What Equipment Do You Need for Fiber Internet?

What equipment is needed for fiber optic internet? To get fiber internet at home, you need five things: a fiber optic line, a clamshell (a protective box outside your home), an ONT (optical network terminal), a Wi-Fi router, and Ethernet cables.

You don’t need a modem, because the ONT does that job. Most fiber internet providers, including Race Communications, supply and install all of it.

If you’re switching from cable internet, your new setup will look a little different from what you’re used to. Below, we break down what each piece of fiber internet equipment does, where it lives in your home, who provides it, and what (if anything) you might want to buy yourself.

Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH) Equipment at a Glance

Here’s the full list of fiber to the home equipment, and who’s responsible for each piece.

1. Fiber Optic Cable

Fiber optic cable is what makes fiber internet fiber. Instead of sending electrical signals over copper wire, it carries data as pulses of light through strands of glass about as thin as a human hair. Light isn’t affected by electrical interference, so fiber stays fast and consistent, even over long distances.

Your internet provider installs the main fiber line during network construction. Depending on your street, it runs underground or aerially along utility poles. A smaller “drop” cable then brings the fiber to your home, where it connects at the clamshell. You never need to buy or handle fiber cable yourself.

2. Clamshell

The clamshell is a small, weatherproof box mounted on an outside wall of your home, right where the fiber line connects. It protects the delicate fiber and connectors from rain, dust, and extreme temperatures. You may also hear it called a fiber NID (network interface device).

It’s easy to spot: usually a gray or black rectangular box with a hinged cover, often near your other utility boxes. Your technician installs it, and there’s nothing you need to do with it. If it ever looks damaged, contact your provider rather than opening it yourself.

3. ONT (Optical Network Terminal): Why Fiber Doesn’t Need a Modem

Fiber internet doesn’t need a modem. A modem translates the electrical signals that cable and DSL internet use. Fiber carries light instead, so it needs an ONT. The ONT converts those light signals into data and passes it to your router through an Ethernet cable.

The ONT is installed inside your home, near where the fiber cable enters. It’s usually mounted on a wall in a garage, utility area, or near your other networking equipment. It’s about the size of a small modem, with an Ethernet port for your router and a power connection, so it needs an outlet nearby.

At Race Communications, our technicians install and configure the ONT during free installation. They’ll also help you pick a spot that works for your home, ideally close to where you’ll want your router.

4. Router: Do You Need a Special Router for Fiber Internet?

You don’t need a special “fiber router,” but you do need one that can keep up with your plan. The router takes the connection from your ONT and shares it with your devices over Wi-Fi or Ethernet. An older router can quietly cap your speeds, even on a fast fiber plan.

What to look for in a router for fiber internet:

• A WAN port that matches your plan. This is the port that connects to the ONT. A 1 Gbps port caps a 2 Gig plan at 1 Gig.
• Wi-Fi 6 or newer, dual-band or tri-band. Multiple bands spread your devices out and reduce interference.
• Enough capacity for all your devices. Phones, TVs, laptops, and smart home gadgets all share the same network.
• Easy management. An app makes it simple to change your password, set parental controls, and run speed tests.

Router and Cable Requirements by Fiber Plan Speed

Wi-Fi rarely delivers multi-gig speeds to a single device, so plug in with Ethernet when you want your plan’s full speed.

The GigaSpire Router From Race

Race Communications includes a GigaSpire router with fiber service, built to handle gigabit and multi-gig speeds. Our technicians set it up during free installation. It pairs with the Race CommandIQ app, where you can:

• Set parental controls and screen time limits
• Rename your network, change your password, and see connected devices
• Run speed tests to troubleshoot issues
• Adjust firewall settings and set up port forwarding

Your technician will walk you through the app on installation day.

Can You Use Your Own Router?

Yes. You don’t have to use the router Race provides, but we recommend it. The GigaSpire is optimized for Race’s fiber network, and its managed Wi-Fi lets our support team help troubleshoot and fine-tune your connection.

If you use your own router, keep in mind:

• It needs to handle your plan’s full speed. Not every router can, especially at 1 Gbps or higher. Lower-end routers can slow your connection or struggle with many devices at once.
• Gigabit-ready routers aren’t cheap. Routers that fully support gigabit speeds typically cost $200 to $1,000, depending on range, speed, and features.
• Support stops at Race’s network. Race can troubleshoot its own network, but not your personal equipment. If your router has problems, you’ll need to fix them yourself.

5. Ethernet Cables

Ethernet cables give you the fastest, most stable connection your fiber plan can deliver. You’ll always have at least one: the cable between your ONT and router. Your technician brings that one during installation.

After that, wired connections are optional but worth it for devices that need full speed and low lag:

• Desktop computers and work-from-home laptops
• Gaming consoles
• Smart TVs and streaming devices for 4K

You don’t need special “fiber” Ethernet cables. Standard Cat5e, Cat6, or Cat6a cables work; the table above shows which one fits your plan speed.

Optional Extras for Your Fiber Setup

These fiber accessories aren’t required, but they can make your setup work better in certain homes.

• Mesh Wi-Fi. In larger homes, homes with multiple floors, or homes with thick walls, one router may leave dead zones. A mesh system adds extra units that work together to cover every room. A Wi-Fi extender is a cheaper fix, but it usually delivers lower speeds than mesh.
• Uninterruptible power supply (UPS). Your ONT and router need power to work. A UPS is a battery backup that keeps them running through short outages, which helps if you work from home. If you have Race home phone service, Race also offers 8-hour and 24-hour backup batteries for the ONT, so your phone line and 911 calling keep working when the power goes out.
• Surge protector. A surge protector shields your ONT, router, and devices from voltage spikes. It’s an inexpensive add-on, especially in areas with frequent storms or unstable power.

Switching From Cable to Fiber? What to Do With Your Old Equipment

What Equipment Does Race Communications Provide?

With Race Communications, everything you need for fiber internet is included and installed by our technicians, with no technician fees:

• The fiber line and clamshell outside your home
• The ONT, installed and configured inside your home
• The GigaSpire router, set up for your plan’s speed
• The Race CommandIQ® app for managing your Wi-Fi network

As a fiber-to-the-home provider, Race delivers speeds up to 10 Gbps, so your connection is ready for streaming, gaming, working from home, and everything in between.

Frequently Asked Questions