In the downstream direction, GPON uses broadcast transmission. All ONTs receive the same data. An ONU receives its own data and discards the data intended for other ONUs.

The statement is correct. In the downstream direction (from OLT to ONTs), GPON employs a point-to-multipoint broadcast model. The OLT sends a single, continuous stream of data that is passively split and delivered to all connected ONTs. Each ONT is assigned a unique identifier (GEM Port ID) and filters the broadcast stream, processing only the data frames addressed to it while discarding all others. Downstream data is also encrypted to ensure privacy.

The question is a true/false statement. As the statement is factually correct, the alternative (False) is incorrect.

1. ITU-T Recommendation G.984.3 (03/2008), "Gigabit-capable passive optical networks (GPON): Transmission convergence layer specification," Section 8.2, "Downstream TC frame structure." This section describes the broadcast nature of the downstream frame, which contains data for multiple ONUs.

2. Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd. "GPON Principles," Official Training Documentation. Chapter: "GPON Downstream Transmission." This document explains that the OLT broadcasts data downstream and ONUs selectively receive data based on GEM Port IDs.