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An ONT is an Optical Network Terminal and is also commonly referred to as a “fibre box”. The ONT is what allows the fibre optic cable to be connected from inside your home, out through your property and to the fibre network at the street. Then, it ultimately connects back to your internet service provider, allowing you to connect to the internet. Essentially it serves as the middleman between the fibre network and your home broadband service.
It’s important to note the ONT or fibre box is different from a router or modem which sometimes are also small white boxes. While the ONT is hardware provided and installed by Chorus, modems or routers are provided by your internet service provider or you may choose to buy one yourself.
The modem or router plug into the ONT and are used to convert the signal from the wider broadband network (via the ONT) to your in-home network. This in-home network sees the modem or router providing devices within a property with internet access using radio signals via wifi or by ethernet cables.
An ONT is an Optical Network Terminal and is also commonly referred to as a “fibre box”. The ONT is what allows the fibre optic cable to be connected from inside your home, out through your property and to the fibre network at the street. Then, it ultimately connects back to your internet service provider, allowing you to connect to the internet. Essentially it serves as the middleman between the fibre network and your home broadband service.
Each of the ONT models works in a similar way. The main difference is the latest model 400, offers wifi capability while the Hyperfibre ONT is what’s used to provide people using Hyperfibre broadband services with lightning-fast internet speeds.
If you’re looking at getting fibre installed to your property, the ONT will be put in as part of the installation process. It’s important to think about where you want it placed before the technician visits for your appointment, as its location can affect your broadband experience. It should ideally be:
• Close to two power sockets – one for the ONT and modem (the ONT is powered by a 12v adapter)
• Placed where you’re using the internet the most
• Centrally located in your home if possible as that’s how your wifi works best close to data-hungry devices like televisions, stereos and home servers
If you already have an ONT installed in your property, it means it’ll be much easier for you to get on a fast and reliable broadband service. You can learn about the process to do that here.
If you already have an ONT installed in your place but are having difficulties turning it on or getting it to work properly, this step by step guide will walk you through the process to get it sorted.
Tip: Make sure when you move from your current property that you don’t take the ONT or power cable with you. They are specific to that address and will only make it a challenge for the next tenants to get a fibre broadband service. If your own power cable for the ONT is missing or damaged, you can get a replacement here.
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