Does Fiber Internet Need a Modem?
Fiber internet is also referred to as fiber optic internet, and it is the latest advancement of internet connection available on the market today. Fiber internet has speeds of 1Gbps or even higher, which implies that internet users are capable of downloading at very high speeds or streaming, gaming among others. However, to achieve these lightning-fast Internet speeds, you may have been asking yourself – does fiber internet require a modem?
What is Fiber Internet?
Fiber internet communicates information through fiber optic cables which are made from incredibly pure glass strands that are thinner than human hair. These glass fibers are grouped in a strand known as “optical fiber” and send data signals through light rather than electricity.
Fiber internet provides connectivity that is at least several dozen times faster than conventional copper-wired internet technologies including digital subscriber line or cable. It offers very high bandwidth meaning that the time it takes for data to be transmitted is almost negligible. This makes such activities like video conferencing, gaming, high definition video streaming, and downloads very sensitive to the changes in the cwnd.
Still, fiber optics governance is expanding, still, it is not as available as cable internet for users. However, where it is present, fiber internet is by far the fastest kind of service that consumers can have at their disposal at the moment.
Fiber internet has become quite popular, but it raises the question of whether you require a modem for this connection type.
No matter if you are using cable, DSL, or fiber internet – you require some sort of equipment to translate signals – and then send signals and data from your service provider to your gadgets.
For a ‘traditional’ connection such as DSL or cable internet, that piece of equipment is referred to as a modem. However when it comes to fiber internet this is not the same anymore, the answer is not that straightforward.
Technically, the converter boxes that are used for fiber internet are not properly classified as “modems.” In the context of fiber internet, the device that decodes the light signals and translates them into electrical signals that your devices can accept is called an ONT or Optical Network Terminal.
Still, internet and telecom providers prefer calling ONT devices‘ fiber modems’ or ‘Internet modems’ because the main purpose of these service devices is similar to that of modems, to transform the signal that is received from the internet into a signal that is compatible with the computer systems.
So in other words – yes to a certain extent, you do require a type of modem to gain fiber internet. Instead of the more common cable or DSL modem, the device is an Optical Network Terminal that is built to work with fiber-optic connections.
Fiber Internet Equipment
Here’s a quick run-down of the equipment your home needs set up for fiber internet:
Fiber Optic Cables
The fiber optic cables extending from internet service providers and directly to your house transmit extremely fast internet data in the form of light. These cables run from the outer network and directly connect to the ONT.
ONT (Optical Network Terminal Box)
This box on the other hand transmits the light signals from the fiber optic cables to electrical signals that can be used in home networks and devices. It is a modem’s foil, only made of fiber.
Ethernet Cables
Plug the ONT box into the router using an ethernet cable so that your home network receives the connectivity to the internet.
WiFi Router
A router receives the Internet transmission coming from the ONT and then transmits it in a wireless signal that your devices can connect to.
And so in conclusion – do you need ONT – Yes, you need it to get the fiber internet, and that device is called the ‘fiber modem’. Fiber internet equipment alters signals differently from a conventional modem, but ONTs are also an essential part of creating usable ultra-high-speed internet in your home. That is why, except for an ONT box, your home devices will not be able to access the lightning-fast speeds that are carried through the fiber optic cables incoming into your home.
Advantages of Fiber Internet
As fiber internet expands its reach across the country, more households are making the switch to fiber for all its speed and reliability advantages:
- This internet connection offers blazing-fast speeds with equal upload and download speeds.
- High availability for immediate and interactive gaming, video, and apps
- Good call quality and sharpness of the picture during the video call.
- Sustain many users and devices without any delay or even any interruption
However, when an ONT box is properly installed and configured to decode the transmitted signals, the benefits are easy to access. What is true is that fiber internet does demand this extra equipment but it erases the lag by maximizing your home’s potential to deliver gigabit internet speed.
Because fiber optic networks along with ultra high-speed internet are extending, the fiber’s superior performance over existing copper wires as connection media is shifting the market. Thank you for your time and let the fun begin with an ONT box because your home is now connected to the next generation of speed with fiber optic!
