Top products from r/Fios

There's another way you can go that's even better, but if you're just in an apartment it's not really necessary. If you move into a house later on, it's absolutely the best way to do things.

To understand this, you need to understand that what you think of as a "wireless router" is actually three devices combined into one: router, switch, and access point. The router moves data traffic back and forth between different networks, allows multiple devices to share the single IP address that your ISP gives you, blocks unwanted internet traffic from reaching your network, and assigns IP addresses to devices on your network. The switch is what gives you the four Ethernet ports on the back, it moves data around within a network by keeping track of what's connected to each port and only sending data it receives to the correct port. It's actually a six-port switch, the other two ports are internally connected to the router and access point. The access point is the part that does Wi-Fi, it's the "wireless" part of a "wireless router".

So, what you should do is pretty simple now that you know this. Instead of getting a "wireless router", you can get your router, switch, and access point separately. This has three big advantages. Each device can do its job better as it doesn't need to do two others as well, you can put them in different places that are ideal for the function of each device, and if you need to replace one of them, you can keep the others.

For example, this is a router. You'd connect its WAN port to the modem or ONT, and the LAN port to a switch, such as this. You'd connect any Ethernet devices to the switch as well. Lastly, you'd get an access point and connect it to a PoE port on the switch, which will allow the switch to power the AP through the Ethernet cable. This can be expanded as far as you need it. Need Ethernet ports elsewhere? Connect another switch to the first one. Need Wi-Fi there as well? Connect another AP to the second switch. You get the idea. The only downside to all this is that everything needs to be connected with Ethernet cables, so it's not really feasible for an apartment.

I have already suggested 3 options.

https://www.amazon.com/Ubiquiti-EdgeRouter-Advanced-Gigabit-Ethernet/dp/B00YFJT29C

https://www.amazon.com/Ubiquiti-EdgeMax-EdgeRouter-ERLite-3-Ethernet/dp/B00CPRVF5K

https://www.pfsense.org on an old Intel system

The first is cheap, has a switch and uses the least electricity, but is like 2% shy of giving you peak speeds under optimal conditions. People in /r/Ubiquiti can help with it.

The second lacks a switch, but will give you peak speeds under all conditions. Unless you get a separate switch, you would not have anymore wired ports and you will need to put the MoCA bridge and Unifi AC HD on separate subnets. That latter part could be a good thing for privacy if you configure the firewall correctly. People in /r/Ubiquiti can help with it.

The third is overwhelmingly superior to the other two and potentially cheaper upfront if you already have an old Intel system around the house. The electricity costs are the highest though. People in /r/pfsense can help with it.

Ubiquiti APs are only access points. This means they only broadcast a wireless signal. Your router (a G1100 I presume) will still do all the routing/dhcp/port forwarding/firewall/etc, but the UniFi handles the wireless broadcast.

I own a Unifi 802.11ac PRO, which I plug into my Ubiquiti 8 port switch, which then gets plugged into my Edgerouter-Lite. However, you are correct, you can simply plug it into a LAN port with any router you have, set up your UniFi access point, then turn off wireless broadcast at your G1100.

If you want access to the advanced control panel, then you have to install the UniFi control software on your PC (or raspberry pi, or basically any device on your network) and set up from there. If you don't have a whole ubiquiti setup for the entire chain, then getting the phone app and setting up basic functionality (AP names/passwords/etc) works just fine as well.

It's really easy, and honestly will just plug and play with your existing router. You'll just have to head in and set up your AP names and network passwords.

I speed test at my max (100/100) with an AC Pro, and generally have no problems pulling files from my local NAS at 400-500mbps over wireless.

Lots of people have been having great success with the UniFi-AC-HD which is a wave2 access point. It's very expensive, but if you have a wave2 card in your PCIe 1x slot, you can realistically pull somewhere in the 600-800mbps range over wireless with it.

Ubiquiti Edge Router X

It's not 'stupid-easy' to configure, but it has a wizard(update the firmware first, which is easy). There are a lot of videos on how to configure for a basic network. Also, it's $49(little higher now while stocks are low). Given how cheap it is, you can then get one of the Unifi Wifi APs for $81. Also easy to set up with a phone app.

Together, you have a pretty powerful combination, and when(not if) they upgrade the wifi standard, you only need to replace the AP, not the whole router. That router is rock solid and has never failed me.

https://www.amazon.com/Ubiquiti-EdgeRouter-Advanced-Gigabit-Ethernet/dp/B00YFJT29C

https://www.amazon.com/Ubiquiti-Unifi-Ap-AC-Lite-UAPACLITEUS/dp/B015PR20GY

Ah I see. The ONT is the box that they installed in my home, right? That's in my basement (I think), so does that mean I would need to hook up an ethernet cable from that to my router? There's an ethernet port on the same coax outlet where the coaxial cable that connects to my current rented verizon cable is. Could that possibly also be connected to the ONT too? I guess only way to find out is to try it right? xD

Also, if you don't mind me asking (sorry for all the questions), assuming I have that the ONT stuff all set, I currently have this TP-LINK router that I was recommended by a friend. Would it be better to get this adpater or would this cheaper one work just as fine?

so, easiest question first, where do the ethernet cables for the 2nd and 1st floor terminate? Is it back at the ONT like the 3rd floor one? if it is, then you could move the router next to the ont and then plug in ethernet runs for all 3 floors into the gateway, then you can just get wifi APs for each floor.

if you can't figure that out, the cheapest and IMO reliable option is to do MOCA over COAX. the gateway router already has MOCA active, so you would need moca adapters for the other floors (you can also use actiontec routers as cheap MOCA adapters) which would give you ethernet ports in those rooms.

something like this would also be an option to extend the network using coax. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00FKTMWDE?pldnSite=1

​

powerline adapters are super hit and miss. i tried that with in our apt, it was only 10 feet away, and it worked most of the time, but at certain times of the day the latency would go way up and make it unuseable. in the end i got a new WIFI router (AC1900 one), which let me do all wireless, but it sounds like you have a bigger house to deal with.

Do you already have FiOS service, or are you planning on ordering it?

If the ONT doesn't have an ethernet port then it sounds like it's a pretty old one. If you don't already have FiOS service then there's a good chance they'll upgrade the ONT when you call and order it. If they do that then the new ONT would likely have an ethernet port that they can provision for you.

If you're stuck with that ONT then one solution would be to purchase a MoCA bridge which would provide you with an ethernet port. Then you could use whatever router you want.

https://www.amazon.com/Ubiquiti-Unifi-Security-Gateway-USG/dp/B00LV8YZLK/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1511814229&sr=8-2&keywords=Unifi+Security+Gateway

https://www.amazon.com/Actiontec-Bonded-Ethernet-Adapter-ECB6200S02/dp/B013J7OBUU/ref=sr_1_2?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1511814273&sr=1-2&keywords=moca+bridge

https://www.amazon.com/Ubiquiti-UAP-AC-HD-Unifi-Access-Point/dp/B01N15FSAG/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1511814368&sr=1-1&keywords=unifi+ac+hd

I like the sound of the USG one. Is this essentially all I need to get it set up? The MoCA 2.0 Bridge, USG, and the UniFi AC HD. And the software which I'm assuming is a free download. What is a switch and do I need one of those as well? And do the Verizon agents that come and set up everything work with these as well? I would assume not..

People are going to laugh at you for asking, but this isn’t a dumb question. It’s a reasonable issue. Here is the real answer:

It’s not toslink, but it’s close.

Assuming you are able to reach the actual fiber connector, you will need a SC-APC single mode fiber and coupler.

I would recommend waiting until they finish the install and you can verify you can access the fiber connector. You said you can see the jack, so it is possible that you are looking at an SC fiber port already? I would need a photo to verify for you.

I’ve done the heavy lifting for you:
https://www.amazon.com/Fiber-Optic-Adapter-Single-Simplex/dp/B00THNIEV8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1500072067&sr=8-1&keywords=sc+apc+coupler

https://www.amazon.com/15M-Singlemode-Simplex-Fiber-Optic/dp/B0084V9A26/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1500071945&sr=8-7&keywords=Sc+fiber+15M

The fiber is not particularly strong, so it will need protected if it’s going to get chewed on or bent somehow. That said it is cheap enough that you can probably just risk it. The couplers are only sold in 5 packs due to how cheap they are.

Again, I would wait until the install is complete. Moving the ONT isn’t usually needed, as they can either do coax or ethernet cable out of it. But if you want that box moved, the solution I gave you will work.

> it's because we had an outdated router

Verizon agent is bullshitting you

Do you configure the extender and connected to the LAN port on your router? Also, what is the reason you got this extender for? Extenders are pretty much garbage. If you are trying to fix a wifi coverage issue you should look into getting an access point rather than extender. The extender will likely just provide you with half the bandwidth it gets. An access point like Ubiquiti AC Lite will provide better coverage without the sacrifice of speed or bandwidth

Here

and here

I have the second one, installed first one for a friend. Both work great even with Gigabit internet.

I purchased a MOCA Extender and it seems to work pretty well. It has ethernet ports as well. If you have the 100/100 plan it should be fine.

Thank you for all the information! So a router like this Nighthawk X6, with speeds of up to 3.2Gbps, would certainly be enough to reach gigabit speeds over wifi, right?

I've seen screenshots of multiple people getting gigabit speeds over wifi so I definitely​ know it can be done.

To follow-up I ordered an Actiontec MOCA (ECB6200S02) adapter and an Orbi RBK50 mesh system.

​

My goal was to have the Orbi router in my office so it could cover that half of the house and then I'd put the satellite (with Ethernet backhaul) upstairs on the opposite side of the house to cover that side. My wiring cabinet is in the unfinished basement so putting the router down there is less than ideal.

I have two network drops in my office, let's call them "NA" and "NB". Down in the wiring cabinet I plugged the "NA" wire directly into the ONT's Ethernet port. Up in the office I connected the Orbi router's WAN port into that "NA" drop. Then I connect one of the switch ports on the Orbi router to connect into the "NB" drop, then down in the wiring cabinet put that "NB" wire into a 16-port unmanaged switch. Then all the other network cables for all the other rooms in the wiring cabinet would also go into that switch. This way everything that's wired would be behind the Orbi router.

In theory it makes sense (to me) and it should work but when I tried that the Orbi app said it didn't have a network cable connection.

(And before anyone asks - yes, both "NA" and "NB" drops in my office work. Up to this point I've had my Synology NAS on "NA" and a switch on "NB" for my computer and our network printer.)

​

To get it up and running I ended up just putting the Orbi router in the basement and connecting the WAN port directly into the ONT. The setup detected a network cable connection and completed.

Within 20 minutes of having the Orbi setup and configured the router lost its internet connection twice. Once it fixed on its own after a few minutes and the second time I had to completely reboot the router. So this thing appears to be a piece of junk. From what I read online not all versions of the Orbi firmware support Ethernet backhaul and the latest firmware (v2.2.1.210) is completely broken and has been for months with no updates. So I manually updated the router to v2.1.4.16 (per this thread). That update went fine, then I updated the satellite and it the update never completed. Then the router lost its internet connection. At this point I just pulled it all out and went back to the FiOS router.

I guess I'm going to give the Orbi stuff another shot this weekend but I don't have high hopes.

The MOCA adapter seemed to do it's job just fine. When I had it connected my Guide, DVR and onDemand was all working on my STB. So at least there's that...

Any other recommendations for a mesh system? I have a 3000sqft house (with a 1500sqft unfinished basement) and I just need good WiFi on the main floor and for the upstairs bedrooms. I also really want Ethernet backhaul since I have a network drop in every room.

As much as I'd love to have Ubiquiti I didn't have the foresight to have the builder put network drops in the ceiling everywhere so without running a bunch of cables and cutting a bunch of holes in my brand new house that leaves me with their in-wall units and I'd need one in just about every room so that gets pricey quick...

Google WiFi seems to be decent and the price is right but I've read it drops connections a lot and just isn't that fast overall. It's cheap enough I can always just throw another puck in a room when I need more coverage.

Eero is rather expensive, I'm looking at $500 for their "pro" system.

Suggestions?

• 1.The wifi on the MI424WR is garbage. The Quantum gateway is better.
  
• 2. You can add wireless access points that have much better broadcast range. I added two of these at my parents house. I have one in my apartment.
     
     
     Edit: Also check out this.

Based on some DSLReports users giving me some advice - it looks like I may have FiOS run ethernet only to the primary router (it's most important that one receive the gigabit service. And use these https://www.amazon.com/dp/B013J7O3X0?ref=emc_b_5_t at the existing coaxial drops for the other routers - those are not as important to get the full gigabit.

Start here: http://www.dslreports.com/faq/verizonfios/3.1_Actiontec

Short answer, everything will work except for remote access to DVR and on-screen caller ID. You can also completely eliminate the Actiontec router by replacing it with a MoCa bridge, which requires zero additional configuration (STBs get DHCP straight from your router).

Couple things to keep in mind. You'll need to call Verizon to release the DHCP bindings, so your router can register it's MAC address, in place of the Actiontec's. You may also have issues when Verizon needs to push firmware updates to the STBs (every 2-3 years in my experience), for reasons similar to why the remote DVR access doesn't work without the Actiontec being up front (the Actiontec router having a direct connection allows unsolicited remote access to the STBs from the Verizon side ...and we're breaking that).

Keeping that in mind, if your channel guide and DVR stops working all of a sudden, you probably have old firmware. If reboots don't fix the issue, you'll need to put the ActionTec router up front again and start rebooting things till firmware downloads and everything starts working again. As before, you'll likely need to call Verizon to release DHCP. Have them force updates to the STBs while you've got them on the line. Don't forget to have them release DHCP again after everything is working so you can put your router back. FYI: Verizon will not troubleshoot or help you fix anything without the ActionTec router being up front. It's their only supported configuration. So put things back to the way they want it before you call them.

Crap, sorry. Forgot I had a security gateway in between. But yes, that's it. ONT -> Security Gateway -> Switch

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00LV8YZLK/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I personally use the Netgear NightHawk x6 R7900. Comes with standard 2.4 and (2) 5Ghz channels. Just saw on amazon the new model going right now for the same price as the one I bought last year. Here is the link check it out:

https://www.amazon.com/R8000-100NAS-Nighthawk-Tri-Band-Ethernet-Compatible/dp/B00KWHMR6G/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=nighthawk+x6&qid=1574745932&sr=8-3

IMO: It's better to use your own router than pay for theirs renting it out, when in the long run for one year renting theirs you pay $120, when you can cough up a little more and have your own and use it almost in any type of internet service.

Something like this?
https://www.amazon.com/MOTOROLA-Adapter-Ethernet-Bonded-MM1000/dp/B077Y3SQXR/ref=pd_sbs_147_t_2/137-9583813-0541742?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B077Y3SQXR&pd_rd_r=186251fd-8c7e-4fec-8d13-4deee0d4a16c&pd_rd_w=cMHYz&pd_rd_wg=6JFWK&pf_rd_p=5cfcfe89-300f-47d2-b1ad-a4e27203a02a&pf_rd_r=FYVN9TXKYMPJW8FXQ7FG&psc=1&refRID=FYVN9TXKYMPJW8FXQ7FG

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B013J7OBUU works just fine as well.

I don't have gigabit since its not available in my area.

But this is probably good in your budget.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B015PRO512/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_K.vwzbRZ8MV7C

Remember this is an access point not a router. So you still need a router to use. You can buy a router to use with this for like $50. But i use the fios router as a router.

There are plenty online and videos to watch, you could even run the cable outside your house and then back in, there is also a device that turns coax cables into Ethernet via and adapter! Supports 1Gigabit too, here is the link: Actiontec Bonded MoCA 2.0 Ethernet to Coax Adapter, 2 Pack (ECB6200K02) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B013J7O3X0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_McuGzbZ1TSNMX

I have this: https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B013J7O3X0/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

It lists that it would support up to 1Gbps. Whether or not that is theoretical I would not know until I hook it up. My question was more geared towards whether or not I can even get MOCA in a set up without TV service.

So, if I buy a MoCA bridge like this, I could just unhook my MI424WR for two hours to release DHCP and then plug the bridge in and run it into my own router?

it's not $50 a month for the extender but even cheaper, and fine if you're getting 50 mbps is the old model.

you have to connect it with coax. it's $14.90 https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00FKTMWDE

The part number on the box I got on Wednesday from this link Actiontec Single Dual-Band Wireless Network Extender and Ethernet Over Coax Adapter (WCB3000N) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FKTMWDE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_0Ak-BbV4SJBB5 ends in TWC. This is also discussed on the dslreports forum. It still works fine, just didn’t autoconfig.

This works well. Full gig speeds. MOTOROLA MOCA Adapter for Ethernet Over Coax, 1,000 Mbps Bonded 2.0 MoCA (Model MM1000) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077Y3SQXR/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_i_OuuADbATVN0V0

Is there an Ethernet near-by? If you are talking about using the coax connection on the back of the FIOS router, for gigabit internet you cannot.

If you can't run Ethernet look into getting a pair of these to extend your network over your existing coax cabling.

You can get a set of these:

Actiontec Bonded MoCA 2.0 Ethernet to Coax Adapter, 2 Pack (ECB6200K02) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B013J7O3X0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_q8vGzb3CVRJ9Y

Moca is capable of gigabit (or nearly). Verizon is trying to cut install costs with the gigabit upgrade, so you have to use Ethernet or your own hardware.

The one I am using was given to me, isn't gigabit but I do not think it would need to be for providing what I assume to be small amounts of data for this. Guide and on demand work flawlessly. It's an Actiontec ECB2500C. You would only need to utilize the coax in and then connect the Ethernet directly to router.

Actiontec Ethernet to Coax Adapter for Homes with Cable TV Service (ECB2500C) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B008C1JC4O/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_Sz3hAbNY8JS4Y

I believe you need something more like this.. https://www.amazon.com/Actiontec-Bonded-Ethernet-Adapter-ECB6200K02/dp/B013J7O3X0

The thing you listed would let you extend your network using coax, instead of running network cable.

Edit.. pasted the wrong link first.. fixed now.

Similar situation - but if I already have a spare WiFi access point, could I use a MoCA/ethernet bridge with my spare access point plugged in? There would be a Quantum router plugged in to the ONT elsewhere in the house.

Was thinking this bridge: https://www.amazon.com/Actiontec-Ethernet-Adapter-Service-ECB2500C/dp/B008C1JC4O/ref=dp_ob_title_ce

If I wire with ethernet from Ont, can the actiontec extender WCB3000N convert ethernet to coax so fios tv works properly? Will this ethernet going to the tv need to come from router or from Ont?

I haven’t used it, but this should work. Actiontec Single Dual-Band Wireless Network Extender and Ethernet Over Coax Adapter (WCB3000N) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FKTMWDE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_.WSdBbVR89Z51

You could get a coax bridge.

You mean I could buy this here, plug the coax cable from the wall and then connect the via ethernet cable that thing with my router?

https://www.amazon.com/Actiontec-Bonded-Ethernet-Adapter-ECB6200S02/dp/B013J7OBUU?ref_=pe_623860_70668670

Wired: Screenshot 1

Wireless: Screenshot 2

pFsense Router: Firewall Router

Patch Panel: [TRENDnet 24 Port] (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0000AZK72/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o09_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1)

Network Switch NETGEAR GS324 24-Port

Wireless Router: Netgear Orbi

Currently my set up is the following:


ONT -> Netgear R7000 (Through the ONT ethernet) -> Motorola MM1000 MoCA Adapter https://www.amazon.com/Motorola-Adapter-Ethernet-Bonded-MM1000/dp/B077Y3SQXR (the MoCA adapter is also connected to the coaxial on the wall that is connected to the ONT coaxial). -> Verizon VMS 1100 Quantum STB

If I'm understanding what you are saying correctly the STB shouldn't be connected to the MoCA adapter directly? Currently I have it set up to the device output of the MoCA adapter.

​

I bought this one amazon

https://www.amazon.com/TP-Link-AC1750-Smart-WiFi-Router/dp/B079JD7F7G

I have 200/200 and I'm getting 300/300 oddly enough when I test so it should work out for you.

I used an IR Receiver. One end gets plugged into the cable box, and the sensor goes above the tv. However, I needed an extender cause I am going about 25 feet. It technically is a straight line HDMI run from a utility closet to the TV. How come you don’t recommend running HDMI in the walls?

In the future with a gaming system I figure the kids will be older and I can just mount a shelf to the wall. Now would be a disaster.

Here is the link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002JSDHCY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_ESo2AbCTHGG7B