A method removes signal interference in a passive optical network. The passive optical network includes an optical line terminal, a splitting unit coupled with the optical line terminal, an optical network unit coupled with the splitting unit, and an identification signal uniquely associated with the optical network unit. The method includes the steps of sending a first signal, detecting the first signal, comparing the detected first signal with an identification signal and decoupling the optical network unit from the splitting unit if the comparing step results in a mismatch.