Once your area is hooked up to fiber internet, switching from cable is the obvious choice for faster, more reliable, and often more affordable service.
But as we all know, switching to a new service, especially with a new provider, can be scary. How does new technology work? Do you need to purchase new equipment?
How fiber internet works
The fundamental difference between cable and fiber internet is how the connection works. Cable uses copper wires to transmit data to and from the internet; fiber-optic cables use pulses of light to transmit data through thin glass fibers. The wires are fragile on their own, but they reside in rugged outdoor conduits that can stand up to all kinds of conditions. These conduits run underground or hang from existing utility poles.
Compared to cable internet, fiber-optic wires can transfer more data faster. Fiber-optic lines aren't subject to the network congestion problems of cable internet: imagine fiber lines like a highway with several open lanes. Even during peak hours, like evening time when more people are online, fiber-optic connectivity can easily meet high data demands. The overall result is a faster, more reliable, more consistent internet connection.
What equipment is needed for fiber internet
You may be familiar with the cable internet equipment, like the modem and router tucked away in a closet, in the garage or under your desk. Fiber internet uses the same devices, but they are slightly different.
The key components of your fiber internet connection include:
- Optical Network Terminal (ONT): This is the device that connects your home to the internet. It's similar to the modem you probably use today, if you have a cable internet connection.
- Fiber internet router: Your new router will look like the cable router, too. The main difference is that it will be able to handle fiber internet's fast speeds.
- WiFi extenders: Some homes need these to ensure all areas of the home receive a strong WiFi signal.
Optical network terminal (ONT)
You may be wondering if you need a modem for your fiber internet service. The answer is that fiber internet relies on an optical network terminal (ONT), which is like a modem, but built for fiber internet's fast speeds.
Now for the technical part:
The traditional modem is a "modulator demodulator" that translates signals from one device to another. With cable internet, you're sending and receiving digital information to your connected devices, but that information is traveling through older analog infrastructure. That's why you need a modem. It converts digital information to analog and vice versa.
With fiber, the "modem" serves the same purpose but works differently. For fiber internet, you don't need to convert digital information to analog. However, you do need a way to transmit data through the fiber optic cable. An ONT transmits this data in the form of light pulses that travel back and forth through the cables. There's no digital-to-analog conversion happening; it's just light moving from one source to another.
Like a modem, the ONT communicates with your internet service provider (ISP) network. An ONT isn't technically a modem because it doesn't connect you to the internet in the same way. While it works differently from a modem, the ONT performs a similar function. Practically speaking, it's the box you use to connect to your ISP and enjoy internet service. In this sense, it's your "fiber modem" because it replaces the modem you were using for cable internet. It even kind of looks like one.
Fiber internet router
To enjoy the full benefits of fiber, you'll need to connect your ONT to a fiber internet router. The router is what broadcasts your internet signal to the rest of the home via WiFi.
A fiber router is like a cable router. Unlike your current router, however, a fiber router is made to handle fiber internet's fast speeds. Ziply Fiber's router is designed to deliver the fastest speeds currently available. (This does not include Ziply Fiber's fastest-in-America 50 Gig speed, which needs a much more serious router.)
Setting up your fiber-optic router is simple. Just connect the included Ethernet cable from the ONT to the router. If you don't have an Ethernet cable, you can buy one online for a low price. Now you can broadcast your internet signal to all the devices in your home.
Learn more: Innovating for you: WiFi 7
WiFi extenders
Ziply Fiber plans up to 2 Gig come with a state-of-the-art WiFi 7 router included. In most cases, this eliminates the need for extenders. However, it's still possible that certain obstructions in your home could make it difficult for the signal to travel where you need it.
WiFi extenders are placed between the router and parts of the home where the signal is weak. These devices "catch" the WiFi signal coming from your router and and broadcast it to areas that the router can't easily reach. Your Ziply Fiber technician will be able to determine if you need WiFi extenders and if you're eligible for our Whole Home WiFi service.
Can I install fiber-optic internet equipment myself?
Installing the ONT is the job of a professional, but you can install your own router and WiFi extenders easily. Generally, it's as simple as plugging in the router to the power supply and the ONT, turning it on and getting it connected to your devices via a wired or wireless connection.
Read more: Can I install fiber internet myself?
Questions? Contact us
When we configure fiber internet connections for new Ziply Fiber customers, we always ensure the proper installation of the ONT, router and WiFi extenders. That's also why we recommend using Ziply Fiber equipment: if you experience any issues with your setup or internet, we'll be able to better assist you. If have a problem or a question, Ziply Fiber support is always there to help.
