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How To Connect Fiber Optic Cable To Router?[Guide in 2024]

How To Connect Fiber Optic Cable To Router

Many people are switching to fiber optic connections because it is the fastest type of internet connection to existing. By connecting a fiber optic line to your router, you can easily upgrade your home network.

If you are not sure how the connection process works, you are in the right place. In this guide, we will tell you how to connect a fiber optic cable to a router without professional help. If you are ready to upgrade your internet connection, give this post a read.

What is a Fiber Optic Cable?

A fiber optic cable is an electrical cable that transmits data through pure and flexible fibers of plastic and glass. It is the fastest type of internet connection to choose from.

Due to its high reliability and extreme speed, it has become the latest standard in the telecommunication and Ethernet networking sector. This type of cable is good for transmitting data over longer distances.

Types of Fiber Optic Cables

There are two different types of fiber optic cables – Single-mode and Multimode.

  • Single-mode

This type of fiber optic cable carries a single mode of light through it. As the light passes through the core, the number of light reflections decreases. It lowers the attenuation, and thus, allows the signal to travel longer distances.

  • Multimode

This type of fiber optic cable is the opposite of single-mode fiber cable. A multimode fiber line can carry multiple rays of light at the same time. This is made possible because of the large diameter of the cable. This cable type can be used to transmit more data. It has a speed of 100Mbit/s and transmits data at a distance of 2km.

Why Should You Choose Fiber Optic Cable?

Choosing the fiber optic cable over other coaxial cables has several advantages. It provides more scalability, reliability, faster download speeds, and higher symmetrical upload speeds.

Fiber internet cable is certainly the best type of internet connection to have in today’s time. Instead of electricity, it uses light for data transmission. This helps reduce energy loss over longer distances. Compared to other cables, fiber optic cables can carry more information.

Fiber optic cable is also known as ‘dark fiber.’ If the amount of internet traffic increases in an area, fiber optic cables can be turned on to provide extra capacity. It eliminates the need to dig up holes and lay bigger cables. Also, it doesn’t require as much maintenance as the other cables.

Guide How To Connect Fiber Optic Cable To Router?

There are two ways to connect fiber optic cable to the router and we will discuss both methods in the lines below. If you are planning to upgrade your home internet connection, you should pay attention to the details.

Method #1: Connect the Fiber Optic Cable Directly to the Router’s Port

Method #1: Connect the Fiber Optic Cable Directly to the Router’s Port

This is the easiest way to go about it. Just connect the optical fiber cable to the router’s port and you are done. However, you need to be careful not to touch the tip of the cable as it might disrupt the transmission.

You need to be very cautious while inserting and removing the fiber optic cable. When unplugging the fiber cable, press both ends of the cable and gently pull it out. If you break the cable by mistake, the only option is to install a new one.

Method #2: Connect the Fiber Optic Cable to a Modem and then the Modem to the Router

All routers don’t have an optic fiber line port. In this case, you cannot connect the fiber optic line directly to your router’s port. The alternative method is to connect the fiber optic line to your modem and then connect the modem to your router. Some of you might find this method a bit complex, and therefore, we have provided the steps below.

Here’s what you need to do:

  • First, make sure that you have all the required hardware to connect your router.
  • Locate the SFP port at the back of your modem. This is the port that will connect the fiber optic line. To proceed ahead, remove the cover from the SFP port.
  • Now remove the cover from the end of the fiber optic cable. Make sure not to touch or rub the tip of the cable. Even if you touch it by mistake, you will have to replace the entire cable.
  • Connect the power cable to the modem, and then plug one end of the Ethernet cable into the GE port of your modem. Take the other end of the Ethernet cable and connect it to the RED WAN port on your router.
  • Now plug in the power cable of your router. Make sure not to twist or bend the cables. Otherwise, it will interrupt the transmission.
  • Connect the power cable to a power source and switch on the devices. Now your connection is complete.

✊Important Points To Remember While Connect Fiber Optic Cable To Router

There are a few important things you should remember when connecting a fiber optic cable to your router. If you are doing this for the first time, you might find this information useful.

  • Avoid bending or twisting the cable. Although fiber cables are strong, they can easily break if bent too tightly. So unless you want to replace the cable, you should handle it with care.
  • Don’t pull the cable too hard as it might damage the fiberglass rod protecting the cord.
  • Roll the cables carefully using the Figure 8 technique. This will help you to make the cable last longer.
  • Do not spin the cable off the spool as it might twist the cable. This is why it is better to roll it off the spool. This way you can avoid disrupting the cable.

Final Words on How to Connect Fiber Optic Cable to WiFi Router

Connecting a fiber optic cable to a router might seem complex in the beginning. However, following the right steps will help you to get the work done with ease. Just make sure not to twist or bend the cable during the connection process. Even a single mistake can damage the entire cable.

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