Everything you need to install fiber-optic internet

If you haven’t heard of fiber-optic internet, it’s considered the gold standard of home internet. Compared to other technology types like satellite, DSL, fixed wireless and its closest competitor cable, fiber can deliver faster speeds over a more reliable connection — and for a competitive price.

Unfortunately, fiber is not available everywhere. It’s expensive for internet providers to build out, so they tend to focus infrastructure in highly populated areas. If fiber is available at your home, here’s how you can install fiber-optic internet service to get connected.

How does fiber-optic internet work?

Fiber internet uses different technology than other types of internet, such as cable, satellite, fixed wireless and DSL. But how exactly does it work?

Fiber internet uses a fiber-optic cable to deliver an internet connection. This differs from a cable internet connection, which uses copper cables; a satellite internet connection, which relies on satellites in space; fixed wireless internet, which uses cellular technology; and DSL, which uses phone lines.

Fiber-optic cables consist of hundreds of glass strands smaller than the width of a human hair. These glass fibers transmit data using pulses of light, which is why fiber connections are so much faster than other internet types — light travels faster than electricity.

The light carrying your data travels down the fiber-optic cable to the receiving end, where your Optical Network Terminal (ONT) converts it back into electrical signals that your device can understand.

Two main factors contribute to fiber’s superior connection: The glass cables and light transmission. Using glass in fiber-optic cables results in minimal interference from other power sources, like power lines, creating a reliable internet connection. The transmission of data using light generates a faster internet speed than other internet technologies, as well as symmetrical upload and download speeds.

How to install fiber internet

Whether you can self-install your fiber internet depends on whether your home is already wired for fiber, and if your provider allows for self-installation. If your home isn’t already wired, you need to schedule an appointment with your ISP for a technician to come out and set up your wiring, ONT and the rest of your Wi-Fi network. Your ISP will inform you if this is necessary.

Self-installation is quick and easy if you reside in a home or apartment already wired for fiber. We’ll outline the steps below:

1. Locate your fiber network terminal – First things first, find your ONT. This is the piece of equipment that connects you to your ISP. They are usually located in areas like closets, rooms or even your garage. Once you’ve found it, make sure your ONT is turned on and plugged in. If you do not have one, you’ll need a technician to come out and install one for you.
2. Connect your fiber network terminal to your network box – Now it’s time to connect your network box (like a gateway device) to your ONT. If you’re self-installing, your provider will send you what you need to do this, which generally involves your network box and an Ethernet cable. Connect one end of the Ethernet to the ONT, and the other end to your gateway.
3. Set up your network box or gateway – Once your ONT is connected to your equipment, plug in your gateway device. Your provider will have sent you a power cord that connects to the network box, which you can also plug into a power outlet.
4. Connect a device – Now, you must connect a device to continue setting up your network. Your network box will create a default network to which you’ll connect the device you want to use, like a laptop or smartphone.
5. Set up your Wi-Fi network – This step can vary by provider since it is generally done through a provider-specific app, but it involves creating your own network name and password that you can use to connect the rest of your devices to your network. If you have problems, contact your ISP’s customer support team.

Learn more about how to set up your internet service.

Are you serviceable for fiber-optic internet?

Fiber internet isn’t available everywhere, so before you try to find a fiber provider, first enter your address to find providers available near you.

If you’re serviceable for fiber, you can start to explore the best fiber internet providers for your home. Popular fiber providers include AT&T, Verizon Fios, Google Fiber and Frontier.

If fiber isn’t available at your address, cable is a solid alternative that can still deliver fast speeds to support your household internet needs.

Check availability

Or call us today: (844) 451-2720 (844) 451-2720

Installing fiber FAQs