Fiber optics is the superior technology when it comes to the internet. It is the fastest and most reliable and therefore gaining popularity among users. Thanks to fiber internet, streamers, gamers, and people who work from home can now all be online at the same time and deal with no lagging or data caps.

The Fiber Broadband Association study estimates that 43% of U.S. and 60% of Canadian households already have access to fiber internet, with numbers rising daily.

Perhaps you, too, have decided that you’d like to upgrade your internet plan to fiber. The first step is connecting fiber to your home. This blog post explains how fiber works, how it is installed in your home, and what you should know before upgrading to this exciting high-speed technology.

how does fiber internet work

How Does Fiber Internet Work?

Fiber optic internet is fundamentally different from older copper-based connections. Copper wiring, the backbone of traditional phone and cable internet, uses electrical signals to transmit data. In contrast, fiber optic cables (OFC) transmit data using light signals that travel through strands of pure glass, each thinner than a human hair. This allows data to move at incredibly high speeds over long distances without signal degradation.

Because of this technology, fiber internet offers symmetrical speeds, meaning your upload speed is just as fast as your download speed. It also provides a dedicated connection to your home, so you won’t experience slowdowns during peak hours like you might with cable internet, which shares bandwidth with nearby homes.

However, bringing fiber internet to your home typically requires some level of construction. Depending on your location, this might involve:

Trenching or underground conduit installation for fiber lines to reach your property
Stringing cables along utility poles in neighborhoods with aerial infrastructure
Installing new connection points like a clamshell box and Optical Network Terminal (ONT)

This construction is what allows fiber to physically reach your home and replace the older, slower copper infrastructure. While it may involve some initial installation work, the result is a future-proof, high-capacity internet connection built for modern demands like streaming, remote work, smart homes, and beyond.

How Does Fiber Internet Connect to Your Home?

Fiber optic internet can reach your home in one of two ways: aerial or underground installation.

Aerial drop means the fiber cable is strung from nearby utility poles and then routed to your home, much like power or phone lines.
Underground drop means the fiber cable is buried in the ground and enters your property through a conduit or trench, which is less visible and often preferred in newer developments or HOA-managed neighborhoods.

Once the fiber cable reaches your home, it connects to a small box mounted on the outside wall, often referred to as a “clamshell.” This box protects the point where the exterior cable connects to the line that runs into your home.

Inside, the fiber line connects to a device called an Optical Network Terminal (ONT). The ONT is what actually converts the fiber’s laser light signals into electrical signals that your home network can use.

From the ONT, a standard Ethernet cable (typically CAT5e or CAT6) runs to your Wi-Fi router. You don’t need a traditional cable modem — the ONT essentially replaces it. The router then distributes the internet connection to your wired and wireless devices throughout your home.

What Should You Do Before Getting Fiber?

Connecting fiber internet to your home will require almost no effort from you. The ISP technicians do most of the heavy lifting.

To prepare for fiber internet installation, consider the following points:

Decide where the router is going to be. Put it where the signal will be the strongest. Think central location in your home. If you need help with this, your technician will be happy to make a recommendation.
Think about the best time for installation. You don’t necessarily need to be home when technicians install the clamshell outside of your home. Many users schedule the installation when they’re home, but don’t need to use the internet. Your ISP will help schedule a time that works for you.
Use your ISP’s router. That way, they can help you with maintenance and schedule updates. Plus, they will be responsible for replacing it if it breaks down.
Create your username and password. Don’t keep the router’s default password. Make it unique and include at least eight characters; a mix of numbers, uppercase and lowercase letters, and special characters.

Ready for Fiber Internet?

Fiber internet has taken the world by storm thanks to its speed and reliability. It’s quickly becoming the most popular internet technology on the market.

And the best part? Installing fiber internet at your home is stress-free and quick. All you need to do is decide where you will place your router and be home when the technicians come to install it.

Are you interested in setting your home up with fiber internet? Contact our specialists at 877-722-3833 or place an order online, and we will help you pick the right service.