Fiber-to-the-home is a new type of internet service that provides high-speed internet using fiber cable to connect a home to an optical network terminal (ONT). The ONT serves as a modem and can support HD video, streaming, and gaming. It can also handle multiple simultaneous connections for multiple devices, like TVs and smart appliances.
The transition to fiber-to-the-home can be a bit confusing, especially for those who haven’t made the move yet. The process is different for each provider, but there are a few common steps to follow to connect your house with fiber optic cable and get the internet you need.
1. Activate Your New Service
Before a fiber cable can be activated, it must first be installed and connected at the household passing point. A technician will drill a hole through both the interior and exterior walls, to allow the fiber cable to enter the home and reach a termination enclosure located on the outside of the building. The fiber installer may also run the cable into the home along existing air conditioning or utility lines.
2. Create an Entry Point for the Fiber Optic Cable
A technician will drill a hole in the side of a house near the main electrical panel to allow the fiber cable to enter the house. The technician will then splice the fiber cable together using a special tool, which cuts the cable into separate strands. This process, called “splicing,” can take several days to complete and is typically done before the installation of a wall box or termination enclosure.
3. Connect the Fiber Optic Cable To a Switch
A fiber optic cable is a data communication cable that uses thin, flexible glass or plastic fibers to transmit data pulses. This cable can transfer data 20 times faster than a regular wire, making it an excellent choice for high-speed internet connections.
4. Connect the Fiber Optic Cable To a Media Converter
A media converter is an important tool for connecting copper and fiber cables together, allowing both kinds of cables to be used on the same network. This device is often used in a variety of industries, including security surveillance, government defense, enterprise LANs, and campus LANs.
5. Plug the Optical Transceiver into the Media Converter
A network switch is an important piece of equipment that helps control communication among devices. A good switch can help increase data transmission rates and speed up a network, as well as ensuring the safety of all connected devices.
Usually, switches come with a number of ports that accept copper and fiber connectors. These ports make it easy to connect other network devices.
6. Connect the Fiber Optic Cable To a Wire and Patch Cord
A cable and patch cord are two important pieces of network equipment that connect computers and other electronics to a switch. These cables provide power and data to the computer or other electronic device, as well as protect the circuit from damage.