A method of fragmented packet reception in a multiple-channel passive optical network (PON). The method includes receiving, at a receiver, a plurality of encapsulated packet fragments over a plurality of channels. Each packet fragment of the plurality of packet fragments comprises a header. The method also includes assembling the plurality of packet fragments according to arrival times of respective headers of the plurality of packet fragments. The method further includes buffering, by a processor, the plurality of packet fragments in a sequence based on the arrival times of the respective headers.