Can I use my existing router with fiber?
With fiber optic internet service now accessible to more and more households and businesses, most individuals ask themselves whether they can continue using their current router once they transition to fiber. The short answer is maybe because while there are some similarities between the two, there are also key differences. Here are some things to consider.
Compatibility
Fiber optic internet connections end or connect to an ONT (Optical Network Terminal) or modem. This translates the fiber signal to the Ethernet signal, from where it can directly connect to the router. Hence the first question would be whether your router has a standard ethernet WAN port that can support this signal. Yes, most of the modern-day consumer routers do, but the older ones may not necessarily do it. A good way to check this is to see if the WAN connection settings in the router are compatible with the needed settings.
Speed Capabilities
Fiber internet, therefore, comes with almost unbelievable speeds as it can provide 1Gbps or even more. The above-mentioned high speeds must be supported by your router to harness the capability of fiber connections. Some routers have only Fast Ethernet ports or routing processors that cannot deal with anything over a few hundred megabits per second. You will experience slowed-down speeds if you connect fiber to an outdated router. It is also important to ensure that your router supports the correct speed for your plan and is compatible with the fiber you are using.
WiFi Performance
The fast speeds that come with fiber will also demand an efficient and reliable WiFi system to relay that speed within your compound. If your current router is older than three to four years, it will support only older/slower WiFi standards like 802.11n. The best WiFi experience for fiber internet is achieved by using the latest router technology, including the 802.11ax standard. This will ensure every device can fully benefit from the fast speeds that come with the fiber line.
Embedded Versus External Modem
The majority of consumer routers that are currently available on the market feature an in-built modem to manage cable connections. This is an integrated modem that can be of no use for fiber internet because the conversion of fiber to ethernet is done externally in the ONT. And if you need to use an old router, it should not be a router with a DOCSIS built-in modem, if you do not want to have some problems. This saves on cost by avoiding extra costs of features that may not be beneficial. For example, a standalone router that is connected via Ethernet cable to the fiber ONT is best suited.
Advanced Configurations
Various fiber connections come with TV or phone bundles, which may necessitate VLAN tagging, modem bridging, or other complex settings. In those cases, you will wish to be sure your router supports those particular features in case you wish to reuse the existing equipment. For instance, the Verizon FiOS fiber AT&T Internet needs more complex settings which are implemented in most consumer routers. When choosing your fiber internet provider, it is recommended to ask whether there are any specific requirements before opting for an existing router.
Security Updates
Last but not least, ensure that whichever router you have (whether it is a new one, or an existing one) is duly updated. These updates are very crucial as the threat landscape in the instance evolves with time with new threats likely to surface. Hence even if your router is compatible with fiber connection, do not forget to update the firmware of the device to the latest version to avoid the vulnerability of being attacked. Implementing old router firmware leaves a device vulnerable to attacks, and that is why it needs regular updates.
To sum up – fiber internet is proclaimed to provide beyond average broadband experience, and, indeed, it does; however, your router should be capable of supporting those possibilities. Fiber is slowly being deployed across the country and when it does, it is important to count the number of home network equipment. It is sometimes possible to install a new router onto an existing system but generally, a new router will serve the purpose and enhance the capability of fiber speeds. Buying a new dedicated fiber connectivity router for your home ensures that your existing and future internet technology requirements are well addressed by this advanced technology.
Upgrade to faster, more reliable AT&T Fiber Internet today! Call us at +1 844-905-5002 and get connected with speeds that keep you ahead.
