Fiber Modem for Apple Network?

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Level 1

64 points

Fiber Modem for Apple Network?

I have CenturyLink as my ISP and I need to purchase a new VDSL2+ modem. I currently have the C2100T modem/router, which made it difficult to use my Apple networking devices because I could not shut off the additional WiFi signals from the modem/router.

I will no longer be using the TV service through CLink, and so I am able to use a modem that does not carry a TV signal (VLAN tagging), allowing my wireless network to be entirely Apple devices (which I hope makes everything work more smoothly).

My potential network setup:

1 Fiber Modem (Internet)

1 Airport Extreme Base Station A1408 (Extending network)

2 Airport Express A1392 (1 creating, 1 extending network)

2 Airport Express A1084 (Airplay)

For this situation, are there any brands to avoid that might not work well with Apple devices? I am anticipating nothing more than an ethernet cable connecting the modem to my Apple router, so I don't think there will be much complexity in configuration, but figured it was better to ask first. CLink offers their own modem/router for sale, but I figured it might have the same problems as the first, despite the availability of "bridge mode."

Any suggestions? Thank you in advance for your help.

AirPort Extreme 802.11n (5th Gen)

Posted on Nov 28, 2017 1:44 PM

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Answer 1

Nov 28, 2017 5:15 PM in response to Jason Moe1

CenturyLink just told me that I actually need a fiber modem

There is an ethernet cable that connects the ONT to my CenturyLink modem/router. This is the unit which I need to replace. Is this a "standard ethernet signal" as you have mentioned?

OK.. we need to start over.. and it is important to use right terminology.

With Fiber connections you don't actually need a modem at all. You simply need a wireless router.

Try plugging the Apple router directly to the ethernet from ONT. You will probably need to factory reset the airport and start a fresh setup.. This may or may not work.. there is no clear instructions I can give you.. Apple designed the Airport routers ages ago to work mostly on cable and with existing modems.. a fiber system can deliver a totally different set .. and you still need to find out if you need a vlan on wan port.. as well as type of authentication.. which can be PPPOE or simple DHCP much like a cable modem setup.

Give it a go and give us a few screenshots.. we can probably help fill you in from there.

I do have that wireless setup you referred to, with both routers using the same SSID and password. But it doesn't work spectacularly, and my WiFi is often incredibly slow. I had thought it was possibly the interference that was contributing to this issue.

This should not be any problem.. I am doing much the same thing with Asus wireless router as my main router and a Time Capsule as secondary AP.. I do use both same and different wireless names.. which helps me identify what i am connected to..

If you want to keep the setup as is.. which might be a good idea.. then we can instead look at fixing the issue between your supplied wireless router and the airport.

What I need to know is the make and model of the CenturyLink router??

And I want you to use wireless diagnostics in your computer.. use the scan function here.

Run a scan and open the result so I can see all the columns.

At the moment I am connected to the Asus router.. (Option Click on the wireless fan).

I can swap over to the Time Capsule by selecting the other wireless .. which is roaming network with the Asus (it is dual 5ghz device)

It connects a bit faster because it is sitting literally touching the computer.. but it makes zero difference to the network or internet speed.. due to living in an internet backwater called AUSTRALIA.

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Answer 2

Nov 28, 2017 2:34 PM in response to Jason Moe1

I would double check with them.

Info is sparse.. but

http://www.dslreports.com/forum/r29419003-VDSL-Setup-for-non-centurylink-modem-r outer

According to this you still need a vlan even for normal service.. and you need PPPOE which has not been over successful on the airports.

Honestly I would still go with a modem router supplied by Century Link.

The wireless issue you are referring to is easily avoided.

Simply setup both the same SSID and Password.. your clients will connect to whichever is best.

But you can use separate wireless networks as well.. in fact when you use this setup there is no possible guest setup in the airport so using the vdsl modem router as your guest wireless is a great option.

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Answer 3

Nov 28, 2017 4:34 PM in response to Jason Moe1

Sorry, I am confused when you say that you need to purchase a new VDSL "modem", yet you mention that you will be using a "Fiber Modem". Can you clarify on that?

Will you be receiving a VDSL "modem", or a fiber "modem" or an "ONT"?

Any specifications available from the fiber provider as to what requirements need to be met by a router (AirPort Extreme) connecting to their service? Hopefully, the AirPort Extreme will not be called upon to deliver PPPoE service, since this is not reliable on the AirPorts.

The A1408 AirPort Extreme was introduced in June 2011, meaning that it was developed during 2010. As such, the product was designed to work with standard cable and DSL connections......not fiber.

How well.....or even if.....the AirPort Extreme will work with a straight fiber connection cannot be predicted, so you will need to be willing to experiment if you are planning to connect fiber directly to the AirPort Extreme.

In most cases, it is wise to go ahead and use the modem/router that your provider furnishes.....since the AirPorts are happier with a standard Ethernet signal.

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Answer 4

Jason Moe1 Author

Level 1

64 points

Nov 28, 2017 3:31 PM in response to Bob Timmons

Sorry, I was confused as well. CenturyLink initially told me that I needed to purchase a VDSL2+ modem as a replacement. I just got off the phone with them again and they told me that I actually need a fiber modem.

There is currently a black box attached to my wall that is connected to the fiber from the street. I think this is the "ONT?" I found an image online of the same unit:

https://cdn.geekwire.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/20151210_fiber_install_101-6 30x421.jpg

There is an ethernet cable that connects the ONT to my CenturyLink modem/router. This is the unit which I need to replace. Is this a "standard ethernet signal" as you have mentioned?

I was considering the option of trying to use PPPoE on the Apple router and eliminate the modem/router between the ONT and the Apple device, but it seems that is won't work well from what you have said. I am willing to experiment, definitely, but you make a good point about the age of the device.

Are there any newer Apple networking devices that can accomplish this task with fiber? My goals are to use wireless printing and Airplay over my network, which is why I prefer to stick with the Apple devices.

Thanks again for your advice.

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Answer 5

Jason Moe1 Author

Level 1

64 points

Nov 28, 2017 3:36 PM in response to LaPastenague

I apologize, I stated the wrong information about my requirements. CenturyLink just told me that I actually need a fiber modem, not a VDSL2+ as they had previously told me.

I do have that wireless setup you referred to, with both routers using the same SSID and password. But it doesn't work spectacularly, and my WiFi is often incredibly slow. I had thought it was possibly the interference that was contributing to this issue. Could this be the case? That is a good point about the guest network though, I hadn't considered that before.

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Answer 6

Nov 28, 2017 5:14 PM in response to Jason Moe1

I just got off the phone with them again and they told me that I actually need a fiber modem.

They likely meant to say that you need a different modem/router, also known as a gateway. This device is likely designed to be used with the ONT, which your old modem/router was probably not designed to do.

The ONT is a "modem" of sorts, and in some cases you might be able to connect the AirPort Extreme directly to the ONT.....IF.....your provider is willing to divulge some connection information and work with you to get things connected......which they will likely be less than thrilled to do.

It's a difficult situation. We don't know anything the provider's fiber connection, and the provider will likely say that they do not know anything.....or do not support....a setup with the AirPort Extreme. If the direct connection to the ONT requires PPPoE settings on the AirPort, I would not recommend that you try this type of setup, even if the provider is willing to help.

Are there any newer Apple networking devices that can accomplish this task with fiber?

Sorry, but no. The current AirPort Extreme was introduced almost 5 years ago, meaning that it was designed 6 years ago for standard cable and DSL type connections.

You should be able to connect an Ethernet cable from one of the LAN <--> ports on the provider's modem/router and connect to the WAN "O" port on the AirPort Extreme, and things should work in theory. It may take a few tweaks to get the settings right......like Bridge Mode on the AirPort Extreme.

The AirPort Extreme can still be configured to provide a wireless signal in this type of setup, so your network should work normally. The modem/router will also likely be providing a wireless signal. You can ignore that network, or use it for guests. Most modem/routers will also allow you to turn off the WiFi function on the device, but you may need to check with your provider for the details on this.

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