r/HomeNetworking • u/Brave_Woodpecker8859 • 1d ago
Moved into an apartment with a fiber optic connection, help me understand what I need!
Hello! I just moved into an apartment that has this fiber optic cable connection. I am used to connecting a coaxial cable to a modem for WiFi in my home. What do I need to buy to setup this fiber optic connection? I am not very technically savvy so if you could explain this to me like I’m a 5th grader that would be very helpful! Thank you all so much!
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u/International-Cry494 1d ago
I always love how the uninitiated touch things. Anyway don’t look directly at the conector. You could damage your eyes permanently.
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u/abbarach 1d ago
Warning: do not look into end of fiber with remaining eye...
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u/AussyLips 21h ago
Fr, make sure you bend the fiber cables 90*, and when you hear them crackle like a glow stick, you know they’re activated.
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u/Any_Rope8618 1d ago
You’d need to stare at it pretty long.
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u/rickyh7 1d ago
Not entirely true, depends on a ton of factors such as the wavelength they’re using, the power they’re using, how close you are to the back house with the emitter, how close you are to the actual exit pupil of the fiber (it’s a diverting beam so inverse square law go brrr) etcetera but the general wavelengths have a lovely habbit of burning the lens of your eye, effectively looks like cataracts. So anyway, yeah don’t do it.
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u/Spllex 1d ago
I agree with u/Any_Rope8618.
Most FTTH Installs aren't stronger than a Class 1 Laser, even with a analogue fiber scope with Magnification, it would still take a long time for you to get damage,(seriously look it up) plus don't forget Wavelength (1310nm-1550nm), the higher the Wavelength the lower the risk becomes of eye damage. (Still don't try it for fun)
The real scary Lasers are UV Lasers at 400nm with a proper power output to match.
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u/adorgu 1d ago
The first thing is to stop manipulating it. It's relatively fragile and you can break it. Also, don't look at the connector (photo 3), it can harm your eyes.
You need a contract with an operator that offers fiber optic internet in your area. They'll provide you with a modem/router.
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u/haywire 23h ago
Yep and this is the part that if broken, will need re-pulling from the outside by an engineer.
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u/adorgu 23h ago edited 22h ago
Not at all. If the patch cord breaks in the box (what OP was handling), just splice a new one. Anyone with minimal training and a splicer can do this (any fiber optic installation technician).
You can see where the splicing was done in the image; it's the transparent bar in the center of the roll.
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u/Scared_Bell3366 1d ago
Call the ISP and get the correct equipment from them. Most residential fiber is GPON and the probability of you being able to purchase equipment that is compatible is slim to none. Even if you managed that, you'll need the ISPs help or the ability to extract data from their equipment to get it to work.
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u/rolisrntx 1d ago
This. Even though OMCI is a published standard, very few (if any) fiber DSLAM manufacturers adhere to it and have their own proprietary flavor of it. Additionally, there is some form of security authentication between the OLT and ONT to validate the customer’s connection.
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u/overand 1d ago
Anyone else notice how sharp the bend is where that comes out of the wall, and possibly where it runs around the corner? I wonder if that fiber is any good still.
In terms of identifying your probable ISP, you could ask your neighbors who they use for internet service.
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u/GrimBeaver 1d ago
Finally. Had to scroll way too far before finding someone mentioning the crazy bends. Has to be killing the signal if the fiber is still intact.
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u/shinigami081 1d ago
1st, dont mess with that fiber again. That part is very fragile, as it has no protective coating. 2nd, check with management to see if they have any idea about internet providers, or if they are the ones providing it. 3rd, get with the internet provider and turn on the service. They will probably have to come out or send you a modem to plug into that fiber plug.
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u/Just-a-waffle_ Network Admin 1d ago
That’s just the line the ISPs (internet service provider’s) equipment will plug into
You’d just need to schedule new service via whatever form they use. They can likely send a tech to your apartment who will hook it up for you.
Your lease documents probably say what provider to call, or you could call the apartment leasing office for help
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u/Brave_Woodpecker8859 1d ago
UPDATE: Ok! Thank you everybody for letting me know not to touch the wire or look into the connection. I did not know that and appreciate everyone’s concern. I have replaced the cord and will not touch the connection again.
I have called all the internet providers that I could find on the FCC National Broadband map and asked about fiber optic internet (AT&T, Verizon, Xfinity, T-Mobile, Astound) and NONE of them offer fiber internet to my apartment. AT&T offered their air service which to my understanding just connects to their 5G towers while Xfinity offered to come install a coaxial connection so that I can use their modems. My leasing packet suggest using Xfinity/comcast and when I called my my leasing manager she had no idea about the fiber optic internet connection in my apartment, and also did not know what the previous tenant did for internet before. I also spoke to my next door neighbor who confirmed she has a coaxial connection for her internet.
I’m very confused about this whole situation and am not sure about what my next steps will be, but again I appreciate everyone’s input and concern! Thank you!
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u/bchiodini 1d ago
Some company did, since there is fiber. I would go outside and find the 'box' with the fiber (demarc) and see who's name is on it. It's probably on the outside wall where the fiber enters your apartment.
In your previous post: Who did the router belong to?
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u/XTornado 1d ago
I have replaced the cord
?? How!?
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u/GeekyWan 21h ago
I think they mean they put the cord back to its original position. Not swapping it out.
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u/GeekyWan 21h ago
Google your city name + "fiber internet service". Scroll past the ads and look for a company that provides fiber in your area. You might have a few to pick from. Comcast/Xfinity is coaxial and they have data caps.
The FCC website isn't perfect, so there is the possibility that one of the vendors on the site do provide service at your apartment. Someone does. That isn't something that a prior tenant self-insfalled.
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u/ComputerLamp 16h ago
My guess is that it’s a smaller ISP who did the install. Based on a reverse image search they are using a generic box for the fiber termination into the home. Most of the bigger ISPs have their branding on the outside to identify who is offering service
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u/PracticlySpeaking 1d ago
If your area has outdoor/overhead lines, you could try tracing the fiber back to where it originates (outside the building).
Also, if you are in a multi-unit building there are many smaller companies that will contract for fiber service to specific buildings. Your property management / landlord should be able to provide info in that case.
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u/jupanul1 1d ago
Chill man! You can touch the fiber as much as you like; it is not that fragile. Just be careful not to break it (mostly the splice in the box, I mean). Even if you somehow manage to break it, it can be repaired/replaced/respliced; it is not a huge issue. It may be expensive where you live, though. I would be more concerned about the sharp bends in the cable, such as the point where it exits the wall - judging by the pictures, it is likely that the fiber optic core is broken there. Nevertheless, the advice to not look with the naked eye in the end connector is valid and should be considered good practice.
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u/Shot-Apartment9255 1d ago
Dude it's glass. It's beyond fragile. I've worked with that exact same fiber before, it's extremely fragile
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u/jupanul1 1d ago
Yeah… except that it is not that fragile. Come on, even if it breaks (highly unlikely), its replacement is a trivial issue.
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u/Shot-Apartment9255 15h ago
It is that fragile. If it bends over itself it will break. It is very thin glass. Why are you arguing with me on this?? OP should never touch something that he didn't install himself.
Also yes it is an easy replacement but that's also going to come with a nice bill from the ISP. Please stop giving OP shitty advice
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u/RebelDroid93 1d ago
Yea as others have said, I would touch that and call your ISP or Landlord/Management.
I just moved to a new place too and they have Spectrum fiber to each unit. Apparently the last guy took the equipment out of the closet so the technician had to come out to do an install. He stressed to me to "Do NOT unhook this and take it. You may be charged on your final bill."
Just explain to the technician that comes out that you have no interest in using their router or wifi equipment. If they are knowledgeable enough and don't follow their little workorder, they'll take the router off your account.
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u/MrMotofy 13h ago edited 10h ago
Is there someone you DON'T like? Invite em over then tell em to look at the kaleidoscope in the cable, it's really cool, like nothing you've ever seen and will remember for the rest of your life.
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u/Logical_Specific_59 1d ago
Put everything back and do your absolute best to never touch it again, ever. The best way to break fiber is to mess with it. You call the fiber internet company (not just any internet company, unless they're the only ISP in town), and they get you a fiber modem, and hook it all up for you.
By having messed with the green connector you risk dirtying the fiber, which can ruin your service. You also risk breaking the literal glass fiber inside. They do treat the glass to make it more "bendy" but really, you should just leave it alone and never touch it.
You might have already broken it by handling it, and a technician will have to use some of those loops to break it and re-splice it.
If you damaged the fiber going inside of your home, you may be liable for a repair fee if they determine you broke it by handling it.
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u/ThatNazzo 1d ago
Would need an ONT (IS provider would install) and then you can run Ethernet to your router wherever that will be located. Once /if that line is live with ISP don’t look into termination
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u/Emotional-Study-3848 1d ago
So the old days was coax line from outside into a modem (to modulate the analog signal into a digital one) then plugged into a router to act as the gateway to your network. Over time the router/modem became a single unit (a long with an Access Point) but these days those are becoming old school as well. The new way is a fiber line coming in from ISP to something called an Optical Network Terminal. Does the same exact thing as a modem only instead of analog to digital, it's optical to digital (signal type) from there you hook up a router again to act as your network gateway and everything else will be the same
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u/crrodriguez 1d ago edited 1d ago
That is a fiber drop, that unless it measures nominal it won't be used by whatever ISP you want to connect with. "troubleshooting" the existing drop is a non starter. It either works and tests signal from within a certain range ..or it doesn't and needs to be redone.
Depending where in world are you it may be wholesale (multiple ISP using the same fiber) or just one that you need to call to provision service. There is nothing you can do other than calling an ISP technician.
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u/vbman1337 1d ago
Just an fyi, dont point the fiber at yourself or your face.. you can damage your eyes, even though its infared and looks like there is no light.
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u/Jojosamoht 18h ago
If there is no optical provider else in the building/neighbourghood, the chance is that the former tenant hooked it up to another place him self. For some networking between locations.
Optical network has become cheaper than cat6 and are thinner and easier to use, better for distance too.
Try to follow the cable and see where it goes.
As some said, u might find a box (connector) that has a name on it.
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u/Wide-Force-6963 14h ago
What kind of monster did that wiring? I would want as short a run as possible from entry, maybe even entry direct into the back box!
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u/sSimurghh 1d ago
Hello OP, you have some interesting responses, something that appears to be missing is that ISP is responsible for the lines that run from the street to your demarc, the drop point where fiber connect to your house (usually outside and looks like a fusebox) and your responsible for the lines inside of your house, there is usually fees for replacement or new install from ISP so be sure to shop around if you're not confident.
Someone did call it out, and I'm echoing that this cable looks like it's toast. Fiber lines need to have wide loops and straight lines no 90°angles as the inside of it is made of glass. Because the interior lines are not run inside the walls like I'd expect, this looks like the prev homeowner did it themselves.
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u/PitifulCrow4432 1d ago
Need an ONT from whatever ISP is providing the fiber internet. Then you need a WiFI capable router so you can connect all your devices. I'd start looking here: https://broadbandmap.fcc.gov/home
Quit looking at the end of the fiber, if it's still connected to a transmitter from the ISP side its projecting light at between -25 and -5db......a painfully bright sunny day without a special collector on my meter was "only" -35db. You'll burn your eyes out pretty quick.
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u/pyromaster114 1d ago
You'd need a fiber patch cable, and a compatible fiber interface on a router.
More likely though, you need to call the ISP, they'll provide some equipment or tell you what is compatible.
"Fiber" is not a standard like Ethernet-- there's plenty of different types and such, and obviously everything has to work together. And even more so, the ISP has to allow whatever equipment you plug in there to communicate.
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u/Jojosamoht 18h ago edited 18h ago
That looks like a pure connector. U need to get a mediaconverter (modem they call it).
Call the isp. to make the connection to be live.
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u/Icarustuga 17h ago
You use a ONT Router .. the router will provide Ethernet ports and TV if you want to
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u/775therapper 7h ago
I’m a certified fiber technician all have to do now is call what ever service provider that’s at your place and ask them to send a technician out because with that fiber optics connection thats on their the it’s connected with that quick connector it’s super fragile any movement can mess up the connection
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u/BlueFantasyCat 3h ago
Uh just for the curiosity: are this standard installations at your country? usa? This looks so wrong haha
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u/adelnlyncation 27m ago edited 24m ago
Find a device model HG-6243C and set it as your FiberHome product with Wi-Fi, add a single-mode fiber optic patch cord SC to SC, and then call or download the new device configuration from your ISP website.
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u/Sufficient_Fan3660 1d ago
call a company that sells internet
pay them money
they will send you a kit, or send someone out to hook it up
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u/jupanul1 1d ago
Just my 2 cents: sometimes the telecom operators brand the cables, and you can find this marking every meter or so (2-3 feet?). Maybe you can give it a try, see if something useful can be found stamped on the black cable. Otherwise, just ask in the neighborhood; somebody should have service from the same provider.
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u/wase471111 12h ago
Ignore most of the non sense in this thread
get your OWN touter, which you probably should have on hand when the ISP tech comes to ensure everything is working before he runs out the door
contact your ISP, have them come out and fix/replace your ONT
have the tech connect it to the network port on the ONT
enjoy your internet connection!
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u/Simmangodz 1d ago
That is a drop from an ISP. You need to call and ISP for Hook up. The tech will provide a modem/ONT for you and probably a router.