In a passive optical network (PON), which category of fiber-optic cable is routed from the headend into the optical distribution network (ODN)?

In a passive optical network (PON), the trunk fiber-optic cable is the crucial link that runs from the headend, or central office, to the optical distribution network (ODN). This category of cable is designed to handle large amounts of data traffic as it connects the main network infrastructure to the distribution points.

Trunk fibers are typically single-mode fibers that allow for long-distance data transmission with minimal signal loss. They serve as the backbone of the PON, ensuring that signals from the central data source reach the optical splitters, where the signals are then divided for further distribution to end-users.

The other options represent different components of a PON. For instance, drop cables are used to connect individual customers to the distribution point, while distribution cables link the trunk to the drop cables at various junctions. Access cables refer more generally to the last segment connecting the fiber network to subscribers, but it is the trunk cable specifically that constitutes the main line from the headend into the ODN.