Is a router with a built-in or separate ONT better?

The fiber optic routers offered by operators have everything we need to enjoy a high speed connection. They all have Gigabit Ethernet , and the speeds reached by WiFi go up to thousands of Mbps; especially the latest models with WiFi 6 . Almost all of those offered today have the ONT built in. But is it better or worse?

The ONT is a fundamental element in fiber optic connections, since it is in charge of converting the optical signal of the fiber cable into a digital signal, being able to send it over Ethernet cables or wirelessly. In some installations, the ONT goes separately, and from there the connection to a neutral router is already carried out through an Ethernet cable.

Is a router with a built-in or separate ONT better

It is not easy to use a neutral router for fiber

However, most of the operators’ routers already integrate the ONT, and normally it is not possible to use a different one than the one offered by the operator because it uses specific parameters to communicate with the OLT (which is normally seen on the streets). each operator, such as GPON and SIP keys; Besides that it has to be compatible with the network.

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That it comes integrated has a great advantage: that we save having two devices connected to the current, which reduces energy consumption and the number of cables. However, it has the disadvantage that we cannot be able to use the router that we want as the main unit without the connection going through the operator’s router. And sometimes there are problems and failures when trying to do it, since the operators do not offer the GPON and SIP keys, and it is necessary to resort to somewhat complicated methods to obtain them.

In most cases, using a different router is not usually a problem. For example, in Orange Liveboxes , we can use the router in ONT mode, where the router is simply used as a converter of the optical signal into digital, and we already use the router that we want connected by Ethernet port as the main unit.

Using the router in ONT mode: a good option

Therefore, whether we have a separate ONT or a router that integrates it, in most cases we will be able to use the router we want. If the router does not allow it to be used as an ONT, you can always turn off the WiFi and plug in a neutral router as the main one to connect to, or even integrate it as a repeater for another point in the house.

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In short, it is best if the router integrates the ONT , since in the vast majority of cases you will not need a better router. The new routers that operators are offering, such as the Livebox 6, have excellent performance both over cable and over WiFi to get all the performance out of a GPON line. You will only need a better router in very specific situations, such as if you need higher WiFi speed or 10G Ethernet port to access devices on a local network, such as a NAS.