The router, or ‘customer equipment,’ is the device that allows Telefónica to provide all connectivity services in the home. From a network perspective, it is also called an ONT (Optical Network Termination), which is the terminal equipment of the optical network and the last piece of equipment in the network hierarchy.
From an equipment point of view, it is also known internally as an HGU (Home Gateway Unit). And, from a commercial point of view, Telefónica refers to it as a Smart WiFi Router.
What are its main features?
The main features of this equipment can be classified as follows:
Its interfaces. It offers an optical port to which the fibre is connected, four Gigabit Ethernet RJ-45 ports and an RJ-11 port for voice traffic.
The WiFi network. It offers two networks based on ITU-T standards: 802.11ax at 5 GHz, compatible with 802.11ac/n, and 802.11ax at 2.4 GHz, compatible with 802.11n/g/b.
Security, using WPA-2 and WPA-3 protocols.
How does it work?
Broadly speaking, the HGU receives the optical signal from the OLT that provides the service, converts it to an electrical signal using an optical-electrical transponder, and exposes it either through the Ethernet ports or through the nine WiFi antennas installed inside.
It also has advanced features such as Roaming, which allows you to move around your home without any interruption to your connection, and Band Steering, which optimises the allocation of devices to the appropriate bands. It also has Unique-SSID functionality, which unifies the names of the different networks it offers into a single name.
How have they evolved over time?
The evolution of the home router has been linked to the evolution of networks and communication protocols. From the first MODEMs and ADSL/VDSL/VDSL2+ routers in copper access networks, to the current Smart WiFi family of routers, through FTTH and ONT routers, and the first HGUs, we have had a wide range of customer equipment.
How does the type of connection influence the performance of the different routers?
Telefónica’s network is undoubtedly the most advanced in Europe, with unrivalled coverage and capillarity in neighbouring countries. We currently offer access speeds of up to 1Gb symmetrical, offer higher speeds of up to 10 Gb thanks to the arrival of XGSPON technology on our network.
Is it advisable to turn off the router at night?
The router is designed to work continuously without needing to be turned off. However, it is advisable to restart it from time to time, as there are occasions when an internal process is disrupted or remote management of the router is lost.
How can I access the router settings?
Depending on what you want to do and the profile of the person who wants to access it, there are two main methods. The first way to access the router settings is to open a tab in your browser and type in the IP address for accessing the router (192.168.1.1), then enter the password found on the label on the back of the router. From this website, you can customise your home WiFi network (changing the name and password), share it with family and friends, manage connected devices, configure ports (for certain programmes or video game consoles), and much more.
The second way, provided you have a compatible router, is to access the Smart WiFi App, from which you can comprehensively manage not only the equipment, but also all the devices that connect to your home network.
How do you restart it?
It’s very simple. If you are at home, just turn the router off and on again by pressing the button on the back. You can also restart your router remotely via the Smart WiFi app.
