Replacing The Rogers Modem and Optical Node

[nettech]

Hi All,

I am looking to replace my Rogers Modem and ideally, optical node with my Ubiquiti EdgeRouter 4.

Presently I am unaware of what purpose the Optical Node provides and if it can be replaced by using a SFP directly into the ER4.  I am aware of the fact that I can turn bridged mode on in the modem settings but I would rather replace it entirely to remove hidden SSIDs and a throughput bottleneck in my network backbone.

The present equipment setup is: FTTH -> Optical Node -(Via Coax)> XB7 Modem -> LAN Devices
The intended equipment setup is: FTTH -> Ubiquiti ER4- -> LAN Devices

Previously I was able to replace ISP modems by manually configuring the necessary VLANs and the PPPoE account settings for authentication to the junction point.

If anyone can provide examples of this being done in the past I can certainly experiment but until I know what the Optical Node is for, I would rather not connect directly to my device.

Linked the mods should this be incorrectly categorized or if they are able to assist.

Thanks in advance!

@RogersDi @RogersJo @RogersRob @RogersTom 

[Datalink]

Ok, where to start ....  potentially, depending on what Rogers has done in your neighbourhood, no optical node, no internet.  If Rogers has removed the capability to run copper com lines between the house and the neighbourhood node, fibre optics is the only way you're going to run Rogers internet.  That also leads to the possibility of not being able to use Third Party internet providers.  Thats a whole other discussion .....

At the present time, from what I remember seeing recently, there are two configurations for optical node plus modem.  

1.  The first optical node (don't remember the manufacturer) runs a copper cable RG-6 output to the modem.  So, you need both optical node plus modem in order to run ethernet off of the modem.

2.  The second optical node is a Nokia ONT.  Don't have the model number available at the moment.  That runs ethernet to the modem, so, in this case the ONT is paired with an XB7 modem which has a selectable RG-6 or ethenet input selection.  Under most circumstances, customers who have this will use both.  The Nokia ONT has a 1 gig and 10 gig port, and, you don't need to use the modem.  Apparently you can plug the ONT into a router of your choice.  

Where these specific ONTs are available is up to Rogers.  You can always ask for a Nokia ONT, but that might depend on the fibre frequencies in use.  I don't know if there is a change in fibre frequencies from one ONT to the other.  That depends on the fibre backbone.  So, while it might be possible to interchange the ONTs, there is the possibility that the two backbones are not compatible.  You would have to ask someone who is very familiar with the fibre configuations.  The level 1 techs from tech support won't know.  Level II techs might be able to give you an answer, but, you'd have to get past the Level I tech screen.  Good luck.

[-G-]

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@nettech wrote:

The present equipment setup is: FTTH -> Optical Node -(Via Coax)> XB7 Modem -> LAN Devices
The intended equipment setup is: FTTH -> Ubiquiti ER4- -> LAN Devices

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Does your "Optical Node" look something like this?  Asking because you said that you have a coax connection to your XB7 gateway.  If that is the case, then this is RFoG, where you have a traditional cable service that is delivered to your home over fibre, and you will still need to use a cable modem to connect to the network.

[nettech]

Sorry for the delayed response, never got notifications anyone responded.

The node looks very similar to that one.  If I did not have the Rogers Ignite TV, would I be able to bypass the optical node appliance?

[nettech]

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@Datalink wrote:

Ok, where to start ....  potentially, depending on what Rogers has done in your neighbourhood, no optical node, no internet.  If Rogers has removed the capability to run copper com lines between the house and the neighbourhood node, fibre optics is the only way you're going to run Rogers internet.  That also leads to the possibility of not being able to use Third Party internet providers.  Thats a whole other discussion .....

At the present time, from what I remember seeing recently, there are two configurations for optical node plus modem.  

Up until the day my service with Bell was cancelled I had both ISPs functioning and connected to the home via separate Fibre runs.

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@Datalink wrote:

1.  The first optical node (don't remember the manufacturer) runs a copper cable RG-6 output to the modem.  So, you need both optical node plus modem in order to run ethernet off of the modem.

After the optical node there is what looks like coax or likely RG-6 that runs to the modem.

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@Datalink wrote:

2.  The second optical node is a Nokia ONT.  Don't have the model number available at the moment.  That runs ethernet to the modem, so, in this case the ONT is paired with an XB7 modem which has a selectable RG-6 or ethenet input selection.  Under most circumstances, customers who have this will use both.  The Nokia ONT has a 1 gig and 10 gig port, and, you don't need to use the modem.  Apparently you can plug the ONT into a router of your choice.  

Where these specific ONTs are available is up to Rogers.  You can always ask for a Nokia ONT, but that might depend on the fibre frequencies in use.  I don't know if there is a change in fibre frequencies from one ONT to the other.  That depends on the fibre backbone.  So, while it might be possible to interchange the ONTs, there is the possibility that the two backbones are not compatible.  You would have to ask someone who is very familiar with the fibre configuations.  The level 1 techs from tech support won't know.  Level II techs might be able to give you an answer, but, you'd have to get past the Level I tech screen.  Good luck.

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Is there anyway to screen what ONT appliance would work via the details on the modem/Optical node as I cannot seem to get past the L1 tech screen and as long as they aren't expensive, happy to buy one to try.

[Datalink]

@nettech you indicated that your optical node looks like this one https://www.commscope.com/product-type/broadband-access-network-systems/radio-frequency-over-glass-r...

That means that you have Radio Frequency over Glass (RFoG).  That replaces the typical copper RG-6 cabling and hardcable that previously connected your home to the neighbourhood node.  The most important point is that you can't get rid of it as its not compatible with the Nokia ONT that is used in some areas.  The neighbourhood node would be configured to run RFoG, so, you're stuck with the current system.

It doesn't matter weather or not you have Ignite TV, that RFoG system carries all of the data inbound, and outbound from your home.  That includes all internet, tv and home phone data, or a subset of those depending on what services you have.  

That RFoG system is designed with two parts, the optical node and the modem.  Fibre feeds the optical node, RG-6 node output feeds the modem.  You need both, and, they can't be replaced by any other system unless Rogers spends a significant amount of money to upgrade your neighbourhood fibre system from its existing configuration to a newer generation system.  I'd predict that won't happen any time soon.  

The ONT converts inbound fibre (laser based) data from the neighbourhood node, to electrical signal data which is then transmitted to the modem via the RG-6 cable.  The reverse is used for outbound data.  The signal levels from the ONT to the modem run at a constant level, and don't exhibit the variations and problems seen in copper cable systems.  You should find that the RFoG system is more reliable than the copper system that it replaced.  Copper cabling requires occasional replacement due to weathering and water ingress into the cables.  That is a continual problem with copper cable systems.

[-G-]

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@nettech wrote:

Sorry for the delayed response, never got notifications anyone responded.

The node looks very similar to that one.  If I did not have the Rogers Ignite TV, would I be able to bypass the optical node appliance?

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If you have an RFoG ONU, then your FTTH service is NOT using a Passive Optical Network.  It's not EPON or GPON.  You can't use an SFP to connect your router directly to the Rogers network.  You have a DOCSIS service, and the ONU converts the incoming fiber to coax.  You need to use a cable modem to access the Rogers network.