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Do I need a fiber optic modem?

I'm about to upgrade to much faster internet using fiber optic connection capable of 100 mbs speeds. Have been using CenturyLink cable modem (telephone line) which topped out at 1.5 mbs. Feed is into my garage, from which it goes underground thru Cat 6 in buried conduit to house and guest house, each with a Time Capsule. Do not need a wireless modem at fiber connection b/c of Time Capsules. Do I need a new or special modem at fiber connection site? Recommendations? Any help appreciated.

MacBookPro, Mac OS X (10.5.8), Time Capsule

Posted on Sep 9, 2014 12:18 PM

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Posted on Sep 9, 2014 12:36 PM

Unless you know for a fact that the fiber connection will connect directly to the WAN Ethernet port on one of your Time Capsules, you might want to get with the fiber provider for a better understanding of what equipment they will be installing in addition to the fiber line.


If you do know for a fact that the fibre connection will connect directly to a WAN port on one of the Time Capsules, you will need to plan to connect the "other" Time Capsule to the main Time Capsule using a wired Ethernet connection.

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Sep 9, 2014 12:36 PM in response to Blakelyman

Unless you know for a fact that the fiber connection will connect directly to the WAN Ethernet port on one of your Time Capsules, you might want to get with the fiber provider for a better understanding of what equipment they will be installing in addition to the fiber line.


If you do know for a fact that the fibre connection will connect directly to a WAN port on one of the Time Capsules, you will need to plan to connect the "other" Time Capsule to the main Time Capsule using a wired Ethernet connection.

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Sep 9, 2014 1:38 PM in response to tedfromharrogate

But, some users won't know if they have a modem or not, since the "modem" may be buried in an equipment box in the garage.


My neighbor was one of those users. The provider told him that they would install an Ethernet wall port in the family room for his Internet connection....and he still swears to this day that his new fiber service does not require a modem. 😉

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Sep 9, 2014 2:56 PM in response to Blakelyman

As you may be able to tell from the discussion so far, different providers give different impressions about what may or may not be required with their fiber service.


Yes, a "modem" is required, but this is often hidden in the equipment box, and a user may have the impression that no modem is required, since all that he sees is the Ethernet connection. That is what I was talking about earlier in this post.


Have you had a chance to talk to your fiber provider to find out exactly "how" their service will be installed? Once we have more details, we can provide more answers.

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Sep 9, 2014 4:48 PM in response to Bob Timmons

Thanks for the help.

I don't want to connect the fiber directly to the two Time Capsules which provide wireless networks in house (240' away from fiber entry point) and guest house (120' away). So I think I need to replace my present cable modem with a modem suitable for fiber that I can also plug my Cat6 connections into. One neighbor had to replace his modem but I don't know with what. He uses a wireless network modem to provide access in his house. I think he went to Best Buy or similar. Any recommendations?


P.S. This fiber ISP is just starting up and the answer from this forum will probably be more reliable than what they tell me.

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Sep 9, 2014 5:07 PM in response to Blakelyman

hi there, just want to clarify things first. First you said that you were using a CABLE MODEM (telephone line) ???... if thats the case then that is a DSL MODEM (telephone modem). The wireless network modem that you mentioned i believe that is a MODEM-ROUTER-WiFi combo.


CABLE PROVIDER (your ISP) = CABLE MODEM ---> CoAxial Cable

PHONE / Landline Provider (your ISP) = DSL MODEM ---> Cat5 or Cat6 / Ethernet Cable

FIBER (your ISP) = another type of modem (not sure whats it called) ---> not sure what type of connection (have not seen one)


does is this make any sense? lol

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Sep 9, 2014 5:51 PM in response to Blakelyman

We still don't know whether the fiber provider is supplying you with a modem or a modem/router. Can you find out from them?


Most providers furnish a modem/router (which most users call a modem), so things can get confusing.


We really need clarification on exactly what it is that the provider is providing before we can help much on this one.


A link with specific product information and specifications would be most helpful.

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Sep 10, 2014 11:34 AM in response to Blakelyman

You really need a new modem since your switching ISPs, but the good thing

is your new ISP provider will provide you one. After initial setup /

activation of this new modem by your new ISP provider, all you need to do

is connect your time capsule (you may want to do a reset).



On Wed, Sep 10, 2014 at 8:24 AM, Apple Support Communities Updates <

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Sep 11, 2014 12:14 PM in response to Bob Timmons

I did speak at length with my fiber ISP. I will be provided an "end premise device" which is essentially a switch. The ISP's fiber will connect into it by splice. It will have one fiber outlet and 8 copper outlets. In order to avoid being charged for two connections, it sounds to me like I will connect a modem like device (I hesitate to say "cable modem" or DSL modem") to the switch and then plug my Cat6 cables leading to the two Time Capsules into that. Would still appreciate any recommendations for the device to plug into the fiber "end premise device." Many thanks.

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Sep 11, 2014 1:19 PM in response to Blakelyman

I'm sorry, but I cannot tell from your conversation with your provider whether or not you will need a separate modem or modem/router, or no modem at all.

Surely, your provider would be able to tell you what you what type of device, if any, that you will need.

If tedfromharrotage is correct, then you do not need a separate modem or modem/router.....since you already have the hardware in place for your Internet connection.

Your provider would be able to confirm on this when you next speak to them.

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Do I need a fiber optic modem?

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