A Guide to Altafiber Compatible Modems and Routers (2024)

Every Internet Service Provider (ISP) has a list of compatible modems and routers you need to get, if you don’t intend to use the provider’s equipment. If you are thinking of switching ISPs or upgrading your current modem or router, you need to ensure that it’s compatible with your ISP.

In addition, the right modem and router also depends on the number of devices connected to the router, your online activities, the internet speed, internet type, and property size.

Altafiber, known as Cincinnati Bell FiOptics in the past, provides one of the best fiber networks for residential and business use. Altafiber also offers cloud services, alongside a fiber network. However, only some modems and routers are compatible with Altafiber.

In this article, we have compiled a guide to share Alta Fiber modems and routers. The devices shared below are a combination of both routers and modems. So, without further ado, let’s get started!

Asus RT-N56U is a Dual-Band Gigabit Wireless-N Router. It is designed to go with your house interior. The RT-N56U is a huge improvement from its predecessor, the RT-N16. It offers the fastest possible speed of 5GHz and has been well-praised for its storage features and wireless connectivity. It also supports two wireless networks – 2.4GHz and 5GHz.

The RT-N56U router is designed in a way for it to work in a vertical position. In other words, it can be placed on its bottom, but can’t be mounted to the wall. Although it is compact, the RT-56U is powerful. It has four Gigabit LAN ports and a single WAN port. LAN ports are used for wired devices, whereas, WAN ports are used to connect to internet sources, such as your modem.

The RT-N56U also has two USB ports to connect your printer. Most routers, that are as compact as the RT-N56U, rarely have any USB port at all. This is one of the many things that gives the RT-N56U a competitive edge over its competitors. In addition, the RT-N56U is easy to set up.

All you have to do is plug the router in, turn it on, and open your internet browser, and a web-based wizard will guide you on how to get connected to the internet. However, it does have two major drawbacks – its web interface takes a longer time to respond and it does not support the three-stream 450 Mbps wireless standard.

Despite its flaws, the RT-N56U is an exceptional router, with prices starting from $34.99, and is a highly compatible alta fiber router.

The ARRIS Surfboard SB8300 is aWiFi cable modem. It is a combination of two technologies that fit into a single device: a DOCSIS 3.1 cable modem and an AC2350 dual-band WiFi connection (router equipment). In comparison to many other ARRIS Surfboard routers available, the SBG8300 packs a powerful punch. It offers much faster DOCSIS speeds than its predecessors.

Although the Surfboard looks similar to most routers, it has a more unique backside. Every individual section of the SBG8300 utilizes color labeling rather than symbols or words. For instance, the Ethernet ports are red, but all the ports are yellow themselves. This makes it easy to distinguish the Ethernet ports. The SBG8300 makes it simple for you to plug the various cables needed.

The SBG8300, unlike most WiFi cable modems, only has two LED blinking lights. It informs you whether it's online and if the WiFi is broadcasted. Moreover, SBG8300 supports 32 downstream and 8 upstream DOCSIS 3.0 channels. Moreover, it also supports 2 downstream x 2 upstream OFDM DOCSIS 3.1 channels.

The SBG8300 also supports up to 10 Gbps download speeds. In other words, you will never have to put up with slow internet speeds. You do need to be subscribed to gig-speed internet to enjoy higher speeds. The SBG8300, apart from being compatible with Altafiber, is also highly compatible with some of the top cable internet providers in the U.S., such as Cox, Spectrum, Xfinity.

The ARRIS Surfboard SB8300 is currently priced at $181.82.

ZyXEL EMG3415-B10A – Wireless and Ethernet Gateway

The ZyXEL EMG3415-B10A is a Dual-Band Wireless Gigabit Ethernet Gateway. It allows users to access high-speed internet without any speed disruption. The EMG is an Ethernet gateway that offers triple-play services. The Zyxel 3415 Gateway offers two frequencies; 2.4GHz and 5GHz. You can get up to 150 Mbps speed with a 2.4GHz frequency and up to 900 Mbps speed with a 5GHz frequency.

The ZyXEL EMG3415 Gateway has a user-friendly web interface that makes it easier to set up. In other words, you might not even require a technician to come in and set it up for you. Unlike most gateways, the Zyxel 3415 looks bulky. However, it is one of the most powerful gateways you will see on the market.

In addition, it also has a built-in 4x4 802.11ac WLAN function that eliminates the need to bear with messy wiring. The ZyXEL EMG3415 is specifically designed to meet every user’s needs, especially if you are looking for a gateway that provides wider coverage and an overall great WiFi experience.

It also has a built-in setup wizard that automatically configures the gateway. Unfortunately, the ZyXEL EMG3415 is no longer as easily available. This is perhaps one of the main flaws you would find in the Zyxel 3415. That said, you might want to check out your nearby hardware store because it is one of the most compatible gateways with Altafiber, and powerful as well.

Well, there you go!

Altafiber is a fiber-optic provider that transfers data at the speed of light. Moreover, fiber-optic cables have the capability of supporting more than one frequency. We have shared three Altafiber compatible modems and routers in this article.

You can always do an alta fiber speed test to determine your speed once you have installed and set the alta fiber modem and alta fiber router. Asus RT-N56U, Arris SurfBoard SB8300, and Zyxel 3415 are some of the most powerful modem and/or router combinations to enjoy WiFi Cincinnati.

Call Altafiber today at 855-591-2568 to learn more about their plans and availability in your area!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Does alta fiber need a modem?

Yes, but Altafiber, or fiber-optic internet in general, requires an Optical Network Terminal, which is a fiber-optic modem that allows it to communicate with Altafiber.

Can I use my modem with Cincinnati Bell?

Altafiber provides its modem with its connection, but if you have a compatible ONT fiber-optic modem, you can always use your equipment.