This Recommendation describes a flexible optical fibre access network capable of supporting the bandwidth requirements of business and residential services and covers systems with nominal line rates of 2.4 Gbit/s in the downstream direction and 1.2 Gbit/s and 2.4 Gbit/s in the upstream direction. Both symmetrical and asymmetrical (upstream/downstream) Gigabit-capable Passive Optical Network (GPON) systems are described. This Recommendation proposes the general characteristics for GPON based on operators' service requirements.