FAQ'S AND GLOSSARY
GLOSSARY
FTTH - Fiber to the Home
FTTR - Fiber to the Router
NID - Network Interface Device
ONU - Optical Network Unit
Router - A router is a networking device that forwards data packets between computer networks.
Conduit - A tube for protecting wiring
Vault - In ground utility box
IP Address - a unique string of characters that identifies each computer using the Internet Protocol to communicate over a network.
Static IP Address - The IP Address stays the same over time
Dynamic IP Address - The IP Address can change over time
Wi-Fi - a facility allowing computers, smartphones, or other devices to connect to the internet or communicate with one another wirelessly within a particular area.
Connext - A proper noun used to describe an organization consisting of individuals who climb towers, install fiber infrastructure, connect homes, while working 24 hours a day 7 days a week to ensure communication and connectivity meet and exceed all expectations.
Drilling - A technique used to install conduit utilizing a directional drill.
Potholing - Holes dug along the drill path to constantly locate the drill bit and ensure each and every utility is safely navigated past.
Fiber Drop - The conduit and small diameter Fiber line run from the main backhaul to connect each home.
Back Haul - The main Connext Fiber line that connects neighborhoods, towns and cities across northern Utah and beyond
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. What are the steps of the construction process?
A. The Connext construction team installs fiber cable within conduit in the city utility easement that passes through a series of boxes called vaults with one vault set in the ground at every two homes along the planned route. This is where the fiber is spliced and run to each house to offer the FTTH connection
2. Where will the Vault And NID be?
A. When the Connext construction team installs the main fiber line in the utility easement throughout the city, there is typically a vault placed between each two homes on the property line. Our fiber drop team then runs a smaller fiber conduit from the vault to the NID on the side of your house. This run usually follows the other utilities like gas and power. Our teams usually place the NID on the side of your home next to the other utility meters.
3. What is a Vault and NID?
A. The Vault is where we connect each home to our main fiber line. The entire box is recessed below ground similar to an irrigation box. The NID is a small telecommunications (11"x7"x4") box that is placed on the side of your home that houses the equipment that switches the signal from light to one that your router can read.
4. When will I be live- Map color explanation
A. When we will be “Live” is a question as old as time itself. Now that the future is here we can safely predict that every resident in every city Connext is working in and planning to break ground in, will be “Live” within the next few years. That includes areas colored on the map and those that aren’t.
Now for the colors…
Any area shaded in Blue is LIVE, you can stop reading now and call us to get connected.
Areas shaded in Green, we are close. Our crews have installed the infrastructure and pulled the fiber with the last step of splicing the lines together and turning on the light all that’s left between blazing internet speeds and your current situation.
Areas Shaded in Orange, we are hard at work. Our crews are drilling, potholing, installing conduit and restoration within the utility easements. The map will stay orange while our fiber pulling crew is pulling fiber through the conduit prior to the map being turned green.
Yellow on the Map… Ready, Set, Construction is a GO. Keep an eye out for our teams to set up drills and break ground in your neighborhood group in the near future.
Red on the Map… Our planning team is doing their thing, pulling permits, laying out the maps and finalizing our plans in preparation for construction to commence. You’re queued up and less than 6 months from construction.
Everyone else on the map… We are in the planning and marketing stages of the process and will break ground first in the areas with the highest level of interest. FYI the tail CAN wag the dog in this case. Become a neighborhood fiber champion and help us determine who we connect next.
5. When will it stop being free to connect?
How much time do I have to decide if I want to be connected?
A. Our FREE installation promotion is in effect during the infrastructure installation phase. Don’t hesitate. Be first to get connected and ensure that it’s FREE.
6. You don’t sell my information, right?
A. Connext respects the privacy of our customers and does not sell your data
7. Do I need a Modem?
A. No we don’t use modems, that’s an antiquated technology. However, a router is needed during the installation. We offer the best possible fiber connection and leave the in-home network to you. When purchasing a router, double check that it is not a modem or a modem/router combo. Click here to see a list of router specifications.
8. What kind of Router should I get?
A. What we tend to recommend is a dual band gigabit capable wireless mesh system. Another option we suggest is a stand alone gig ready dual band router. For all of you that live in a house fit for MTV Cribs, it’s important to keep an eye on the routers coverage area and compare it to your home’s square footage.
9. What is a mesh system?
A. A wireless mesh system is essentially just multiple routers. One of the routers acts as the main hub, transmitting internet to the other routers. This is useful to allow Wi-Fi coverage to extend throughout your home. Your devices will connect to the closest router depending on the device’s location to the router and will adjust as you move about. We recommend a mesh system over purchasing normal wireless extenders, as the mesh system offers a more dependable coverage area.
10. Where is the best place for my Router?
A. Routers work best near the center of the home to maximize Wi-Fi coverage. The best location for placing your router is where the telecommunication/ethernet wiring originates from. (usually in the utility room) Adding a switch will allow you to plug all of them in at the same time.
11. Does a Connext Installation Technician need to come back out to change the speed of my connection?
A. No, a simple phone call or email is enough for our billing & sales team to change your plan. (801) 686-2468 billing@connextllc.com
12. Why am I not getting the speed I'm paying for when performing a speedtest?
A. There are a few factors that come into play when it comes to not seeing your full download and upload speeds. First and foremost, we want to let you know that we do NOT throttle or limit your speeds in any way, shape, or form. What you pay for, is what we deliver. The technicians confirm at the installation that you are receiving the correct speeds during your setup. Here are a few things to keep in mind.
1. Not every device is powerful enough to see a full gigabit. If the device is older and/or the network card on it is older, you may not see your full gigabit speeds even directly connected. We had to step up our game for gig installations. Our team had to purchase new laptops just to verify clients were getting the full use of the gig connection they were paying for.
2. You won't see a full gigabit over Wi-Fi, even if you're connecting to the 5G
3. Answers 1 & 2 are often intermingled with one another. If you have a device that can see a full gigabit, but then perform a speedtest over Wi-Fi you will likely not see the full gig.
13. How will you bring the wire from the NID into my home? Under the house? Through the crawl space?
A. It really depends on the home. Our technicians will talk to you about the options prior to the installation. We prefer to use unfinished basement rafters and can make almost anything work. Through gutters or vents, around the outside, straight in to your router… There’s lots of options. Except, unfortunately we don’t work in attics and won't work if your crawl space requires our tech to lay down in order to traverse it.
14. Is Connext based in Mexico?
A. Connext is locally owned, operated and based right here in Ogden, Utah. We are proud to employ a very diverse workforce that spans all races and nationalities.
