Fiber Optic:Cable

Installation Guide
Here’s a run through of the steps that
most broadband providers do when
installing your fiber broadband in
Singapore!

Fiber Optic Broadband

After your application for a fiber broadband has been
approved, it might take up to 5 working days, depending
on the provider, to activate your fiber broadband
connection.

The first step is setting an appointment with the fiber

optic network engineers to have the fiber termination
point installed.

This is different from the broadband provider, therefore,

there might be separate charges for this specific
installation, depending on the agreement that you have
signed. But usually, the first appointment for this
installation should be free.
The engineer will carry out work on your telephone exchange
and “green cabinet” which is the street’s cabinet that connects
to a standard phone line to provide broadband.

This explains the FTTC or Fiber-to-the-Cabinet concept, wherein

the phone line from your home to the “green cabinet” is
comprised mostly of fiber optic cable, with the last few meters
being copper.

However, Singapore recently has also invested in the FTTH or

Fiber-to-the-Home technology which provides an end-to-end
connection in fiber optic cables, without any copper leg at all,
providing even faster speeds. However, not all broadband
providers offer this, so you can check which one does and
choose the plan that would fit your lifestyle and budget.
 The next appointment that
you need to make would be
with your broadband
provider. They will be
installing the Optical
Network Terminal and the
equipment consisting of a
wireless router and a set-top
box.

Yes, you will need a new router which will usually come with your fiber
broadband package. If not included in the package, you will need to avail
routers that are approved and recommended by your broadband provider, to
make sure that it is compatible with their configurations and to ensure
optimal performance.
 The broadband provider
will also be wiring your
router to one TV set-top
box.

This service also includes the activation, testing of the broadband

speed and Wi-Fi signal strength, and a demo to teach you the basics of
how to operate your fiber network connection. During the installation
day, you might experience downtime due to the works taking place.
The process could take about 3 to 4 hours, depending on how long it
will take to set up all equipment perfectly in place.
Everyone is indeed hungry for
connectivity. There’s usually a limit to
the number of devices that can be
configured to connect to the router, so
in case you need extra wiring to
connect to another computer, there
will most likely be applicable charges
based on the length of the wires.

In case you need to connect more

gadgets wirelessly to your router,
there could also be additional charges
per device. You have to state these
extra devices to your broadband
provider beforehand so that the
installers would be able to bring with
them whatever is needed, saving you
the hassle of setting up another
appointment with them.
To set up broadband connectivity in all the
rooms of your home, you may need to consider
setting up a home structured cabling. This is
setting up the wires of data points in a way that
allows multiple devices to have broadband
connectivity in different areas of your home.

Firstly, you have to determine the number of

data points needed in each room. It could be
behind a television, a PC, or a game console.
The most efficient way of running the cables is
around the edges of the ceiling.

However, setting up these wires is most ideal

while renovating your home, to make sure that
these are placed safely and securely, and so
that they can be concealed and not an eyesore.
Wi-Fi networks are prone to congestion because of other
networks nearby. To enhance the connectivity of handheld
devices at your home that require Wi-Fi connections, a dual-
band wireless modem might help as it has the ability to transmit
2 Wi-Fi signals in one device, in 2.4Ghz and 5.0Ghz, enabling the
user to switch to the network that is less congested.

Another device that can be used to amplify Wi-Fi in your home is

an access point device, which works to echo and extend the Wi-
Fi signals across all hindrances such as walls and doors.
These are all just basic guidelines to give you an
idea on how fiber optic cables are installed, and
would totally vary among fiber broadband
providers in Singapore. Take note that you must
discuss everything with your broadband provider
beforehand, which includes stating how many
devices need wired and wireless connections, to
determine if you’ll be needing extra wires or
equipment.
This is to avoid setting up another appointment
should you find the need to add several devices
at the last minute. Also, if there are any other
concerns that may arise during installation, do
not hesitate to ask the installers about the
process and coordinate with them on how you’d
like your cables to be set up. Fiber broadband in
Singapore has reached new heights and it’s
indeed exciting to gain that advantage and be
part of that revolution!