Final answer:
The statement is true; passive splitters in PON systems result in a 3dB insertion loss per split, reducing the signal strength by half at each split point.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement indicating that each split in a Passive Optical Network (PON) system is associated with a 3dB insertion loss is true. In PON systems, signals are distributed to multiple subscribers using passive optical splitters, which do not require electrical power to operate. Each time a signal is split, it is divided among the output fibers, resulting in a reduction of signal strength. This loss of power—referred to as insertion loss—is commonly measured in decibels (dB). A typical value for a 1x2 split (one input to two outputs) is 3dB, which essentially means that the signal power is halved. As splitters are used to distribute the signal to potentially dozens of subscribers, careful design is required to ensure that each subscriber receives sufficient signal strength for reliable communication.