[csdvrx]

AT&T has replaced the ONT+gateway (communicating over RJ45) by a SFP directly integrated in the gateway. According to some people I've talked to, they are no longer issuing the old hardware, and instead deploying exclusively this. It may make sense, as upgrading would just require swapping the SFP.

I wonder how hard it would be to connect the Nokia 3fe4960ac SFP to a linux server and initiate a DHCP on their 802.11q vlan, or PPPoE, or whatever else they may use?

[smashed]

I am not with at&t but with a very large Canadian provider that provides the same setup (Bell).

Yes, you can do just that. You can also use a commercial firewall with an sfp port.

SFP ports can be a little troublesome. There are a few standards (SFP/SFP+) and different link speeds.

The you need to know your ISP's specific info to configure your hardware. Bell uses pppoe on VLAN 35. You need your username/password for pppoe, which is not a given since the technician will usually do the initial config for you.

Another option is to use a media converter. They are very cheap and "dumb" devices, that simply converts the fiber to copper ethernet. You then connect using just about any router that supports vlans and pppoe.

If you also get bundled TV or Phone subscription on your fiber link, these will be on another VLAN and connection is much more obscure. Usually the logic is embedded in the all-in-one router they provide.