Table of Contents
What’s the Difference? #
In simple terms, a modem brings the internet into your home, while a router distributes it to your devices. In FibreTel’s setup, your modem is technically an Optical Network Terminal (ONT), while the router handles your home’s WiFi network. Here’s how they work together:
The ONT (Your Modem) #
- What It Does:
The ONT connects your home to our fibre optic network. It’s responsible for converting the light signals sent over fibre into internet data that your devices can use. - Where It’s Located:
The ONT is typically installed in the smart panel, a white box recessed into your wall, usually found in a closet. - Key Point:
The ONT is the gateway to the internet, ensuring that FibreTel’s blazing-fast speeds reach your home.
The Router #
- What It Does:
The router connects to the ONT and distributes the internet signal to your devices via WiFi or Ethernet, creating your home’s private network. - Where It’s Located:
The router is usually installed in an open area like your living room to provide better WiFi coverage than if it were hidden inside a closet. - Special Cases:
- If you require a 10Gbps LAN port for a device, we’ll install the router in the same room as that device for optimal wired performance.
- If this location isn’t ideal for WiFi coverage, consider upgrading to a plan with Mesh WiFi, which ensures seamless coverage throughout your home.
Why Separate Devices? #
This setup ensures the best performance:
- The ONT is optimized for fibre optic performance and stays discreetly in your smart panel.
- The router is placed where it can deliver the strongest WiFi signal to your devices.
Quick Analogy #
Think of it this way:
- ONT = Internet Factory (produces the internet signal).
- Router = Internet Distributor (delivers the signal to your devices).
