An enhanced passive optical network (PON) processor adapted to serve a plurality of PON applications is disclosed. The PON processor is a highly integrated communications processor that can operate in different PON modes including, but not limited to, a gigabit PON (GPON), a broadband PON (BPON), an Ethernet PON (EPON), or any combination thereof. In an embodiment of the present invention the provided PON is fabricated on a single integrated circuit (IC).