Why does my fiber connection need two routers? Or are they not?

Fiber connections start to be common . Thanks to the investments that are being made, infrastructures are growing and more users are able to enjoy the advantages of the fiber connection . In this sense, today we want to resolve a very common question: why do operators install two routers when we hire a fiber connection?

A FIBER CONNECTION

When the installer arrives home, the first thing he does is place an Optical PTR , a small box with a small cable that is inserted from the outside of our home. This point of optical network termination is essential, it is the equivalent to the old PTR you had for your telephone and ADSL connection.

Next, take out two devices that appear identical in appearance. That is what causes many to confuse you, because, with the more or less preconceived idea of ​​how a router is, most see similar devices, with their respective Ethernet ports, etc. But it is not like that, the purpose of each one is different.

The first is the ONT (Optical Network Terminal) . It is connected to the Optical PTR and is responsible for converting the optical signal into electrical. Of all the Ethernet ports that it includes, in most cases it is only LAN1 that is active and gives an Internet access IP. The remaining others are "caped" by the operator to avoid problems. Enterprise router is a basic product for any business/enterprise.

The second is the router , this is the one that will create the local network both by cable and wifi. But there is one more detail that is important to know: he is also in charge of providing telephone service .

Jazztel or Orange, for example, with its fiber connection , offer some additional advantages thanks to the use of this connection for the telephone call service. The first is a higher quality communication, by avoiding some problems of the copper lines. The second is that it allows you to have two phones connected and not lose any calls .

That is, thanks to the two RJ-11 connections offered by these routers, two telephones can be connected and use the same telephone line - a single number - to make calls and even receive others while  they are talking. This avoids the typical situation in which when calling a number that is holding a conversation the busy number tone is heard. As long as it is desired, because they will give the option to deactivate the waiting call.

Of course, we must also be aware that there is a small drawback: if the router is not connected to the electricity network, it can not be called . Another detail that always warns but it is good to know, the switch of the analog PTR must be "open" -up-up. If this is not the case and it is connected to the different telephone rosettes that we have at home, it will not provide service. That's why it's better to leave it unused.

CAN THE ROUTER BE REMOVED BY ANOTHER MODEL?

Now that you know all the devices that are used to configure and have fiber connection in the home, the next question is whether you can change the router that they mount for another. The answer is yes, but with some considerations.

The router that they connect after the ONT is nothing more than a neutral router . That means you get the IP that the ONT offers you and, from there, route all the ethernet or wireless connections so that they have access to the internet. If you want to replace with your own neutral router, you can, although the latest models perform very well.

Anyway, if you have made an investment in a high-end model of manufacturers such as Asus, Synology, Fritz! Box, etc., you will not have problems. The only thing you have to keep in mind is that if the telephone connection goes through that router that they mount you would lose the service.

Therefore, the solution would be to place the router as an additional device, although you will have to assess whether it is interesting or not. And it would mean more cables, another power adapter and some other IP mess if you are not used to dealing with network configurations or do not know how to do it.

ENJOY THE FIBER

Now that you know how it works and what devices you will find, the only thing I can say is that you enjoy the fiber. The latest technology in Internet connection that has revolutionized communications . You can play, watch online videos, download or share files and much more without having to interrupt each task. All at once and with several devices, because thanks to the greater bandwidth offered by fiber everything is possible.