How is Fiber-Optic Internet Installed?

What is Fiber Optic Internet?

To start out, let’s define what fiber internet actually is.

Fiber-optic internet is installed through cables made up of thin glass strands of fiber. These strands—also known as optical fibers—transmit data through light pulses sent across long distances. 

While traditional cable internet sends electrical pulses through copper cables, fiber-optic transmits information through its cables using a beam of light.  Fiber-optic cables have two main parts.

• The core: This is the area in the middle of the cable where the light travels through.
• The cladding: This is the part wrapped around the core which makes sure the light stays within the core.

The cladding keeps the core protected from outside interference, so the light is capable of traveling at ultra-fast speeds without interruption.

What are the Benefits of Fiber-Optic Internet?

There are a lot of benefits of fiber internet vs. traditional cable or DSL connections. If you’re wondering whether an upgrade to fiber is worth it, we’ve laid out some of the key reasons why fiber is currently the best available internet option.

• Reliability. While cable, DSL, and satellite internet face disruption from weather or increased internet usage in your area, fiber internet remains dependable through most circumstances. With fiber internet, you don’t need to worry about interference, and you can trust that your connection will remain strong and secure throughout most outside events.
• Fast speeds. With speeds reaching up to multi-Gig levels (that’s thousands of Megabits per second), fiber is the fastest internet connection available right now.
• Symmetrical upload and download speeds. With video conferencing and online work becoming vital in day-to-day life, a fast upload speed is now imperative to making your digital life run smoothly. While cable can come close to fiber when it comes to download speeds, it cannot match fiber’s equally fast uploads.
• Looking to the future. When you invest in fiber, you invest in the future. Using light pulses to transmit data means that your information can be sent over long distances without losing energy during transference. If you have fiber internet now, chances are you won’t have to worry about replacing cables or investing in newer technology in the future.

How is Fiber-Optic Internet Installed at Home?

Now that you have a better understanding of the benefits of fiber and what fiber cables are, let’s get into how these cables are installed.

While other internet connections can be set up through self-installation, fiber internet typically requires a professional to lay the cables down for you. In a process called “Fiber to the Home” (FTTH) or “Fiber to the Premises” (FTTP), a professional lays the cables underneath your property to connect you to the network.

To put it simply, the professional will insert the cables underground, then run those cables from a nearby equipment box to a smaller utility box close to your home. By doing this, they ensure the fiber-optic connection will reach your house.

Some fiber connections can also be made via aerial installations. With this kind of installation, a professional uses a fiber optic cable specifically designed for outside plant (OSP) installation between poles leading to your home.

Steps to Install Fiber Internet in Your Home

To get fiber internet installed in your home, you’ll typically need to follow these steps.

1. First, find the right fiber internet plan for your home. Depending on how many people and devices are a part of your household, you’ll want a speed that can keep up with your activities while matching your budget. (Pro tip: check out the All Home Connections resource center to test your internet speed)
2. Once you’ve found a good fiber internet plan available in your area, schedule your fiber internet installation. For AT&T Fiber Internet, call 1-844-690-0586 and a member of our team will help you select a plan and schedule your installation appointment.
3. The next step is to buy or lease a fiber internet router. Your provider will typically supply you with a compatible modem and router, and your technician will bring the equipment needed to get your internet set up.
4. Once your technician has installed your fiber-optic network, connect your devices to your WiFi. (With AT&T Internet, you can download the AT&T Smart Home Manager app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, which will allow you to customize the name of your Wi-Fi network.) 

After you’ve followed these steps, you’ll be able to enjoy your new fiber-optic connection.

How Long Does it Take to Install Fiber Internet?

For new AT&T Fiber Internet customers, installation can take about four to six hours. Your technician will likely need access to your backyard and inside your home.

Below is a breakdown of the steps your technician will take to install your new fiber internet.

1. First, the technician will determine the location of the optical network terminal (also known as the fiber network terminal or fiber jack). This will be located somewhere in your home, and is typically somewhat large and bulky. If your home doesn’t already have a terminal installed, this will have to be set up before the technician can continue.
2. Next, the technician will use an ethernet cable to connect the optical network terminal to the network box.
3. Once the fiber terminal and network box are connected, the technician will plug your network box into a power source (i.e., an electrical outlet). 
4. Finally, you or the technician will connect your devices to the network box. You’ll turn on your phone, laptop, or desktop computer and connect it to the network. Voilá, your new Wi-Fi network is set up.

Once completed, you’ll be able to enjoy your new broadband network.

Note: In most new fiber installations with AT&T, steps 1-3 don’t apply. We use a residential gateway with an integrated optical network terminal.

How Much Does Installing Fiber-Optic Cable in Your Home Cost?

Since fiber-optic cables are usually installed by a professional, you’ll likely have to pay in the range of $70 to $100 for installation. Paying upfront might feel frustrating, but the benefits of having a fast, reliable fiber network will likely outweigh that cost. 

In most cases, AT&T won’t charge for installation. However, in some cases, an installation fee up to $99 may be assessed, plus tax where applicable. You can also check to see if there are any internet promotions being offered by AT&T.

AT&T Fiber Plans

Now that you know the steps to installing fiber internet in your home, you can get started on your search for the perfect fiber internet plan.

AT&T Internet offers multiple fiber plan options, starting at 300 Mbps and reaching up to 5 Gigs (5,000 Mbps). All plans offer the following perks.

• Equal upload and download speeds
• Unlimited data
• No equipment fees or annual contracts
• Broader bandwidth than traditional cable
• Lightning fast speeds, even at peak times

Here’s a breakdown of our great fiber internet packages.

Find out what fiber options are available in your area by visiting our availability page.