论述正交频分复用无源光网(OFDM-PON)与波分复用无源光网(WDM-PON)的联系和区别，指出WDM-PON 实际上是一种光接入网的物理层技术，它只有和别的媒质访问控制(MAC)技术结合起来才能完成数据通信系统和网络的功能。而OFDM-PON是工作于正交频分多址(OFDMA)MAC技术的光接入网，它的光网络单元(ONU)虽然必须占据不同的光谱，但它不是WDM-PON。从光差拍干扰(OBI)和MAC两方面阐明OFDM-PON的概念，以利于OFDM-PON技术的开发和相关标准的制订。

Similarity and difference between orthogonal frequency division multiplexing passive optical network (OFDM-PON) and wavelength division multiplexing passive optical network (WDM-PON) are dicussed, indicating that WDM-PON is actually a kind of physical layer technique which can perform the functions of data transmission system and network only by combining itself with some media access control (MAC) technique. In contrast, OFDM-PON is an optical access network working with the technique of orthogonal frequency division multiple accesses. Even its optical network units (ONUs) occupy different optical spectra, it is not a WDM-PON. Concept of OFDM-PON is clarified from two viewpoints: the optical beat interference (OBI) and MAC, to promote the development and standardization of OFDM-PON.