A Passive Optical LAN (POL), also known as an Optical LAN (OLAN), is a next-generation local area network architecture that replaces the traditional copper-based Ethernet infrastructure with single-mode fiber optic cable and uses an architecture derived from Passive Optical Network (PON) technology. The term "passive" refers to the network's key distinction: it uses unpowered optical splitters between the central equipment and the user endpoints, eliminating the need for intermediate powered switches, telecommunications closets, and cooling systems found every 100 meters in a conventional LAN.