If my Verizon Fios internet and tv are fiber optic, then why do the STB and router both need coaxial connections too?

Question

If my Verizon Fios internet and tv are fiber optic, then why do the STB and router both need coaxial connections too?

In: 1

Answer 1

FiOS is a Passive Optical Network (PON) that was deployed with what is called an RF (radio frequency) overlay. The voice and data for your internet connection is transported downstream on one wavelength of light (1490 nm) and upstream on a completely different wavelength of light (1310 nm). For video, FiOS uses a third wavelength (1550 nm) to send video downstream. The optical network terminal (ONT) then outputs the RF signal on to coax which connects to a set top box in your home. That set top box is using the MOCA protocol which is plain old cable TV service. This design is more costly and complex than what more recent PON deployments do which is to send IP video (not RF) to your ONT which outputs the video signal as Ethernet.