Openreach FTTP ONT
This page is about the FTTP termination device that Openreach install for FTTP customers. ONT stands for Optical Network Terminal, sometimes (mistakenly) called an openreach modem. CityFibre use a different ONT - we have a separate page on that: CityFibre ONT
Summary:
- In short, the ONT in installed inside the customer's premises by Openreach and converts the fibre connection from the outside world in to a RJ45 port which you plug in to your router with a CAT5 cable.
- The ONT requires power, and a UPS is recommended, see our VoIP_Power page for suggestions.
Openreach provide an ONT for use with FTTP services. - so when you order a BT-based FTTP service from A&A, an Openreach engineer will install the little ONT unit in your premises. You then connect your Ethernet router to it and set your router with the A&A PPP credentials to log in.
This page is about diagnosing problems with the Openreach ONT.
- A working Openreach unit has green: power, PON & LAN lights, anything else indicates a problem.
- Your PPPoE capable router will plug in to the LAN port and connect you to the internet.
More info
- Newer ONT installs do not include a Battery Backup Unit (BBU) See: 999_and_faults
- Older Openreach ONT (Optical Network Termination) such as the one pictured, is actually inside the enclosure. This also contains a Battery Backup Unit (BBU) along with various wiring and cable management.
- The ONT requires power, so will need a mains power socket nearby.
- Where provided, the battery has a short warranty, and should be maintained by the end user, however, the battery is to keep the unit powered so that the TEL ports can be used during a power outage - we don't use the TEL ports, so you will want to make other arrangements for using a phone during a power outage - eg a mobile phone. See: 999_and_faults
- At least newly installed BT ONTs support Baby Jumbo frames (see MTU)
Openreach ONT LED Status
| LED | Colour | Meaning | Notes | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Top (ONT) LEDs | |||||
| TEL1 | Off | We don't use the Tel ports | |||
| PORT1 or LAN | Blinking/Flashing green | Data being transmitted | Good | ||
| Off | ONT has no ethernet link to the router | Bad. Check the connection/cable to the router | |||
| LOS (Loss of service) PON (Passive Optical Network) |
PON solid green, LOS off | Connected and should be working | Good. This is how it should be normally | ||
| PON flashing green, LOS off | ONT is starting up | Wait a bit for steady green and all should be well... | |||
| PON off, LOS solid red | Possible fault with the fibre | Bad. Check fibre not damaged, reconnect fibre, power cycle ONT | |||
| POWER | Solid green | Device has power | Good | ||
| Off | Power is off | Bad. Check mains power and connection to BBU/ONT | |||
| Bottom right (BBU) LEDs | |||||
| STATUS | Solid green | Good | |||
| Off | |||||
| FAULT | Solid red | Battery fault | Bad. Replace the AA batteries inside | ||
| Off | Good. No fault | ||||
| CHARGING | Solid orange | Batteries are not fully charged | Wait; the batteries are charging (usually after a power cut) | ||
| Off | Batteries are not being charged | Good. The batteries are fully charged | |||
External links
Outdoor Junction box
Openreach will usually install a junction box on the outside of the property. This connects up the fibre from the street to the fibre that goes inside the property.
This is a passive device, doesn't require power, and is just used to connect the two fibres together. The photo shows both a Brown CityFibre unit and a Grey Openreach unit.