Fibre install- why do I need a modem?

Forums › New Zealand Broadband › Fibre install- why do I need a modem?

daringpeter

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#289226 20-Aug-2021 22:04

Hi all

I've recently had residential fibre installed by Chorus. (Not because I need it, but for future-proofing.) They have fitted a Nokia G-140WC. It seems ideal as a small residential gateway, all I need. But, I am told that despite this in NZ I require a downstream modem. Please tell me why, using the least number of acronyms!

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wellygary

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#2764038 20-Aug-2021 22:13

See this thread...

https://www.geekzone.co.nz/forums.asp?forumid=49&topicid=281328

freitasm

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#2764040 20-Aug-2021 22:20

Actually, a router - people call these "modem" but they aren't.

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Scott3

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#2764055 20-Aug-2021 22:35

As above, no modem required for fiber.

But unless you get hyperfiber, the ONT isn't set up to do stuff like routing, switching, wifi, even if the hardware has that ability.

So you are best to put a router downstream (if you want internet access). Technically you could omit it, and set your computer up to handle routing & firewall stuff itself (pf sense?), but why bother. Consumer routers are cheap (especially if you are willing to pick up something used, or take the ISP freebie.), compact, and don't use much power.

tchart

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#2764086 21-Aug-2021 07:25

Yeah I ditched the supplied "modem" as my mesh routers can do vlan tagging. Makes for a tidier setup.

cyril7

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#2764094 21-Aug-2021 08:08

Hi I think you are referring to the fact the ont appears to be an all in one unit that includes the residential router.

Well it does, how ever for mainly logistical reasons no RSP will use it, it's far less hassle for them to provide you a separate downstream router.

On the modem terminology, technically the ONT is the modem, the modulator, demodulator aspect of the term modem in this case being the translation of gpon encoded light waves to electrical ethernet signals, a seperate router is required to provide you a local LAN.

Cyril

Goosey

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#2764120 21-Aug-2021 09:35

Think of the ONT as the power switchboard. you gotta plug in a microwave to the power to cook food....therefore you need a router to plug in to use the services delivered via fibre.

cyril7

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#2764143 21-Aug-2021 10:08

Goosey:

Think of the ONT as the power switchboard. you gotta plug in a microwave to the power to cook food....therefore you need a router to plug in to use the services delivered via fibre.

Yeah, its the part that Chorus leave in your house to connect your gear to, pre UFB days this might have been considered the first phone socket...... if you get my drift.

Cyril

darylblake

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#2764150 21-Aug-2021 10:23

Technically you don't. You can get a provider that offered RGW services.

Why is this a problem, many providers offer a free modem with signup.

freitasm

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#2764161 21-Aug-2021 10:41

darylblake:

Technically you don't. You can get a provider that offered RGW services.

Why is this a problem, many providers offer a free modem with signup.

Again, not a modem - a router.

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cyril7

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#2764229 21-Aug-2021 11:12

But in defence of incorrectly using the term modem for what is infact a router, most devices that ISPs provide (infact all currently I suspect) do infact contain xDSL modems in addition to being able to be used as just routers, so in reality its all a blurrrrr. However in the case of a fibre connection, only a router is required, if that router sports an xDSL modem, so be it, its still a router.

Cyril

Mehrts

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#2764238 21-Aug-2021 11:25

Let's just call it what it is:

Modemrouterswitchwirelessaccesspoint, or MRS WAP for short 😉

darylblake

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#2764330 21-Aug-2021 14:17

freitasm:

darylblake:

Technically you don't. You can get a provider that offered RGW services.

Why is this a problem, many providers offer a free modem with signup.

Again, not a modem - a router.

Yep your right... potato potarto. Their technically not modems their routers.. they don't modulate and demodulate analog signals anymore, because well I dont think anyone uses dialup.... they join networks together.

Mehrts

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#2764351 21-Aug-2021 14:33

darylblake:

they don't modulate and demodulate analog signals anymore, because well I dont think anyone uses dialup.... they join networks together.

You're forgetting that ADSL/VDSL uses modulation...

raytaylor

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#2764448 21-Aug-2021 17:08

Mehrts:

darylblake:

they don't modulate and demodulate analog signals anymore, because well I dont think anyone uses dialup.... they join networks together.

You're forgetting that ADSL/VDSL uses modulation...

And an ONT will modulate and demodulate data into/from light.

Ray Taylor

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daringpeter

49 posts

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#2764568 21-Aug-2021 22:12

Thanks to all who troubled to read my question/post. I'm not clear about the answer though. Bear with me while I put it really simply.

I receive 'internet' connectivity by ADSL. I have a modem connected to the phone line, with a cable to my box. It all works. I forget what hassles to get it to work, but browsers and Email are just fine. Now, if I get a 'fibre' connection, once an RSP connects me why cannot I plug that dinky blue cable into a suitable port on the Nokia ONT and off I go again? Eh?? Nokia advertises that that's all....why do I need a router, free or otherwise-never needed one before...

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