Installing Fiber Optic Cables at Home

Fiber optic internet is the newest, most reliable, and future-proof way to access the internet. With unparalleled speeds and reliability, it's no wonder more people are installing fiber optic cables in their homes. 

Fiber optics is a groundbreaking technology that utilizes the speed of light through incredibly thin glass fibers to transfer data rapidly. These strands are much thinner than human hair and can be used for many applications, such as communication links, television channels, and internet access. 

With fiber, we now have access to quicker communication links with higher speeds than ever before! You'll no longer have to worry about buffering issues, lag times, and slow-loading pages.

If you're not tech-savvy and are somewhat apprehensive about the fiber optic installation process, look no further! This article will discuss what Fiber to the Home (FTTH) is, provide some essential tips to keep in mind before installation and offer a step-by-step guide for a hassle-free fiber installation. So don't fret — we've got it all covered here!

What is Fiber to the Home (FTTH)

FTTH, or Fiber to the Home, is an incomparable internet connection that supplies ultra-fast broadband access directly to homes using fiber optic cables. This state-of-the-art service sends light pulses along glass fibers instead of metal wires, giving a much higher speed and dependable network than what is accessible for many residences and enterprises. 

FTTH is an ever-growing, cutting-edge way to offer unprecedented speed and reliability in delivering video, audio, and web services that clients can enjoy confidently. Moreover, fiber optics provide remarkable bandwidth, so multiple users can simultaneously perform numerous activities without disruption.

Boasting outstanding performance that is not affected by cold temperatures, moisture levels, or external factors, FTTH cables promise to deliver unbeatable internet speeds. 

However, getting an FTTH cable can be pricey as installation charges and monthly broadband bills are usually high. Fortunately, in time, these costs will eventually go down as this technology becomes more common!

The United States stands at an impressive eighth in the world regarding households with FTTH broadband connections, with close to 2.3 percent of all households. What's even more incredible is that this number has doubled year over year — a testament to how quickly FTTH technology is developing and spreading across the country.

Things to Keep in Mind Before Installing Fiber

Installing fiber optic cables doesn't have to be complicated. You can ensure a smooth installation process by keeping a few key points in mind. Here are some things to consider before installing fiber optic cables at home:

Sanitize Your Home

Just as it is our responsibility to stay safe from COVID-19, we must also ensure not to put our ISP’s technicians at risk. Remember to practice social distancing and wear a face mask when others are present. 

Plus, increase sanitation practices and emphasize proper hand washing and hygiene. If you feel unwell or have come into contact with anyone sick or in quarantine, exercise caution and reschedule your appointment.

Place Your Router in a Central Location

If you want to get the most out of your fiber cables, it's best to place the router in a central location for maximum coverage and consistent speed. You could also put it on a small coffee table in a strategic location like a hallway.

Your technician can do a walk-through with you, advise you on your selected location, and make different recommendations if they see fit. Doing this will allow for a strong Wi-Fi signal throughout your home.

Consider Sticking With Your ISP’s Router

Tempting as it may be to purchase your own router, the responsibility for its software updates and maintenance will solely fall on you. By opting for the ISP-provided router, however, they will automatically take care of any required software changes while also being in charge of repair or replacement services — leaving you with less work and worry for yourself.

It Might be Better to Get a VoIP Service With Your Internet Plan

Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) eliminates the need for a dedicated phone line in your residence, which means you do not have to stay stuck in one place and can make calls on the go. Plus, in the unlikely event of a power outage, you can still rely on your VoIP phone’s ONT battery backup to help you reach out to loved ones and emergency services even after several hours.

With everything running through your residential router, you no longer have to pay extra and manage two connections — an internet connection and a telephone connection — since only one internet connection is necessary! VoIP makes it effortless to keep everything up and running with just one link.

Note Down Your Network Name and Password

Once your technician installs your router, they'll show you where the default login credentials are located — right on the label. Be sure to take a picture with your smartphone for reference later. After you're all settled in with your new service, you can easily change the login credentials to something more personal to remember.

Remember to change the default password of your router! Changing it once you log in for the first time is highly recommended. If you don't, any individual with access can manipulate and alter its settings — even preventing you from logging back in.

Also, avoid common keyboard patterns such as “qwerty” or “asdf" and never use the same password in multiple locations. If you fear forgetting your password, that's where a password manager comes in! Password managers encrypt and safely store log-in credentials for each account needed, so they are always secure.

Steps to Simple & Hassle-Free Fiber Installation

You know when you have to make a difficult decision, and then everything becomes easier? Installing fiber optic cables is similar — it starts with a hard choice but becomes increasingly easy as the process continues. If you let experts handle the job, the task will be even more seamless. Here's a step-by-step breakdown of how it works:

Step 1: Research the Fiber ISPs Available in Your Area

The first step is to find a fiber internet service provider (ISP) in your area. The easiest way to do this is to search "fiber internet near me." This should bring up a list of providers offering fiber internet nearby.

Finding an internet speed that suits your needs is important — not too much, where you'll be paying extra costs, and not too little. Suppose you have several devices in your home or tend to use the web for data-intensive activities like streaming HD videos. In that case, selecting an internet package with more bandwidth than one that only checks emails and scrolls social media briefly every day is advisable.

Step 2: Get Authorization to Install Fiber on Your Premises

Once you've found the best provider for your needs, it's time to get approval for them to install fiber. The authorization process varies, depending on what kind of house you live in.

For instance, if you own the property instead of renting it out, the fiber company can directly proceed with installation from the street. However, if not, authorization and consent must be granted by your landlord before beginning setup.

Step 3: Call Your Chosen ISP and Schedule an Installation Appointment

After selecting your ideal fiber-optic internet provider and signing up for their service, the next step is scheduling an appointment to install it. Please be sure you are home during this meeting, as the installer requires access inside and outside your residence.

During your appointment, a technician will install an optical network terminal (ONT) outside or inside your residence — a small utility box. Subsequently, they'll join the ONT to the larger fiber-optic network using a cable from nearby equipment which leads right up to it. Finally, this connection is linked to your router via ethernet for complete access and usage of the entire service package!

Step 4: Rent or Buy Your Fiber-Ready Router

Many purchase their router if they want more control over their hardware. However, this does come with a tradeoff: it will be harder for your ISP to diagnose or repair any connectivity issues down the line. So if you decide to purchase, make sure your device is fiber-ready, works with your ISP, and can manage your speed.

On the other hand, if you include an equipment rental router in your monthly bill, then all of the necessary components are taken care of by your technician, who sets up everything according to what works best for you!

Step 5: Connect Your Devices to Your Newly Installed Fiber Network

After the technician completes your fiber internet installation, they will help you set up your Wi-Fi-enabled router and connect your devices to the new network. You can find the assigned wireless network name (SSID) and password (security key) on a label attached to your router.

To make login easier, you can access the router’s user interface site and create your customized network name and password. Then, locate the correct Wi-Fi network on your devices and enter its password. Once each device has been connected to your new network, that's it — you're good to go!

The Bottom Line

If you're wondering if installing fiber optic cables in your home can be smooth and simple, know that it absolutely can! By strategically placing your router in a central location, selecting a VoIP service with your internet plan, and noting down your network name and password — the process doesn't have to be intimidating.

Research the relevant details you need to begin your journey to fiber internet. Once you finish with that, acquire authorization for installation before calling up your ISP and scheduling an appointment.

Remember to get a capable router, too, so you can be prepared! 

You'll discover that with these proactive measures, dependable performance and speedy connections will become the norm. Once it's all set up and running smoothly, everything from streaming videos to online gaming becomes possible on your new network. Why wait? Get connected by fiber today — you won't regret it!