Video summary
Daniel Rossell returns to his channel after a busy year involving the arrival of his son and an unexpected apartment move, using this opportunity to explain how viewers can utilize their own networking equipment with Bezeq's GoFiber service. When customers order fiber internet from Bezeq, they typically receive a standard all-in-one gateway that functions as a modem, switch, and access point; however, these devices are replaced every six months or year and may not suit users who wish to build their own custom network architecture. While it is technically possible to attempt using the provided gateway in bridge mode by connecting an external router like Open Sense behind it, this approach often results in double NAT issues and is generally considered a poor solution for those seeking full control over their home network setup.
The recommended alternative involves purchasing a dedicated fiber optic modem from Bezeq's approved list of compatible devices, which acts strictly as a demarcation point to convert the passive optical network signal into standard Ethernet without routing functions. These specific modems, such as the GF-25C model supporting 2.5 gigabits per second or higher-end 10-gigabit versions available from retailers like KSP and Max & Me Hashmal for approximately 250 to 450 shekels respectively, feature a simple design with one PON input port and a single LAN output port. By using this dedicated hardware, users can effectively bypass the limitations of the ISP's default gateway while ensuring compatibility, as Bezeq requires customers to provide the serial number of any third-party or approved device they intend to use for verification purposes.
To successfully implement this setup, especially when moving into a new rental apartment where one might be taking over existing infrastructure, Daniel advises cleaning the fiber optic cable ends with a specialized cleaner before connection due to their extreme sensitivity to dust and debris. Once the dedicated modem is connected from the wall-mounted optical network terminal to the user's custom router or mini PC running Open Sense, it allows for complete freedom in configuring the local area network side without interference from ISP restrictions on routing protocols. This method ensures that the fiber optic connection bridges correctly into a personal ecosystem where users can deploy their preferred access points, such as Ubiquiti UniFi units, and switches to create a robust home network tailored exactly to their needs rather than relying on an all-in-one box provided by the service provider.
Read the full video transcript
Hello everyone, welcome back to my
YouTube channel. This is Daniel Rossell.
It's been a while since I uploaded and
I'm going to start making videos again
soon. It's been a really busy at 12
months. Our son is almost 1 year old and
we also had an unexpected apartment
move. So while I'm in the process of
unboxing and setting up the home
network, I wanted to do a quick video
and explaining
the gear you need if you want to use
your own gateway with Bezeq or your own
gear with the Bezeq fiber connection.
If you order fiber optic internet with
Bezeq, you're going to get something in
the wall like this, an OPT. And you're
also going to get something very like
this, a a gateway. So they, you know,
change these out every 6 months or 1
year and they're pretty standard.
They're decent. But it's an it's an
all-in-one product. It has an access
point, a switch, and a modem to bridge
in the the fiber optic.
If you want to use your own gear, I use
Open Sense. This is a this is my
firewall appliance and I use a Ubiquiti
UniFi for a for it as an AP.
Then you can use this at the start of
your network. You can go from fiber
optic, try to emulate bridge mode on
this, and then build your network on the
back of it, but it's not a great
solution. You're going to get double
NAT.
The alternative is using something like
this, a fiber optic um modem. As in,
this doesn't do this isn't a router,
this isn't an AP. It literally is just
getting from the ISP point to your to
your local network, the demarcation.
There's a couple things to know about
this. Firstly, Bezeq have an approved
list. They'll only allow you to use
certain
devices. It has to be on their list. And
then they'll also ask you to provide the
serial number. You can buy one of these
from KSP or Max & Me Hashmal for about
250 shekels.
This one is the GF-25C.
Um and this is a 2.5G. They make one
that is 10G as well.
Um it's a very simple device.
You've got a PON passive optical network
in. You've got Ethernet out.
And
this will basically just do the
using PPPOE
in your own gear.
You can just effectively use it as a
modem. So, the protocol if you want to
do if you want to do your own network
with Bezeq bring your own gear.
The technician's going to connect your
fiber optic point here. You're going to
go into the go fiber
into the PON input.
If you're taking over a new apartment
like we're doing a rental, one good tip
I'd recommend is just you buy a fiber
optic cleaner
and give the end of the cable a quick
clean. They're very sensitive to even
tiny amounts of dust.
On the back of this, the output you've
got literally one LAN port.
So, one PON port in, one LAN port out.
And from LAN
now you're coming out to your own gear.
You can use a mini PC for Open Sense or
whatever router you prefer.
And then you can use your own access
points like this Ubiquiti.
Bring your own switch. It is basically
bring your own your own network. And
instead of
using this in bridge mode or trying to
get it to bridge mode, you can actually
use an a proper optic
fiber optic gateway.
It does work.
And Bezeq to their credit will actually
help you if there's any issues and give
you some
They'll take the serial number and then
once you're connected,
it's just your configuration on the LAN
side and Open Sense etc.
And then you're up and running. So, go
fiber 250 shekels approximately. There's
a 2.5 G model. The 10 G model is about
450 shekels.
But you get an actual fiber optic modem.
And that's how you can use your own gear
with a Bezeq fiber optic connection.