What Is an ONT? Optical Network Terminals Explained l Reviews.org

Traditional cable internet uses coaxial cables to send electrical data signals to your cable modem, which in turn connects to your router. Your router then sends a Wi-Fi signal throughout your home. In some cases, homes with cable internet have combination modem-routers (or gateways) that serve both functions.

But it’s becoming increasingly common for people to purchase aftermarket routers in an effort to try and boost their Wi-Fi coverage or to take advantage of additional features like enhanced parental controls, mesh networking, enhanced security, and guest network access.

Fiber internet uses fiber-optic cables instead of coax cables, and these fiber cables are made of thin plastic or glass filaments that can transfer digital data in the form of light. Fiber-optic cables are much more efficient at sending data over long distances, simply because that data is moving as light pulses instead of as electrical signals that are subject to signal interference and distortion. Fiber networks are not only faster, they can also provide symmetrical speeds (the same upload and download speeds) for those who create content or conduct business from home.

So, fiber cables have a faster signal, great. But regardless of how fast that data moves, it’s useless if your devices can’t interpret the signal. This is where an ONT comes into play.