An Adtran ONT ends the fiber at the customer site and hands off voice and data to the home or business. Meanwhile, NetVanta gear handles routing, switching and Ethernet hand-offs for business customers.
In short, this guide explains which Adtran ONT or NetVanta unit to deploy at each site. It also compares ports, POTS and PoE between the models that Silverback supplies.
What an Adtran ONT does
First of all, an ONT, or optical network terminal, sits at the end of a PON. It talks to an OLT in the central office, such as a TA5000 GPON card, and turns the optical signal into Ethernet and phone ports. So the ONT you pick decides what the customer can plug in.
Each Adtran ONT in this guide offers POTS ports for phone service as well as Ethernet ports for data. As a result, one box can replace both a phone line interface and a modem at the customer site.
The Adtran 400 series ONTs in this guide run GPON, so they pair with GPON or Combo PON OLT cards. For the OLT side of the network, see our guide to TA5000 OLT and switch modules.
Indoor vs outdoor Adtran ONT models
The biggest choice is where the unit lives, whether indoors or outdoors. Indoor units sit near the customer's router, while outdoor units mount on the outside wall.
424 indoor ONT
The 1287835F1 is the Adtran 424 Single Family Unit ONT. In other words, it is an indoor GPON ONT with 2 POTS ports and 4 Gigabit Ethernet ports. As a result, it suits homes and small offices that need several wired devices plus two phone lines.
452 outdoor ONT
The 1287802F1 is the Adtran 452 FTTH Single Family Unit Outdoor ONT. It is also a GPON ONT, but with 2 POTS and 2 GE ports. Because it mounts outside, a technician can reach it without entering the home.
NetVanta NTUs for Ethernet hand-off
Not every business site gets fiber to the door. In those cases, a network termination unit hands off Ethernet service instead.
The NetVanta 838T is an NTU with eight 10/100 Ethernet ports, and it mounts in a rack. In addition, Adtran's price list places it under its Ethernet in the First Mile products. Silverback also supplies it as 1172838G1 and as the RoHS version 1172838F1.
So when you replace a failed NTU, check the suffix on the label. That way, your spare matches the version you already run.
NetVanta routers and PoE switches
The 1700341F1 NetVanta 3140 sits in Adtran's internetworking router category. So it gives a business site its own NetVanta router behind the fiber or Ethernet hand-off.
For powered devices such as phones, the 17108108PF2 is the NetVanta 1560-08-150W. As the model name suggests, it is a compact PoE switch with a 150 W PoE budget. Therefore, it is a good fit for phones, cameras and access points at small sites.
How to choose an Adtran ONT or NetVanta unit
Before anything else, decide what the customer needs to plug in. A home with two phone lines and a few wired devices fits a 424, while a home that needs an outdoor unit fits a 452.
Then look at business sites. For instance, the NetVanta 838T fits well for Ethernet service over copper. If the site also needs routing or PoE, add a NetVanta 3140 or a 1560-08-150W.
Also think about the install itself. An indoor Adtran ONT needs space and power inside the home, while an outdoor unit needs a good spot on the wall. So pick the model that suits your install crews as well as the customer.
Also confirm that your OLT software supports the ONT model before a large rollout. In short, match the unit to the service, the location and the OLT you already run.
Common mistakes with Adtran ONT orders
The most common mistake is ordering by name instead of by part number. For example, the 452 and the 424 share the same family, but one is outdoor and one is indoor.
Another mistake is forgetting the phone lines, especially at business sites. Both the 424 and 452 offer 2 POTS ports, so a site that needs more lines will need a different plan. Finally, buyers sometimes skip the RoHS suffix on the 838T, which leads to a mismatch with the installed base.
New or used Adtran ONT and CPE
Of course, used ONTs and NTUs make sense for replacements, spares and small expansions. However, new units can suit a large fiber rollout with a long service plan. Silverback supplies new and used Adtran ONT and NetVanta units, tested before they ship.
When customers churn or upgrade, Silverback buys back retired CPE. Because routers store configs, we offer certified data destruction before resale. Also, read refurbished vs new enterprise hardware for more on the trade-offs, or visit Adtran's official site for current product news.
ONT and NetVanta part numbers we supply
Here is every ONT, NTU, router and switch in this family. Send the part number and get pricing and lead time within one business day, or browse our inventory.
| Part number | Product | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1287802F1 | Adtran 452 Outdoor GPON ONT | FTTH single family unit, 2 POTS and 2 GE |
| 1287835F1 | Adtran 424 Indoor GPON ONT | Single family unit, 2 POTS and 4 GbE |
| 1172838G1 | NetVanta 838T | NTU with 8 x 10/100 Ethernet, rack mount |
| 1172838F1 | NetVanta 838T (RoHS) | Ethernet in the First Mile NTU |
| 1700341F1 | NetVanta 3140 Router | Adtran internetworking router |
| 17108108PF2 | NetVanta 1560-08-150W PoE Switch | Compact PoE switch with a 150 W PoE budget |
Ready to stock up on CPE? Request a quote with your list. For business voice, see our TA 900e gateway guide, or read our Adtran overview.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the Adtran 424 and 452 ONT?
The 424 (1287835F1) is an indoor GPON ONT with 2 POTS and 4 Gigabit Ethernet ports. Meanwhile, the 452 (1287802F1) is an outdoor GPON ONT with 2 POTS and 2 GE ports.
What is the NetVanta 838T used for?
The NetVanta 838T is a network termination unit with eight 10/100 Ethernet ports. Adtran also lists it under its Ethernet in the First Mile products.
What is part number 17108108PF2?
Adtran's price list names it the NetVanta 1560-08-150W, a compact PoE switch with a 150 W PoE budget.
Does Silverback test ONTs before shipping?
Yes. Silverback supplies new and used Adtran ONTs and NetVanta units and tests every unit before it ships.
Get a quote for Adtran ONT and NetVanta gear
Send your ONT, NTU, router and switch part numbers with quantities and condition. Then we reply with pricing and lead time within one business day.
You can also call (888) 391-5211 or request a quote online.
