Hey Nerds (speaking directly and complimentary to jrref and ResQMe):
First, thank you both so much; it's very helpful
To supplement what you both stated, I spoke with a technician at Centrix today who confirmed I "have the latest" configuration with the fiber going directly into the kitchen. Since I haven't been down there, I haven't seen the Smart Panel in the garage yet - purposefully avoiding (my?) rather confusing acronym of Low Voltage Panel (or LVP) as I just had our floors replaced and couldn't for the life of me figure out what anyone would run Ethernet cables to the Luxury Vinyl Plank flooring. LMAO.
Anyway, he confirmed the device in the kitchen is both the gateway/router and ONT and I was able to get him to tell me the brand (Calix) as you mention. He also said it was a "U4," which I believe is the
Calix GigaSpire ug4 (check my photo against this box). The stated technical specifications on this device are:
The GigaSpire u4g system unites GPON ONT and residential gateway functionality into an integrated system helping you to expand and grow your residential and business Wi-Fi use cases.
Product Attributes​:
* Wi-Fi 6 - 2.4GHz (2x2), 5GHz (2x2)
* Integrated GPON
* GE WAN port
* 2 x GE LAN ports
* USB 2.0 (Type A)
* Managed by Calix Service Cloud
So here's my configuration which I assume is similar to that of other new home owners:
Single-Mode Fiber (SMF) enters the home into the Smart Panel in the garage, terminating in the
Hexatronic box providing Fiber to the Home (FTTH).
A Multimode Fiber (MMF) cable connects this box to the
Calix GigaSphere u4g located in the kitchen cabinet above the refrigerator.
An Ethernet cable should connect this box back to the Smart Panel and to where the 3 non-terminated Ethernet cables should be, one for each port in the "Smart Home Ready" locations (in mine/most cases: the lanai, the living room, and the master bedroom).
That's the basic setup. Most will want to add a switch - like the Netgear 1 GB 8-port (for $20 on Amazon - to "activate" these ports.
In addition, I plan on building out a Unifi network by:
(1) Upgrading my gateway to WiFi 7
(2) Running Ethernet to drops for POE cameras and a smart doorbell
(3) Adding a NAS so I don't have to pay a monthly subscription to Amazon (Ring) or anyone else
To do that, I'll need to respectively:
(1) Remote into my Centric and minimally turn off WiFi. The technician with whom I spoke today said they "can't" put it in bridge mode, but I really don't want a double-NAT'd system so any recommendations here would be helpful.
(2) Likely work with someone (Galaxy was recommended) to help with the Ethernet runs/drops to the other bedrooms, cameras, and doorbell.
(3) Setup a NAS (Synology) compliant with the Unifi network and cameras to ensure I can record everything...and use streaming media apps like Plex.
Sound correct?