Which device is typically used to terminate a fiber network link at the edge and provide Ethernet connectivity?

• A. Router
• B. Modem
• C. Access Point
• D. Optical Network Terminal

Answer: (D)

In fiber-to-the-premises setups, the device at the edge that terminates the optical fiber and hands off Ethernet to your local network is the Optical Network Terminal. It converts the optical signal coming from the service provider into electrical Ethernet that you can feed to a router, switch, or directly to devices. The ONT sits at the customer’s location and provides the WAN/LAN interfaces needed to connect your internal network.

The other options don’t terminate the fiber: a router routes traffic between networks but doesn’t convert optical to electrical signals; a modem handles certain broadband technologies like DSL or cable modems; an access point provides wireless connectivity and does not terminate a fiber link.