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Fiber optic internet is all the rage right now. Although fiber is the latest new entry in the market, it is quickly stealing the show. While still not readily available everywhere, the credibility and potential network performance gives fiber internet a strong edge over its competitors.
Plus, fiber-optic cables are way cheaper to maintain, contrary to the presumption that everything associated with fiber optics is expensive. Low maintenance costs thus make this latest technology a preferable choice for service providers as well.
If you are considering switching to fiber internet, but are confused about what you will need to install fiber optic internet, don’t worry as this article breaks the info down for you!
Fiber internet is one of the fastest internet connections available in the U.S. today. This technology uses fiber-optic cables to transfer data. As data transmission occurs via light pulses, fiber optic cables can carry huge amount of data in a single line, often transmitting several terabits of data expeditiously.
For the most part, fiber internet subscribers have been lucky enough to get multi-gig internet speeds. AT&T Fiber internet service is a great example here, as it offers symmetrical fiber internet speeds starting from 300 Mbps, and gradually going up to a whopping 5 Gig!
From the equipment needed to the steps involved in Fiber internet installation, here is everything you need to know.
Here are the things essential for successful fiber optic internet installation:
The first thing you will need is a fiber optic cable. Keep in mind that your fiber-optic internet connection is of no use if your house still has conventional copper wiring. Copper lines cannot transmit data like fiber optic cables. For this reason, you need to outfit your home with fiber optic cables — assuming your provider offers Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH) service — to get the maximum benefit if you have found an answer to “fiber internet near me”.
The next thing you need for FTTP services is a fiber-optic modem. This is because your traditional DSL or cable modems cannot work with fiber internet. The process of signal conversion differs. Unlike DSL and Cable modems, a fiber-optic modem — also called the Optical Network Terminal (ONT) — converts optical signals into electrical signals. Meaning, that the fiber modem essentially serves as a bridge between your fiber-optic connection and your devices.
Finally, if your home runs on a Wi-Fi network, as is the case these days, a fiber connection that offers faster speeds than your old internet service would make you want to invest in a new wireless router. The primary job of a fiber-compatible router is to keep pace with the speeds delivered by fiber-optic cables. It also manages internet traffic on connected devices either through LAN channels or wirelessly.
It is nearly impossible for a layman like yourself to install fiber internet at home easily. Providers that offer Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH) also provide mandatory professional installation, so you may never have to worry about the fiber installation process.
However, it is good for you to have a basic understanding of the process so you can ensure a smooth and foolproof installation. Once you have run the query “fiber internet in my area” and found the available options, move on to the next step which is the installation.
First things first, check the availability of fiber optic internet services in your area. To check out the fiber providers in your area, enter your ZIP code here and take your pick from a list of options available.
Or call 855-349-9328 and have experts give you this information and also help you find out what fiber plans are available at your address.
Once you are certain that you can get fiber-optic internet, schedule your installation appointment with your choice of fiber internet provider. Remember the cost of installation and duration of the installation process may vary based on your home’s current setup, as well as on the provider. If there is already an established fiber-optic connection in your home — the setup will be extremely simple.
But, if that’s not the case, you will need to get new lines running to your home so you can access the new fiber service. Once the fiber optic line is established, your technician will install your modem as the access point for in-home fiber internet.
As soon as the terminal starts functioning, you will also require a supported router to accommodate high-speed fiber internet. All you have to do is connect your Wi-Fi-enabled router with the ONT and set up your home network.
Once your fiber optic internet installation is complete, you can connect all your devices to the in-home fiber network and start enjoying it to the maximum.
Now that you have discovered what greatness fiber internet has to offer, you must look into the handful of fiber-optic internet providers available at your address. While fiber availability is still limited as compared to conventional cable networks, it is still catching pace and becoming more widely accessible.
From AT&T Fiber internet to MetroNet and Spectrum fiber internet to hybrid fiber-coaxial network, there are a bunch of great internet options available around the US. Once you sign up with any of them, they’ll send a professional technician with fiber-compatible equipment, who will then proceed to install and setup your fiber internet, which may take up to few hours.
Here is a list of the top fiber internet providers that you can explore.
| Provider | Speed Range | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|
| AT&T Fiber | 300 Mbps to 5 Gig | $55/mo. plus taxes |
| Altafiber | 400 Mbps to 1 Gig | $39.99/mo. for 24 months |
| MetroNet | 100 Mbps to 2 Gig | $49.95/mo. for 12 months |
| Ziply | 100 Mbps to 5 Gig | $10/mo. for 3 months |
| Clearwave Fiber | 250 Mbps to 1 Gig | $65/mo. for 12 months |
Fiber internet is unarguably one of the fastest and most reliable internet connection types available. If you are looking for high speeds and low latency, fiber installation is surely worth all your time and effort. It may not be available in most suburbs and rural areas, however, compared to all other options available, fiber optic internet is still the best performer out there if available at your address.
Yes, a fiber-compatible router is designed to handle the much higher internet speeds offered by a fiber internet connection.
Since the type of signal and data transfer is different in a fiber network as compared to a conventional cable or DSL network, you would need a Fiber modem specifically for fiber internet service. Fiber modems are also called Optical Network Terminals or ONTs that convert optical signals into electrical.
Once you have chosen a fiber internet service provider in your area and booked an installation appointment, the professional installer will come to your house to install the fiber network lines. Once the cable lines are set up, the technician will set up a compatible modem and router so you can start using the network.
Since installing fiber requires setting the foundation for a new cable as well as specialized equipment, most fiber providers don’t encourage you to self-install fiber internet. You will have to get a technician from your provider to set up your connection.