Fibre ONT vs Modem

Forums › LAN (ethernet/Wifi/routers/Bluetooth) › Fibre ONT vs Modem

pjm226

6 posts

Wannabe Geek

Topic # 240938 3-Oct-2018 12:42

Hi all

I am doing a new build and going to use Ubquiti Products for reliabliity and want to seperate out the compents of the typircal "all in one" box to improve reliablility.

My street has fibre so the lines company (Chorus/Enable) will install an ONT.

I will install a Ubquiti POE Switch, Unifi Pro AP and a USG router.

Do I need the conventional ISP modem (by spark/skinny or whever I choose to go with as a provider)?

A router sorts the internal addresses doesn't it, and the USG has a firewall in it, so what does a modem between the ONT and Router actually do?

On a noraml ASDL connection I understand a modem converts the signal from the phone line into an ethernet, but on fibre doesn't the ONT do that?

The ONT just turns the fibre to ethernet, but do you need a modem in between to configure any ISP specific setting?

Thanks in advance :D

DarthKermit

4480 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 2476

Trusted

Reply # 2100743 3-Oct-2018 12:45

One person supports this post

If you're using a router/modem combo, you'd plug the ONT into the WAN port on the unit. If you're on ADSL, you'd plug it into the xDSL port to use the modem part of the unit. Fibre doesn't require a traditional modem.

hio77

'That VDSL Cat'
8896 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 1952

Trusted

Spark

Subscriber

Reply # 2100744 3-Oct-2018 12:45

You can terminate your connection on the USG. You will need to configure it.

I'd recommend having the RSP modem around to be able to test with if anything goes wrong.

Depending on provider you go with, you may need to use the RSP device to terminate a voice line. Generally these can be ran downstream but it's not a supported configuration again.

Depending on provider will change how you configure the USG eg. vlan/untagged, pppoe vs dhcp, 1492 vs 1500

#include <std_disclaimer>

Any comments made are personal opinion and do not reflect directly on the position my current or past employers may have.

Jase2985

7775 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 2565

Subscriber

Reply # 2100745 3-Oct-2018 12:45

One person supports this post

no such thing as a modem in the UFB world, you need a router or something that can terminate the session for you, such as a PC, but this limits the rest of your network.

any router should do the trick, but some are better at giving you a 1gbps connection than others.

itxtme

1626 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 275

Subscriber

Reply # 2100787 3-Oct-2018 14:00

2 people support this post

hio77:

You can terminate your connection on the USG. You will need to configure it.

Above is the answer

ONT -> USG -> Switch -> UNIFI AP's/LAN

This is my setup, works well. When you run a USG for the first time you have the opportunity to set up its base settings, and get the internet going. From here you can attach it to a controller, and then setup everything like your WIFI network. I run my controller in a cloud instance, but michaelmurfy offers a hosted one online.

pjm226

6 posts

Wannabe Geek

Reply # 2100794 3-Oct-2018 14:05

itxtme:

hio77:

You can terminate your connection on the USG. You will need to configure it.

Above is the answer

ONT -> USG -> Switch -> UNIFI AP's/LAN

This is my setup, works well. When you run a USG for the first time you have the opportunity to set up its base settings, and get the internet going. From here you can attach it to a controller, and then setup everything like your WIFI network. I run my controller in a cloud instance, but michaelmurfy offers a hosted one online.

Thanks all for the feedback!

Is it simple to setup USG in this configuration rather than using stock router setting in it?

Any resource (links etc) you are aware of on how best to configure these settings (that could potentialyl be quite complicated)?

itxtme

1626 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 275

Subscriber

Reply # 2100806 3-Oct-2018 14:16

Yes it is when everything is working as it should. Its a learning curve if you are comparing it to a straightforward ISP Fibre router, but then the system offers lots more flexibility being enterprise level.

I have 2x AP's, 4x Unifi Securty cameras, so make use of the PoE Switch. I also use VPN's for business, and these are a breeze with this gear.

The whole concept of having a "controller" ie. a software interface that is on another device makes life more difficult for average joe, as getting the devices to recognise your controller can be niggly.

Do you know which ISP you are going to go with?

pjm226

6 posts

Wannabe Geek

Reply # 2100807 3-Oct-2018 14:19

Okay, I see. Certainly is alot of youtube videos on them.

Hopeing to go with Skinny given its cheaper pricing.

itxtme

1626 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 275

Subscriber

Reply # 2100815 3-Oct-2018 14:34

I recall reading you have to use Skinnys Router if you want to use them

nickb800

2049 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 349

Trusted

Reply # 2100821 3-Oct-2018 14:39

itxtme:

I recall reading you have to use Skinnys Router if you want to use them

I think they force you to get the Skinny Router (outright purchase or free on contract), but the connection is standard so you can choose to use your own device. Usual story, if you want their helpdesk to help you, you will need to plug in their router, even if only temporarily to resolve an issue

pjm226

6 posts

Wannabe Geek

Reply # 2100836 3-Oct-2018 14:55

Okay, yes happy to still purchase a Skinny router (or get free on plan), so I can use to trouble shoot. Pressumably I can just look at the Skinny router settings and know what I need to change on USG when I swap it out then

hio77

'That VDSL Cat'
8896 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 1952

Trusted

Spark

Subscriber

Reply # 2100857 3-Oct-2018 15:32

pjm226:

Okay, yes happy to still purchase a Skinny router (or get free on plan), so I can use to trouble shoot. Pressumably I can just look at the Skinny router settings and know what I need to change on USG when I swap it out then

Yes.

#include <std_disclaimer>

Any comments made are personal opinion and do not reflect directly on the position my current or past employers may have.