Best Fiber Optic Modems

Are you contemplating a fiber connection? There are quite a few service providers that have you covered. Yet, simply connecting with the service provider won’t be sufficient. You need a reliable fiber optic modem, as rental picks might burn holes in your pocket over time. And as per our research, buying your own internet equipment is better than renting.

Do note that purchasing a fiber internet modem isn’t straightforward. A good fiber compatible modem is one that supports multiple networking modes, multi-gig speeds, a handful of Ethernet slots, and an excellent processing setup. However, there are several challenges to finding a fiber optic internet modem, including the lack of choices, involved research, and complex terms.

And that is exactly why I have put together a list of top-rated fiber modems for you to pick from. Each product on the list is handpicked to suit diverse user requirements and complement the offerings of the concerned internet service provider. So let us get the discussion started!

Best Fiber Optic Modems

Before moving any further with this discussion, it is important to note that most fiber optic modems aren’t standard cable modems but fiber-supported gateway devices. Therefore, if you choose well, you can identify and purchase integrated-router combos to cover your throughout.

Also, before proceeding with the reviews, it is important to check for compatibility with specific ISPs. The list, which will start shortly, comprises the top 5 fiber gateway devices, with the more premium ones featured right in the beginning. Overall, the list is created keeping the specs, ISP compatibility, and even plan suitability in consideration.

1. Best Overall: Verizon/Fios G3100

Not every fiber optic modem router you find is capable of justifying the ultra-fast speeds offered by the ISP. The Verizon/Fios G3100 is different as it strikes the perfect balance between wired and wireless functionality, allowing you to get speeds of up to 2.5Gbps, with ease. And as compared to the G1100, it promises almost twice the better coverage.

Why is it suited for Fiber Optic Internet?

Firstly, it is upper-speed limits of 2.5Gbps that make a compelling case. Provided Verizon has a modem-like setup put in place, you can use the WAN port associated with the G3100 to get internet access. And the Wireless AX (Wi-Fi 6) standard ensures that the speeds are top-notch and throughput consistent.

Next is FTTP compatibility, allowing you to maximize internet speeds without losing packets along the way. As far as ISP support is concerned, the G3100 is compatible with Verizon and Frontier services, preferably for multi-Gig internet plans of up to 2Gbps.

Ports & Connectivity

As far as on-device ports are concerned, the G3100 is replete with 4 Gig ethernet ones for letting you connect to the more bandwidth-intensive devices like a gaming console, smart TV, and more. Next, there is the MoCA cable, allowing you to make the most of the multimedia plans. Also, there is a standard WAN port for additional wired connectivity instances, if and when needed.

Adding to this is the tri-band routing support, allowing you to switch bands automatically depending on the nature and proximity of the smart device. The 4 x 4 streams, relevant to both near (5GHz) and far (2.4GHz) bands, are great when it comes to the coverage — which in turn is close to 3000 Sq Ft.

Hardware & Performance

There is a multi-core processor at the helm, supported by 512MB of RAM. The featured chipset adds a lot to the performance of this fiber modem router, especially when it comes to guaranteeing the best 4K streaming performances. The gaming latency is appropriately low, courtesy of the interference-immune hardware setup.

Design & Build

The G3100 is a good-looking, dome-shaped modem-router combo with white-colored, hardened plastic. Not to mention the solitary LED indicator in the front, followed by a heat-dissipating matter panel. The rear panel is all about the ports. As far as the aesthetics are concerned, the product measures 9 x 5 x 5 inches and weighs 3.60 pounds, to be exact.

Conclusion

Overall, the Verizon/Fios G3100 is one of the go-to fiber modem routers if you want to prioritize speed, coverage, and throughput over anything else. And the minimum gaming latency makes it a great bet for professional gamers seeking a top-notch internet setup.

2. Best for Office Work: Greenwave C4000XG

If G3100 from Verizon was inventive enough, the Greenwave C4000XG would certainly put a smile on your face. Also termed as the Axon C4000XG, this fiber internet modem boasts GPON support and Wi-Fi 6 wireless standard (built-in router), which is quite an upgrade over the likes of C4000LG.

Why is it suited for Fiber Optic Internet?

First of all, it is the 4-stream connectivity that steals the show. Coupled with Wi-Fi 6 standard, MU-MIMO functionality, and 1024-QAM powered throughput for faster downstream and upstream data transfers, the C4000XG hardly leaves a stone unturned to make things better for an office user. As far as raw internet speeds are concerned, you can get 2.5Gbps with ease.

As far as ISP compatibility is concerned, this device is good enough for Gig-level internet plans from CenturyLink. And yes, the 160MHz channel width for the 5GHz band ensures that you get the best speeds, wired or wireless, at all times. Also, the supported GPON mode works better and is faster than any EPON model in play.

Ports & Connectivity

The C4000XG comes equipped with 4 standard Gig Ethernet LAN ports and a customizable WAN/LAN port, depending on requirements. Plus, there is a USB port in play that lets you share data across networks.

Next comes the connectivity, which hinges on 4 x 4 streams, the ability to connect more than 200 devices at once. Plus, OFDMA support for organically bringing Quality of Service prioritization into the mix. As far the range is concerned, this device can easily cover over 2500 Sq Ft of an area with ease.

Hardware & Performance

Powering the C4000XG is a standard dual-core chipset from InterAptiv. And what’s exciting is that it works closely with 512MB of RAM. The hardware setup promises minimal gaming latency, excellent throughput, and lag-free UHD streaming. Also, you get 128MB of NAND flash memory to see you through those firmware updates.

Design & Build

This networking device measures 9.96 x 8.78 x 7.52 inches when it comes to dimensions. It weighs close to 2.90 pounds, assumes a heat-dissipating structure made of white plastic, and aesthetically feels like a bulked-up paperweight.

Conclusion

To sum it up, the CenturyLink C4000XG is the best fiber modem in terms of coverage, speeds, and multi-device connectivity. And while the pricing might look a bit exorbitant, the QoS support and Smart connect band selection more than makes up for it.

Note: You can read my dedicated, detailed review of the Greenwave C4000 modems. I’ve discussed all three variants of the C4000 series.

3. Best ONT Modem: Arris Windstream NVG343BQ

Not many fiber gateway devices come with ONT support, a functionality that eliminates the need for a standard garage setup. If you are looking for such a device, the Arris Windstream NVG343BQ is the perfect option to go with. Also, it trumps other dated devices from Arris by bringing in Fiber-to-the-Premise functionality in addition to VDSL support.

Why is it suited for Fiber Optic Internet?

Even though the Arris NVG343BQ  lets you experience the best VDSL speeds, it ensures fiber internet compatibility, courtesy of FTTP support. The device lets you experience speeds of up to 1Gbps and exceptional wireless throughput, courtesy of its exciting stead as a fiber gateway and the Wi-Fi 5 standard.

Ports & Connectivity

Arris lets you enjoy the perks of four high-speed Ethernet ports, which you can use to connect the more demanding devices to the internet. And the OEM even throws in a USB port, an ONT port for the fiber to directly feed into your homes, and even a DSL/Broadband port to help you get the best of both worlds.

The Wireless AC (Wi-Fi 5) standard makes the internet quality feel fast and consistent, helping you with games and streaming. Plus, Beamforming support ensures that coverage of 1500 Sq Ft feels more than that on the paper.

Hardware & Performance

The dual-core chipset makes interfere a thing in the past. Instead, you can stream 1080p videos on multiple devices with relative ease. Plus, there is 128MB of built-in storage to help you handle updates and firmware issues.

Design & Build

The black-colored slab of plastic comes with a matte form factor. Also, there are 4 LEDs to help you with the network status. Made of hardened plastic, this device measures 5 x 1.1 x 7 inches and weighs close to 3 pounds.

Conclusion

In conclusion, if you seek an ONT modem router combo that lets you enjoy xDSL or fiber optic internet, depending on availability, whilst minimizing overall setup grunt, the Arris Windstream NVG343BQ is the device to choose.

4. Best for Fiber & DSL Connections: ZyXEL C3000Z

If you are still searching for a DSL modem that also handles fiber connections, the ZyXEL C3000Z is a perfect choice. Compared to other ZyXel-series devices, the C3000Z offers better speed and comes equipped with a more innovative design.

Why is it suited for Fiber Optic Internet?

I wouldn’t say that the C3000Z is the best fiber optic modem, but it does enough if the service provider has an ONT set up in close premises. With max speed limits of up to 1000 Mbps, mostly wired, and the dual-band wireless AC standard to cover most networking requirements, the C3000Z has almost every base covered.

Ports & Connectivity

The C3000Z comes equipped with 4 Gig ethernet ports with LAN connectivity. Plus, there is one convertible port that lets you use it as LAN or WAN, depending on the functionality you seek. There is also a standard USB Port for sharing data and media across networks. And yes, there is obviously the DSL/Broadband port in play for plugging in the choice of connection.

Hardware and Performance

Even though the hardware specs aren’t specified, you can expect ZyXEL to offer a dual-core SoC and at least 256MB of RAM. Based on the HD streaming and online gaming performances, the processor looks good enough. It helps the device cut through the congestion and ensures that gaming lag is reduced to a minimum.

Design & Build

The C3000Z assumes a vertical structure, comes in black, and boasts several LED indicators for accurate status reporting. As far as design-specific elements are concerned, this networking gateway device measures 12.13 x 10.47 x 2.64 inches and weighs close to 2.30 pounds, which is a tad on the chunkier side. Regardless, as experienced personally, heat generation is next to nill.

Conclusion

The ZyXEL C3000Z might not be the most affordable fiber-compatible modem, but it does enough in terms of speed and consistency to deserve a place on this list.

5. Best Budget FTTH Modem: Arris NVG468MQ

Looking for an affordable fiber optic modem router combo that even comes with MoCA functionality? Well, the Arris NVG468MQ is the right option to consider. Plus, it takes the lead over the Srris NVG34BQ when it comes to experiencing add-on MoCA 2.0 services.

Why is it suited for Fiber Optic Internet?

The NVG468MQ is everything you would want an affordable fiber-optic modem to be. Firstly, it boasts a wireless AC standard, making dual-band network access seamless and consistent. And even though the device promises 100Mbps of wireless internet support, you can use Gig speeds over wired connections.

Ports & Connectivity

The NVG468MQ features a standard setup of ports, including 4 GigE slots for high-speed wired connections, one USB slot for data transfers and pairing accessories like printers, and the MoCA slot that requires a splitter to connect with the modem and even the Smart TV if needed.

Also, the dual-band Wi-Fi 5 standard makes way for consistent internet connections, good enough for most daily activities.

Hardware & Performance

You get a standard processor on this FTTH modem that cuts through interference and ensures lag-free HD streaming. And if you are into gaming, setting up a wired connection is a better bet.

Design & Build

Despite the pedestrian design, the NVG468MQ doesn’t overheat. It is made of hardened, matte plastic, assumes a vertical structure, and weighs 2.49 pounds. As far as dimensions are concerned, it measures 15.4 x 8 x 2.4 inches, which is sleeker compared to some of the other picks on the list.

Conclusion

If cost-to-ownership takes the front seat for you, I would seriously recommend getting the Arris NVG468MQ, as it doesn’t just come cheap but lets you play around with bundled packs from Frontier and Verizon FiOS.

Source: approvedmodems