[bombcar]

I think a CPE could (be/include) a router, but usually it refers to the demarc between the provider's network and the customer's (no matter who owns/manages it).

For a Linux box to be a true CPE you'd likely need somewhat of a specialized card, one that can communicate directly to the next device up the line (e.g, take commercial fiber or cable in, ISDN modem, etc).

If it just shoots out ethernet into some other box next to it, it's likely not a CPE.

[Hikikomori]

Plenty of isps that provide internet over regular ethernet. But it's a ye olde telecom provider term that referred to the phone, that you also didnt own yourself. Doesn't always apply cleanly these days.

[bombcar]

Usually it's "something else" that turns into RJ45 (as ethernet has a maximum length) - now if you're in a datacenter you likely can get raw RJ45 Internet).

[Hikikomori]

Fiber uses ethernet as well. Though ethernet fiber to the building and rj45 inside is common too.

[BenjiWiebe]

Yes, but then you'd need a "somewhat specialized card" to turn a Linux computer into a "CPE" - a fiber transceiver.

[Hikikomori]

And what if you just have rj45? Is a ethernet card also special? Transceivers aren't particularly special or hard to get either. Point is that's not what makes it a CPE, ownership does.

It's an old term used by telecom to refer to the phone they owned that's in the customers home. It has been used after by internet providers if they put a device in your home. If it's your own device it's not a CPE as seen from the isp perspective.

[BenjiWiebe]

Really? They have buried Cat5/6 cable speaking Ethernet coming onto your property?

I've never heard of that before. How does that work? Your ISP would always have to have some infrastructure within 100 meters of your router then.

[dekhn]

In my case I have AT&T Fiber that IIUC carries ethernet frames encoded optically.

[BenjiWiebe]

But then you'd need the "somewhat specialized card" to turn a Linux box into a "CPE" - a fiber transceiver.

[Hikikomori]

No. But fiber to the building and rj45 inside is common here. Or fiber to each apartment. All regular ethernet.