If you subscribe to Verizon Fios for your internet, TV, or phone service, you have a crucial piece of equipment connecting your home to the fiber optic network: the Optical Network Terminal, commonly known as the ONT. Think of the verizon fios ont as the gateway where Verizon’s powerful fiber connection enters your home.
What Does the verizon fios ont Do?
The primary function of the Verizon Fios ONT is to act as a translator or converter. Verizon’s Fios network uses fiber optic cables to transmit data as pulses of light over long distances. Your devices at home (computers, TVs, phones) use electrical signals. The ONT bridges this gap:
- It receives the incoming light signals from the Verizon fiber optic cable.
- It converts these light signals into standard electrical signals.
- It sends these electrical signals to your router (for internet), Fios TV set-top boxes (usually via coaxial cable), and traditional telephones (if you subscribe to Fios Digital Voice).
Essentially, the verizon fios ont serves a role similar to a modem in traditional cable or DSL internet setups, but it’s specifically designed for fiber optic technology.
verizon fios ont
Locating and Identifying Your ONT
During your Fios installation, a Verizon technician installs the ONT. Its location can vary:
- Indoors: Often found in basements, garages, utility closets, or sometimes even inside living spaces, typically mounted on a wall near where other utilities enter the house.
- Outdoors: Some installations, particularly older ones or certain building types, might have the ONT housed in a weatherproof box mounted on an exterior wall.
Verizon has used different models of ONTs over the years, varying in size and appearance. You don’t typically choose the model; Verizon installs the one appropriate for your subscribed services and speed tier. Regardless of the model, it performs the same core function.
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Key Connections on the ONT
Your verizon fios ont will have several ports for different connections:
Fiber Optic Input
This is where the main fiber optic cable from Verizon connects to the unit.
Ethernet Output (to Router)
This RJ45 port is the primary way the internet signal is delivered from the ONT to your home router, especially for speeds above 100 Mbps. You’ll typically run an Ethernet cable (Cat5e or Cat6) from this port to the WAN/Internet port on your router.
Coaxial Output (for TV/MoCA)
This standard coax connector is used primarily to distribute the Fios TV signal throughout your home’s existing coaxial wiring to reach your Fios TV set-top boxes. In some older setups or specific configurations, it might also carry the internet signal to a Verizon router using MoCA technology, but Ethernet is preferred for higher internet speeds.
Phone Ports (for Fios Digital Voice)
If you subscribe to Fios Digital Voice, the ONT will have standard RJ11 phone jacks where you can plug in your traditional home telephones.
Power Connection
The ONT requires electricity and connects via a dedicated power supply unit plugged into a standard wall outlet.
ONT vs. Router: What’s the Difference?
It’s important to understand that the verizon fios ont and your Wi-Fi router are two separate pieces of equipment with different jobs:
- ONT: Connects your home to the external Verizon Fios network and converts the fiber signal.
- Router: Takes the internet signal from the ONT (usually via Ethernet) and creates your local home network, managing connections for your devices (computers, phones, smart TVs, etc.) via Wi-Fi and wired Ethernet ports.
While you can sometimes use your own router for Fios internet-only service, using the Verizon-provided router is often recommended or necessary if you also have Fios TV service. This is because the Verizon router facilitates communication (MoCA) over the coax cables needed for features like the TV guide, On Demand, and DVR functions.
Understanding the Status Lights
Most ONTs have a series of LED indicator lights that provide diagnostic information. Common lights include:
- PWR / Power: Indicates if the unit is receiving power. (Solid Green = OK)
- BATT / Battery: Shows the status of the Battery Backup Unit, if installed. (Solid Green = OK, Blinking/Red/Off = Issue)
- NTWK / Network: Indicates the status of the fiber optic connection. (Solid Green = OK, Red/Off = No Light Signal)
- DATA / LINK: Shows activity/connection on the Ethernet port to the router. (Solid or Blinking Green = OK)
- VID / Video: Indicates the status of the Fios TV video signal. (Solid Green = OK)
- POTS / Phone: Shows the status of the Fios Digital Voice service. (Solid Green = Phone Off-Hook, Off = OK/Idle)
- FAIL: A red fail light usually indicates a significant problem with the ONT itself.
The exact meaning of solid, blinking, or red lights can vary slightly by ONT model. If you notice unusual lights, it’s best to consult Verizon’s support resources or contact them directly.
Troubleshooting Your verizon fios ont
If you experience a loss of Fios service (internet, TV, or phone), the ONT is often the first place to check.
Rebooting the ONT
Often, a simple reboot can resolve temporary glitches.
- Locate the ONT’s power supply unit (the cord plugging it into the wall outlet).
- Unplug the power supply from the electrical outlet.
- If you have a Battery Backup Unit (BBU): You may also need to temporarily disconnect the battery inside the BBU to fully cut power (follow instructions for your specific BBU model, usually involves opening a panel and unplugging battery leads).
- Wait for about 60 seconds.
- Plug the power supply back into the wall outlet (and reconnect the battery if you disconnected it).
- Wait several minutes (up to 5-10) for the ONT lights to stabilize and services to restore.
Battery Backup Unit (BBU)
Many ONTs (especially older ones or those supporting Fios Digital Voice) are paired with a BBU.
- Purpose: Provides temporary power only for basic voice service (including 911) during a power outage. It typically does not power internet or TV.
- Beeping: A beeping sound from the BBU usually indicates the battery needs replacing or there’s a power issue. You can usually silence the alarm temporarily by pressing an “Alarm Silence” button.
- Battery Replacement: You are generally responsible for purchasing and replacing the 12-volt sealed lead-acid battery inside the BBU when it fails. Verizon’s support site has guides for different BBU models.
- New Installations: Note that Verizon may not automatically include a BBU with new Fios installations today, particularly for internet-only service. Options like the PowerReserve device might be offered if voice backup is needed.
The Heart of Your Fios Connection
The verizon fios ont is a critical component, translating the speed and reliability of fiber optics into the services you use every day. Understanding its basic function, connections, and troubleshooting steps can help you manage your Fios service effectively. For persistent issues or confusing status lights, always reach out to Verizon Fios support for assistance.
