Huawei Openreach ONT Serial Help

Good evening all,

First-time poster to the forum, so please be gentle!

I’ve recently purchased a property that has an Openreach ONT. I’m currently in the process of signing up with IDNet, who have requested a copy of my ONT serial number. I’ve taken a picture of the sticker on the box, but I’m unsure which reference on the sticker relates to the serial number.

From reviewing the sticker, I can see a date, an ID reference, and a 20-digit alphanumeric code. I’m presuming it’s the 20-digit code although there is no serial number reference, but I thought it best to double-check before submitting it to IDNet and potentially providing the wrong information.

A copy of the sticker can be seen here

Any help or advice you can provide would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance,

Dark

does it look anything like this

https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/vKoAAOSwEHlnUw-C/s-l1...

p.s sorry ebay!

Hi,

Thank you for your swift reply!

Yes, that's the ONT! A Huawei Openreach ABT2111 ONT.

Thanks.

Dark

ABT2111 is not the ONT its just an outer case, you need to open it up and you will see the ONT inside it.

The ONT itself has a sticker on with a barcode, see the image in https://www.reddit.com/r/openreach/comments/1c6wzk2/...

In reply to a post by PCJM40:

ABT2111 is not the ONT its just an outer case, you need to open it up and you will see the ONT inside it.

OP has just taken over the house ... It is not unknown for the previous owners to walk away with the ONT ...

In reply to a post by DFScale:

OP has just taken over the house ... It is not unknown for the previous owners to walk away with the ONT ...

Very possible but lets not jump to that conclusion straight away

In reply to a post by PCJM40:

Very possible but lets not jump to that conclusion straight away

??? Nobody is jumping to a conclusion. FGS should we avoid raising possibilities in case someone jumps to a conclusion?

In reply to a post by DarkByD3sign:

Good evening all,

First-time poster to the forum, so please be gentle!

I’ve recently purchased a property that has an Openreach ONT. I’m currently in the process of signing up with IDNet, who have requested a copy of my ONT serial number. I’ve taken a picture of the sticker on the box, but I’m unsure which reference on the sticker relates to the serial number.

From reviewing the sticker, I can see a date, an ID reference, and a 20-digit alphanumeric code. I’m presuming it’s the 20-digit code although there is no serial number reference, but I thought it best to double-check before submitting it to IDNet and potentially providing the wrong information.

A copy of the sticker can be seen here

Any help or advice you can provide would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance,

Dark

As others have said, the 20-digit code you have taken down is just from the outer enclosure, which is used in some installations, typically new builds.

The serial number of the ONT should be visible in the transparent window on the front of that ATB2111 enclosure, where the LED lights are...

It will be a label with a barcode that says SN: 48575443xxxxxxxx (if it's a Huawei ONT) - take the full 16 characters and give that to the ISP.

If you can't see another box inside the enclosure, through that window, the someone has unfortunately removed it. So you will need to tell your ISP so that they can get Openreach to come and install a new one.

One thing that occurred to me and I forgot to mention, is that the original Huawei ONT may have been swapped out. Typically with a Nokia or perhaps an Adtran ONT.

If it's been swapped with a Nokia, then the serial number of the ONT won't be visible in the transparent window of the outer casing. This is because the serial number label of those ONT's is labelled down towards the middle of the front of the case.

So to see the serial number of a Nokia ONT inside one of these cases. You would need to:
1. Swing open the left door as you did initially.
2. Locate the screw towards the middle and bottom of the unit. Undo the screw
3. Push the tab that holds the screw slightly to towards the outside of the case, to disengage the locking tabs along the bottom edge and swing open the door that covers the ONT.

If it's a Nokia ONT the serial number will be on a label above a barcode, and take the form, SN: ALCLxxxxxxxx - it's only 12 characters long.

If it so happens that an Adtran ONT is in there then the serial number/barcode should be visible in the transparent window of the outer casing. It would take the form SN: ADTNxxxxxxxx - again 12 characters long.

Good luck 🍀

I have a Nokia in one of those boxes. The Openreach guy applied an ONT id sticker to the outside of the box, so presumably they are supplied with spare stickers. Although obviously that did not happen in OP's case.

In reply to a post by DFScale:

I have a Nokia in one of those boxes. The Openreach guy applied an ONT id sticker to the outside of the box, so presumably they are supplied with spare stickers. Although obviously that did not happen in OP's case.

Correct , the ONT comes with a set of serial number stickers , often one is attached to the outside of ONT enclosure , in fact the authentication process involves scanning the SN , using the company Iphone each tech has ( with the appropriate application ) so a copy of SN on the exterior of the case makes this ‘scan and go’ process easier, some techs even place a copy of the serial number inside the external CSP , that way , provided the ONT is powered , no further access inside the house is required to authenticate ……it shouldn’t be necessary to quote the SN of the ONT to an ISP thats already accepted onto the PON ( so the PON light is already lit ) although admittedly it can be useful to the provider to know the serial number if matching the address to a service is problematic

Edited by Iniltous (Sun 19-Jan-25 10:14:37)

I think the OPs ISP, does (or at east used to) make a habit of asking for the ONT serial number. Just the way they roll.

Hopefully they can find the label. Should be on the front and back of the ONT as noted as that’s how they come out of the box - without further labels being applied by the engineer, and considering no one has taken it off the outside case in the meantime…or simply taken the whole ONT…

In reply to a post by DFScale:

I have a Nokia in one of those boxes. The Openreach guy applied an ONT id sticker to the outside of the box, so presumably they are supplied with spare stickers. Although obviously that did not happen in OP's case.

I’m on to my third ONT. Two generations of Huawei (the original 1+1 went faulty after a lightning inspired surge) and latterly a Nokia with 2.5G port after we moved service to EE’s 1.6G tier.

Although all my Openreach attending engineers have been super helpful they have never affixed the spare stickers on the outside enclosure (mines still an old pre 2019 BBU type). Not once, not ever. They do scan it as @Initous has said for activation, but then tuck it back inside.

Just saying.

In reply to a post by DFScale:

??? Nobody is jumping to a conclusion. FGS should we avoid raising possibilities in case someone jumps to a conclusion?

Sorry, just didn't want to bombard/overwhelm the OP with too much information.

In reply to a post by PCJM40:

In reply to a post by DFScale:

??? Nobody is jumping to a conclusion. FGS should we avoid raising possibilities in case someone jumps to a conclusion?

Sorry, just didn't want to bombard/overwhelm the OP with too much information.

Many thanks to everyone for their extremely helpful advice.

So earlier today I had a look and could not find the serial number anywhere, there was what appeared to be a marking of what looked like where a previous sticker had been.

I've emailed both the house builder as the house is only a few months old, to see if they have kept records as well as Openreach in the hope that they can help too. Everything else looks to be intact. The previous owner had used Virgin Media sadly so didn't have any of their own records. It's no big deal I'll just use my 5G connection until I can get sorted.

Out of curiosity, does anyone know how long on average it would take for IDNet (my ISP of choice) to get my connection setup once I can provide the ONT Serial? As I understand it, they will just supply internet via the existing Port 1 on my ONT?

As always, any help would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks again.

Dark

Around 10 days from order. Give or take.

In reply to a post by DarkByD3sign:

I've emailed both the house builder as the house is only a few months old, to see if they have kept records as well as Openreach in the hope that they can help too. Everything else looks to be intact. The previous owner had used Virgin Media sadly so didn't have any of their own records. It's no big deal I'll just use my 5G connection until I can get sorted.

If there’s an actual ONT inside that enclosure, then you’d be able to see it. I have my doubts as to whether it was ever installed. You can easily check if it was using your address in the BT Wholesale Checker. At the bottom of the table, it will say “ONT exists…” if there actually is one there according to Openreach records.

Perhaps take a wider photo (similar to what you did earlier), with the left cover opened…

If there is an ONT is in there, will be labeled on the front - failing that it will definitely have a silver and black factory label on the rear. Just slide it towards the right to unlock it from the fixings inside the enclosure and carefully turn it around.

I’m probably not telling any tales out of school.

But once upon a time, with IDNet, you could actually see, in public view, the ONT serial numbers associated with a premises address when you were purportedly about to place an FTTP broadband service order.

I think someone must have altered them to the glaring GDPR / security implication and they subsequently got rid of it in their public ordering portal, a while back.

Shame. It came in handy for legitimate uses.

You shouldn’t need the serial number , most ISP won’t even ask …if the PON light is lit and steady green on the ONT , then you only need the postal address , the ONT has already been authenticated by the tech who fitted the ONT before you moved in …FWIW , the rear of the ONT has the factory label with the serial number on it , along with other details , which means removing it carefully from the plastic cover that fits over the electric patress box but it should be there
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/326394479204?_skw=bt+open...

In this case it’s at the bottom, beginning ALC

Edited by Iniltous (Sun 19-Jan-25 22:04:44)

In reply to a post by Iniltous:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/326394479204

Its ridiculous how many Openreach owned ONTs are being sold on there.

My understanding is that OP has chosen to use IDNet for broadband and their process is to request the serial number of the ONT. That’s just the way they roll. It’s been that way for ages.

Unless the OP can show a panned out photo of that enclosure, then I’m beginning to suspect the ONT was removed at some point. Given this is a fresh new build and knowing how things can simply up and vanish on building sites, it wouldn’t shock me if some scrote lifted the ONT and put in on eBay…

In reply to a post by Pheasant:

Given this is a fresh new build and knowing how things can simply up and vanish on building sites, it wouldn’t shock me if some scrote lifted the ONT and put in on eBay…

Please, nobody jump to conclusions while I express some wondering.

Previous owner used Virgin. So the property may never have had an Openreach ISP. If you look at the Openrach process for new builds, it is to supply an ONT and a covering box plus the fibre from the ONT to the CSP for the builder's electrician [or kitchen fitter?] to install.

So is there a CSP and is there fibre into it from the house and the street? Definitely needs checking on the BT Broadband checker, even if there is an actual ONT. This job might be an install rather than a takeover of service.

Edited by DFScale (Mon 20-Jan-25 00:16:03)

In reply to a post by Pheasant:

Unless the OP can show a panned out photo of that enclosure, then I’m beginning to suspect the ONT was removed at some point. Given this is a fresh new build and knowing how things can simply up and vanish on building sites, it wouldn’t shock me if some scrote lifted the ONT and put in on eBay…

yeah it would be nice to see a photo of it.. We don't know if theres any cable damage either. I just hope Darkbydesign doesn't have anymore issues with this - its quite sad that somebody may have nicked it for £20 on ebay

In reply to a post by Pheasant:

My understanding is that OP has chosen to use IDNet for broadband and their process is to request the serial number of the ONT. That’s just the way they roll. It’s been that way for ages.

And the solution is to contact IDNet and explain the situation. They can raise an order manually if necessary. The serial number check is just to prevent accidental slamming.

Send them a photo of the contents of the ONT enclosure and its contents. It might be either:

1. There's a working ONT, but the serial number is missing or obscured
2. There's a faulty ONT, or an ONT which has never been registered
3. The enclosure is empty

Either way, IDNet will be able to resolve this, sending out an OR engineer if required.

Yeah hopefully the OP is having normal dialogue with IDNet. None of this is a showstopper. ONTs go missing all the time, or can’t be found, identified etc.

It’s all perfectly soluble with minimal hassle to the customer. Or should be.

In reply to a post by candlerb:

In reply to a post by Pheasant:

My understanding is that OP has chosen to use IDNet for broadband and their process is to request the serial number of the ONT. That’s just the way they roll. It’s been that way for ages.

And the solution is to contact IDNet and explain the situation. They can raise an order manually if necessary. The serial number check is just to prevent accidental slamming.

Send them a photo of the contents of the ONT enclosure and its contents. It might be either:

1. There's a working ONT, but the serial number is missing or obscured
2. There's a faulty ONT, or an ONT which has never been registered
3. The enclosure is empty

Either way, IDNet will be able to resolve this, sending out an OR engineer if required.

very true and spot on again Candlerb 👍🏽..

I'm suspecting 3 atm ...... simply because he got the codes from the back of the enclosure!

In reply to a post by Taras:

I'm suspecting 3 atm ...... simply because he got the codes from the back of the enclosure!

Inside / underside of the left door, but your point & @candlerb remains. Quite probably empty, and Openreach will attend as required. No big deal.

In reply to a post by Pheasant:

In reply to a post by Taras:

I'm suspecting 3 atm ...... simply because he got the codes from the back of the enclosure!

Inside / underside of the left door, but your point & @candlerb remains. Quite probably empty, and Openreach will attend as required. No big deal.

tbf i've not seen the inside of it, assumed it was on the back (logical cockup by me)

In reply to a post by DFScale:

Please, nobody jump to conclusions while I express some wondering.

Give it a break, I said sorry and explained my reasons, seems you really like over playing the victim card.

In reply to a post by PCJM40:

In reply to a post by DFScale:

Please, nobody jump to conclusions while I express some wondering.

Give it a break, I said sorry and explained my reasons, seems you really like over playing the victim card.

I was very wary of presenting an even more extreme scenario and being thought to do it as a windup.

If it’s a newsite property that’s never used the Openreach FTTP connection preferring until now to use Virgin , then IMHO it’s not likely that the ONT cover was fitted , by Openreach themselves or the developer using DSE ( developer self install , where the site sparky fits the ONT and OR pay the developer an extra £35 to do this ) but not the ONT as well , it’s possible someone went into the enclosure and removed the ONT , although that also seems unlikely, why leave the ONT enclosure in place but remove the ONT from within, however unplugging the ONT from the mains and throwing the power supply unit in the bin is certainly possible, if the previous occupant decided that they will never use OR , and didnt want a power outlet made unusable because the ONT PSU was connected , until the OP confirms if the ONT is present or not this is all conjecture…if the ONT is present and the ISP requires the serial number , even if the ‘sticker’ is missing on the ONT cover or the front of the ONT , the factory fitted label should still show the SN on the rear of the ONT , and as stated , if the ONT is missing then the ISP will need to arrange a new installation so a new ONT is provided and authenticated , rather than a takeover of a live but dormant service …

Edited by Iniltous (Mon 20-Jan-25 10:59:40)

In reply to a post by DFScale:

Out of curiosity, does anyone know how long on average it would take for IDNet (my ISP of choice) to get my connection setup once I can provide the ONT Serial? As I understand it, they will just supply internet via the existing Port 1 on my ONT?

As always, any help would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks again.

Dark

In my case around 12 hours, but that's because I waived my rights to cancel and ordered the service after the ONT was lit preemptively by the openreach team
At wholesale level I know BTW allow a 1 day turnaround on FTTP but the process is slowed down due to consumer rights to stop people canceling within the first two weeks.

Once again thank you to everyone for your kind replies.

Sadly, I'm unable to check the ONT until Friday as I'm currently away on a business trip but will check on Friday and let you all know what I find. I'll grab some photos too.

Following the forums advice I did a BT wholesale check and had the following results sent back to me, I believe they look positive but truth be told I don't really know what I'm looking at. I've uploaded a screenshot of the image which can be found here

If it is the case that when I return to the house on Friday that there isn't a sticker, then it's my intention to go to IDNet's support team and advise the situation and ask if they can do a bit of the homework for me in terms of trying to identify the ONT Serial.

Thanks once again.

In theory its saying the ont is there. but until you look properly its anyone's guess

Ah, that clears up a lot. It looks like the property has had Openreach FTTP, so we are expecting that the ONT and its power supply remain.

Thanks for the update.

Yes the second line below the table is the key here:

“ONT exists with no active service. A spare port is available. A new ONT may be ordered.”

Effectively there was at one time an ONT installed. However it may not be there any longer, so when you’re back home grab a photo and post it - lift up the lid of the outer case again if possible.

Safe travels.

HI all,

So a bit of an update, I've found the serial number! There was an outline where a sticker had been, however when I opened the casing and looked a top of the ONT the sticker was there.

Sadly I didn't have my phone with me at the time to take pictures.

Reviewing the lights on the router PORT was dark, LOS was dark, PON was green and Power was green. I'm assuming this is good?!?

I've submitted my serial to IDNet so hopefully I should be up and running fairly soon.

Thanks again to everyone who has contributed!

Yes, no LOS (Loss Of Signal) is good. The solid green PON (Passive Optical Network) indicates the ONT is connected to the Openreach equipment at the exchange and successfully registered.

Once you connect a router to the RJ45 socket on the ONT the PORT indicator should be solid green, and blink when data is being exchanged.

That’s a good result. Sometimes you need to delve a little deeper. Anyhow sounds like it’s all ready to go for the new service. 🤞👍

That sounds really good, thanks for coming back and letting us know as not everyone does and we are then left hanging wondering what happened.

As others have said, thanks for coming back to tell us what was inside the box!