PON and HSP," said Justin Nelson, Broadband Technical Manager, UNH-IOL. "Ensuring compliance facilitates smooth transitions for Wi-Fi and cellular networks that rely on fiber infrastructure, resulting in a more reliable network and consistent performance for users.”

First launched in 2011 for GPON ONUs, the BBF.247 certification was designed for Optical Network Units (ONU) and ensures that ONU equipment used in PON networks complies with requirements outlined in the ITU-T OMCI specifications (ITU-T G.988). Since that initial launch, the UNH-IOL and the Broadband Forum have continued to progress and enhance the PON testing specifications, including multiple releases of the BBF.247 certification program and the TR-255 PON interoperability test plan. Since the program's inception, 226 products have received certification from over 30 companies, underscoring the successful impact of the PON certification.

The UNH-IOL is hosting a Webinar on 'The Impact of BBF.247 ONU PON Certification' August 26, 2025 at 10:00 AM (ET) which will educate participants on what BBF.247 is, what it isn’t and benefits of this certification. In addition, the lab is hosting the BBF PON Plugfest for XGS-PON, 25GS-PON, and HS-PON (50G PON) during the week of October 6-10, 2025. The event is open to all Broadband Forum members building PON products.

The BBF.247 PON Certification is now available as part of the UNH-IOL PON Testing Services, the BBF.247 Certification validates conformance of ONU devices, enabling interoperability with a wider range of OLT suppliers. To learn more about PON events or PON testing services, please visit the UNH-IOL PON webpage.

About UNH Interoperability Labs (UNH-IOL)

The University of New Hampshire Interoperability Labs (UNH-IOL) is an independent provider of broad-based testing and standards conformance services for the networking and data communications industry. Since 1988, UNH-IOL has been at the forefront of multi-vendor interoperability, offering a neutral and secure environment for testing emerging technologies and developing testing solutions to help companies deliver products to market. With over 28,000 square feet of advanced lab space and multimillion-dollar testbeds, the lab supports a wide range of technologies including Ethernet, IPv6, NVMe®, and automotive networking. UNH-IOL is a 100% industry-funded, non-profit organization shaping global standards while preparing the next generation of engineers through hands-on student engagement and workforce development in collaboration with the University of New Hampshire.

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The UNH-IOL is now a certified test lab for BBF.247 PON ONU Certification, ensuring strict adherence to the specification necessary for multi-vendor interoperability among PON OLT and ONU devices.

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