Unifi UDM Pro SFP+ WAN port direct to fibre ONT?

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SumnerBoy

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#288337 21-Jun-2021 22:17

Hi,

I am in the planning stages of a new build and am thinking about my network infra. I want to future proof so am wondering how I should go about wiring from the ONT -> server rack.

I am planning to buy a UDM Pro (once they come back into stock at GoWifi.co.nz) and noticed they have a SFP+ WAN port.

Should I be running fibre from my ONT to my server rack, and using the SFP+ WAN port, instead of dirty old CAT6 (as I have in my current house)?

Is it as simple as buying a suitably long fibre cable and plugging one end into the ONT and the other end into an SFP+ module for connection to the UDMP? The cable run will be around 25m at a guess.

Would I need a special ONT with fibre out (instead of CAT6) or do they all support this sort of direct-fibre connection?

Appreciate any insights from those that know about this sort of thing.

FYI - my current ONT is hidden behind a fixed panel in the garage so is not easily accessible for me to have a look.

Cheers,

Ben

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#2732359 21-Jun-2021 22:29

The standard and supported installation of the ONT is to provide you with a cat6 lead which can feed into the WAN1 port of your UDM Pro.

Nothing wrong with this. Cat6 supports up to 10gbs.

-- opinions expressed by me are solely my own. ie - personal

Zeon

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#2732366 21-Jun-2021 23:03

If its a new build can you put the ONT in your network rack? If so you could run the hybrid cat5e/single mode fibre from the ETP location to your rack.

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Jase2985

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#2732428 22-Jun-2021 05:40

Zeon:

If its a new build can you put the ONT in your network rack? If so you could run the hybrid cat5e/single mode fibre from the ETP location to your rack.

do this, work out where you want the ETP and run conduit from there to the network rack. Put there ONT near/in the rack.

At the moment chorus only support Ethernet connection to the ONT, but in the future they may support direct connection of your router to the incoming fiber connection so don't rule that out.

SumnerBoy

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#2732520 22-Jun-2021 09:16

Thanks all - that makes sense.

If I move the ONT to my rack, will Chorus get their knickers in a twist when they come to connect it up? Will they blow the fibre thru my conduit or splice/connect it to an existing cable I will have to provide?

Keen to get all my facts straight before talking to Chorus so I know what I need...

chevrolux

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#2732524 22-Jun-2021 09:23

Just run a hybrid OptiCat from your ETP to where you want the ONT. Chorus/LFC will be more than happy to splice it in and put the ONT on the end of it.

You'll get it from your local electrical wholesaler.

SumnerBoy

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#2732580 22-Jun-2021 11:07

Is there a CAT6 version of that hybrid cable?

cyril7

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#2732581 22-Jun-2021 11:15

Hi, no its cat5e only, but why would that matter, its going between the ETP and the ONT, the fibre is good for many Tb/s the copper is just there to support any historic phone services that need to be transported between teh ONT and the ETP/house wiring.

Can I recommend you install a 20mm conduit between the ETP and the ONT location to put the Hybrid Opti5e cable in and ensure it pulls cable easily, this way if ever the unthink able happen and it fail it is easily replaced, further fibre is partically tasty to rodents, so offering some extra protection is an advantage.

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SumnerBoy

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#2732583 22-Jun-2021 11:18

I was just thinking that as a fallback I could put the ONT back next to the ETP and use the CAT part of the cable to run back to my rack - i.e. a standard setup. I think I will run a CAT6A alongside the hybrid for some redundancy, and also ensure I am able to pull a new/different cable if needed, via a conduit etc.

Thanks for the advice all.

Jiriteach

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#2732585 22-Jun-2021 11:23

SumnerBoy:

I was just thinking that as a fallback I could put the ONT back next to the ETP and use the CAT part of the cable to run back to my rack - i.e. a standard setup. I think I will run a CAT6A alongside the hybrid for some redundancy, and also ensure I am able to pull a new/different cable if needed, via a conduit etc.

Thanks for the advice all.

You mentioned you are building a new house? Nowadays electricans will provide a pullthrough normally in the form of the Opticat between the ETP to the inside where the ONT would most likely be installed. Typically a comms cupboards which is standard for new builds unless you of course change this and it could be your rack where all the other terminations will come into. Chrous will do their bits to pull through to and connect up fibre to the ONT. You can then just terminate from the ONT to your rack via PP or directly into your UDM Pro.

-- opinions expressed by me are solely my own. ie - personal

SumnerBoy

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#2732588 22-Jun-2021 11:28

Yes - new house - ok cool, I wasn't aware this was standard practice nowadays - good to know. I won't be having a comms cupboard as such, but a fully fledged server rack where the UDM Pro will live along with patch panels and switches etc.

It makes sense to run the Opticat back there, instead of a CAT6 run from the ETP/ONT, as I am sure in the not-to-distant future we will be able to terminate fibre directly to the LAN. Plus nice to have the ONT somewhere easily accessible and where I can hook it up to a UPS etc.

I built a house 10yrs ago, amazing how far things have come in that short time!!

Blanch

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#2732858 23-Jun-2021 00:18

I just ran a 20mm conduit (used large wide 90 bends) with draw wire from ONT below rack to ETP, installer ran fibre from pole to ONT no joint required at ETP, straight through.

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Jase2985

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#2732861 23-Jun-2021 05:35

Blanch:

I just ran a 20mm conduit (used large wide 90 bends) with draw wire from ONT below rack to ETP, installer ran fibre from pole to ONT no joint required at ETP, straight through.

Cheers

same as me. i dont have a joint in the ETP as i dont have copper anywhere.

SumnerBoy

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#2732863 23-Jun-2021 06:05

Ok, that sounds like the optimum plan, thanks.

Yoban

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#2732931 23-Jun-2021 09:56

Blanch:

I just ran a 20mm conduit (used large wide 90 bends) with draw wire from ONT below rack to ETP, installer ran fibre from pole to ONT no joint required at ETP, straight through.

Cheers

Similar here too.

Mine was an install to an existing home and I have room under the floor and had a draw wire in the wall for the chorus installer. They ran the cable through the ETP and right up to the ONT with no join and left what would seem like half a reel under the house.

ONT mounted in the rack - can supply photos later today. Have moved the rack a few times for maintenance and now issues at all.

SumnerBoy

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#2732932 23-Jun-2021 09:58

Yoban:

Similar here too.

Mine was an install to an existing home and I have room under the floor and had a draw wire in the wall for the chorus installer. They ran the cable through the ETP and right up to the ONT with no join and left what would seem like half a reel under the house.

ONT mounted in the rack - can supply photos later today. Have moved the rack a few times for maintenance and now issues at all.

Would love to see some pictures for reference - thanks!

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