FAQ
TL;DR: For 600 Mb/s fiber, use Gigabit Ethernet; "Two routers are a minimum" for a 10×10 m two‑storey home. Keep Wi‑Fi on 5 GHz AC for 100–150 Mb/s and wire PCs to gigabit ports. [Elektroda, mateuszpis, post #17048074]
Why it matters: This FAQ helps homeowners on 600 Mb/s GPON choose routers and placement to get full wired speeds and stable whole‑home Wi‑Fi.
Quick Facts
- Your ONT has Gigabit Ethernet; with gigabit NICs, you can reach the full 600 Mb/s. [Elektroda, mateuszpis, post #17048074]
- Huawei E5186: gigabit switch plus dual‑band Wi‑Fi (2.4/5 GHz) AC867 is adequate. [Elektroda, makosuu, post #17042001]
- Expect to use two routers/APs to cover a two‑storey 10×10 m house. [Elektroda, mateuszpis, post #17048074]
- GPON SFP/ONU modules start around PLN 300 and are not easy for laymen to set up. [Elektroda, tplewa, post #17041381]
- Throughput caps are often NAT limits in cheaper routers, not the network cards. [Elektroda, makosuu, post #17049663]
Will Huawei E5186 handle 600 Mb/s fiber behind an ONT?
Yes. Behind your ISP’s GPON ONT, the E5186 works as LAN/Wi‑Fi. It has a gigabit switch and dual‑band AC867 Wi‑Fi. Wire PCs for full speed; expect lower over Wi‑Fi. “E5186 is a very good router.” [Elektroda, makosuu, post #17042001]
Do I need the ISP’s GPON device, or can I plug fiber into my own router?
You must use the provider’s GPON modem/ONT, otherwise the internet will not work. The ONT terminates the fiber and gives you Ethernet for your router. [Elektroda, jimasek, post #17041368]
Is buying my own GPON SFP/ONU worth it?
Not for most users. A GPON SFP/ONU starts from about PLN 300 and setup is not easy. “It will not be easy to configure for a layman.” Use the ISP’s ONT and add your own router if needed. [Elektroda, tplewa, post #17041381]
Will one router upstairs cover both floors of a 10×10 m house?
Unlikely. Plan on two routers or one router plus an access point for reliable coverage. “Two routers are a minimum for your home.” Place them on separate floors. [Elektroda, mateuszpis, post #17048074]
Where should I place the main router—upstairs or downstairs?
Place it on the ground floor if possible. Signals travel up more easily than down through floors, improving downstairs coverage. [Elektroda, sebap, post #17059976]
How do I extend Wi‑Fi to the ground floor using Ethernet backhaul?
Run an RJ45 from the ONT or upstairs router to a second router set as an access point. 1. Disable DHCP/NAT on the second unit. 2. Set a non‑overlapping channel and same security/SSID if desired. 3. Link LAN‑to‑LAN over Ethernet. “Two routers are a minimum.” [Elektroda, mateuszpis, post #17048074]
Can 802.11n deliver 100–150 Mb/s, or do I need 802.11ac?
Use 802.11ac on 5 GHz for 100–150 Mb/s. The “n” standard often underperforms at those rates in homes. “It is rather the ac domain.” [Elektroda, mateuszpis, post #17048074]
Will my PCs or network cards be the bottleneck for 600 Mb/s?
They can be. Older PCs may not keep up even with gigabit links. If speeds lag, suspect the PC first. “The PC will not keep up.” [Elektroda, gasak, post #17041593]
Can cheap switches or routers struggle to push 600 Mb/s?
Yes. With budget gigabit gear, even reaching 600 Mb/s can be a feat. Hardware limits can throttle real throughput. [Elektroda, tplewa, post #17048311]
Should I connect PCs directly to the ONT or via the router for max speed?
Use the ONT’s Gigabit ports when possible for top speeds. With gigabit NICs, you can squeeze the full 600 Mb/s. A gigabit router also works if configured well. [Elektroda, mateuszpis, post #17048074]
Which is safer: accept the ISP’s ZTE F660/ ZHONE, or buy different gear?
Accept the ISP‑supplied GPON device. If issues arise, you keep support and swap options. Buying your own reduces support and adds cost. [Elektroda, jimasek, post #17041411]
What is the GPON ONT, and how does it connect to my router?
The ONT is a one‑port terminal that converts fiber to Ethernet. After it, connect a traditional router with a WAN port to provide NAT and Wi‑Fi. [Elektroda, kukiz1986, post #17041369]
Does NAT performance in cheaper routers limit fiber speeds?
Yes. Lower‑end routers often have limited NAT throughput, which caps multi‑hundred‑megabit fiber. Network cards rarely cause this bottleneck. [Elektroda, makosuu, post #17049663]
If my E5186 Wi‑Fi is weak downstairs, add another router or rely on antennas?
Add another access point or router over Ethernet backhaul. One router without external antennas rarely covers two storeys well. [Elektroda, KOCUREK1970, post #17044917]
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