Upgrading from early FTTH installation (Home Hub 2000+Lucent ONT) to Giga Hub

[SoundChaser]

Hello,

Up until recently, our account was on Fibe 300. We just received the brand new Giga Hub "all-in-one" device to replace the former HH2000+ONT combo. I've read the instruction and I need to return the old device in the same box. That part is easy to understand.

1st question: Do I really need to replace the old ONT?

2nd question: What if our current infra is Just Fine™️ the way it is, is the Giga hub a strong requirement? If so, can the new device be used in Bridge/DMZ like the old HH2000 router?

3rd question: If I absolutely must remove the old ONT to replace with the new device, should I return it to our local Bell store, as it most likely won´t fit in the box I received today?

Frankly, if the old ONT is good enough to support the gigabit throughput, I don't see why we should bother with installing the new hardware. Yeah the HH2K is ancient, I get that - but where the fiber arrives is not an optimal place for an access point (basement) and I already have separate firewall which acts as network router and feeds the access point elsewhere in the house. Unless the new device just can't be bypassed (bridge mode) this is a no go for us.

Please advise!

[Vanadiel]

There is no true bridge mode for the giga hub.

[dks · Accepted solution]

Thank you for your questions. I will try to answer them as clearly as possible.

• Yes, you will need to have the ONT (Optical Network Terminal) removed or bypassed. The new ONT is contained within the Giga Hub. This will likely require a technician to visit. Check your documentation. 
• The Giga Hub has stronger wireless performance and can handle newer (XGS-PON) fibre technology. You don’t need to change anything in your current network. No Bell hub has true bridge mode and never has. The Giga Hub has PPPoE pass through, which allows you to connect your own router to the Giga Hub. Many users successfully use that function with their own router. Bell hubs have other limitations, but that is beyond this conversation. 
• The technician should deal with the ONT. 
•  If you wish to retain the ONT, don’t change to the Giga Hub. The HH2K may also not be supported any longer and is being replaced for that reason. Your discussion should be with Bell directly. 

[SoundChaser]

Thank you @dks !!

The stronger wireless performance is good news and so is the PPPoE mode, yet that wifi AP wouldn't filtered by our firewall, and likely a different subnet (rip).

I'll see with the technician and report back.