Fiber Optic Internet is the modern network connectivity that offers a high-speed internet connection. Earlier cable and DSL methods were used which offered good speed but had some drawbacks.
So, after the advent of the Fiber internet, it is widespread due to the potential to provide very high-speed internet. All the service providers are laying fiber internet now and you must know how it works.
The major question with fiber internet is whether it requires a modem or not. Let us discuss it in this article.
Do you need a modem for fiber optic internet?
A fiber optic internet doesn’t need a modem, but it requires another setup known as the Optical Network Terminal (ONT). This ONT will translate the optical signal from the service provider into a digital signal which can be read by the router or device connected to it.
So, you don’t need to buy a modem, but you might have to buy a router to share the internet. Let us understand how a fiber optic internet works and how it avoids a modem for its functionality.
How does Fiber Optic Internet work?
Traditional internet connectivity like Cable or DSL involves the use of copper wire cables to transmit signals. Earlier internet service providers (ISPs) use these copper cables and provide an internet connection to your home or office.
But as the name suggests, fiber optic internet uses a fiber optic cable to transmit signals. The cable is made up of fiberglass which can transmit light signals using total internal reflection.
The data is transmitted as pulses of light, and it travels very large distances without any loss in speed. Also, the light signals are immune to electromagnetic interference. So, you can get clear, faster, and more reliable data transmission.
Similar to a modem, fiber optic data transmission requires a unit called ONT (Optical Network Terminal). This ONT will perform a function similar to that of a modem. Let us find out how ONT works.
The function of ONT
ONT is a unit in the fiber optic network where the light signals are converted into digital signals which can be recognized by the user’s device.
The ISP sends data through a fiber optic cable which is first received by the ONT installed near the user’s house or office. This ONT will receive the light pulse signals and convert them into digital electrical signals that can be read by the user’s device.
The ONT will also function as a routing device and routes the converted signals to the devices such as routers or a PC. In some cases, you can find the ONT to separate the signals for the internet, TV, etc.
Since an ONT converts the signals, you don’t need a separate modem to use fiber optic internet. Also, a modem cannot convert the light signals into electrical signals. Therefore, you cannot use a modem with fiber optic internet, and you don’t need one for its functionality.
Read: Do Gaming Routers Need a Modem?
What are the types of fiber optic connections?
There are three types of fiber optic connections:
- FTTH – Fiber to the Home
- FTTC – Fiber to the Curb
- FTTN – Fiber to the Node
Fiber to the Home (FTTH)
This type of connection, also known as Fiber to the Premises (FTTP), brings fiber optic cables directly to individual residences or buildings. It provides high-speed internet access and can support various services such as internet, TV, and phone. FTTH enables faster and more reliable connectivity compared to traditional copper-based connections like DSL or cable.
Fiber to the Curb (FTTC)
In this type of connection, fiber optic cables are extended to a distribution point or cabinet located near the customer’s neighborhood also known as a curb. From there, the connection is carried to individual premises using existing copper or coaxial cables. While it doesn’t offer the same speed as FTTH, it can still provide faster and more stable connections compared to traditional copper-based technologies alone.
Fiber to the Node (FTTN)
FTTN involves deploying fiber optic cables to a node which is usually located a few hundred meters away from the user’s premises. The connection from the node to the premises is achieved using copper-based technologies like DSL. FTTN offers faster speeds than traditional copper connections but may not provide the same performance as FTTH or FTTC.
Read: Why does my modem keep crashing?
How to choose the right modem for your fiber optic connection?
We already established that your fiber optic connection doesn’t require a Modem. Rather it may require a router that can split the internet for all the devices in your home. So, you will need a proper router to use the fiber optic internet.
As for the choice of router, you can consider the following things:
- Speed of the fiber internet
- Number of devices to connect
- Range to be covered
While choosing a router for your fiber net, you have to consider the speed, i.e., the bandwidth it can support. If you are subscribing for higher bandwidth, you have to choose a proper router to support it.
Next, you have to consider the number of devices you will be connecting to the internet. Also, you must know the range it can cover. If you are covering a large area with a lot of devices in connection, then you should try to buy a powerful router with multiple antennas.
So, you don’t need a modem for your fiber optic network, and you will just require a router to provide networks for all your devices.
Read: How to use 2 routers with 1 modem?
Troubleshooting fiber optic internet connectivity issues
Most of the time, fiber optic internet doesn’t get any issues, and even if there is an issue it will be on the ISP’s side. Your service provider will rectify the connectivity issues as soon as possible.
But you may encounter some connectivity issues if the fiber optic cable entering the home is damaged. In such cases, you have to go for replacing the cable. Otherwise, connectivity issues are rare in the case of fiber optic internet.
Read: Why does my Router have a USB Port?
Conclusion
Now we know that fiber optic internet doesn’t use a modem for its functioning. Rather it uses a similar device called an ONT. You can now install a fiber optic network for your home or your office without a need for a modem. But you may need a router to split the internet for all the devices.
