What Is an ONT

An optical network terminal (ONT) is a device that provides a network for home users. It offers high-speed Internet access, IPTV, voice, and Wi-Fi services.

 ONT vs. ONU

An ONT can be regarded as an optical network unit (ONU), but it is a part of an ONU in strict sense.

The difference is that an ONT is an optical network terminal and is located at the user end. An ONU is an optical network unit, and there may be another network between the ONU and the user end. For example, a gateway device with an xDSL or Ethernet port can be connected to an ONU, and then connected to a network terminal.

 Position on a Network

An ONT is usually at a user’s home. It is connected to a fiber access network, and various Internet access devices are connected to this ONT.