Loss optimizing asymmetric optical splitter

A method comprising:

• deploying an optical splitter apparatus, the optical splitter apparatus comprising:
• a dual mode fiber comprising a single mode fiber core embedded in a multi-mode fiber core;
• a plurality of single mode fibers;
• and
• a funnel waveguide coupling the dual mode fiber to the plurality of single mode fibers, wherein the optical splitter apparatus is for use in a passive optical network;
• transmitting downstream optical signals via the single mode fiber core of the dual mode fiber, wherein the funnel waveguide distributes the downstream optical signals to the plurality of single mode fibers;
• receiving upstream optical signals via the multi-mode fiber core, wherein the upstream optical signals are input to the plurality of single mode fibers, wherein the funnel waveguide directs the upstream optical signals into the multi-mode fiber core, and wherein the optical splitter apparatus has an asymmetric insertion loss ratio between the downstream optical signals transmitted via the single mode fiber core and the upstream optical signals that are input to the plurality of single mode fibers, wherein the asymmetric insertion loss ratio comprises an average upstream insertion loss of at least 1 dB less than an average downstream insertion loss over a plurality of wavelengths in use in the passive optical network, wherein an optical line termination is coupled to the dual mode fiber;
• and
• deploying one of:
• a fiber-fused coupler or a circulator coupled to the dual mode fiber, wherein the fiber-fused coupler or the circulator comprises:
• a single mode fiber branch for feeding the downstream optical signals into the single mode fiber core of the dual mode fiber;
• and
• a multi-mode fiber branch for receiving the upstream optical signals from the multi-mode fiber core of the dual mode fiber, wherein the single mode fiber branch is connected to a transmit port of the optical line termination, and wherein the multi-mode fiber branch is connected to a receive port of the optical line termination.