Meta Description: Everything you need to know about 1×16 PLC fiber optic splitters: technical specs, insertion loss benchmarks, PLC vs FBT comparison, package selection, installation checklist, pricing insights, and real FTTH deployment architectures. Includes buyer's guide. Thorlabs' Single Mode 1x16 Fiber Optic Planar Lightwave Circuit (PLC) Splitters allow a user to split a single input signal evenly into 16 output signals, which is ideal for passive optical networks (PON) and other high-channel-count applications. In contrast to fused fiber couplers, where light is. In this video, I walk you through my personal method of prepping and installing a 1:16 fiber optic splitter inside a sealed, weatherproof distribution box getting it ready for field deployment at a site. Includes buyer's guide and FAQ. Target. By dividing a single optical signal from a central Optical Line Terminal (OLT) into multiple outputs for Optical Network Terminals (ONTs) at users' homes, splitters eliminate the need for dedicated fibers to each residence—slashing infrastructure costs while scaling network reach. A 1:8 splitter divides one input fiber into eight output fibers.