Currently where I live, on Comcast provides the high speed internet. Other wise I could get DSL. So I have little experience in the Fios world or the alike.

It seems to me that the Fios "modem" is actually a router. But a router with coax connection. However, I am also seeing people having an ethernet connection to this device. Thus they are able to use their own router with out having to rent one with a coax.

First, are there routers with a coax connection? Preferably one that isn't one used by Verizon as a whole. Because I don't want them to push a firmware that blankets the entire neighborhood and all of my settings get changed. (Seen this happened on an other service.)

Secondly I would prefer to use my own router. Either have it directly attached to the Ethernet cable. Or some how switch it from coax to ethernet for my router.

For those who have an Ethernet connection, how is that changed over from coax to ethernet? It has to be done in the house, right?

Any information on me being able to use my own devices with out having to rent one would be helpful please. I'm just looking at my options before moving to a Verizon Fios area. Even though Comcast is in the area as well. Haven't even looked at prices yet.

KOT

Do you plan to use the FIOS CATV connection? If so, the easy path is to use their router to deal with their cable boxes (over coax).

I'm not keen on the FIOS router. There are several ways of neutralizing or bypassing their router. First, you could attach your own router to a DMZ port on the Verizon router. Second, you can attach your router to the network port on the ONT (Optical Network Terminal) and attach the FIOS router's WAN connection to a port on your router. Or, if you are not using the CATV, skip the FIOS router altogether. By the way, you don't need the FIOS router if you are using TIVO. (make sure to ask the installer to bring a cable card)

In difficult existing wiring situations you can locate the FIOS router at any coax connection -- eliminating the need to run CAT-5 to the ONT.

If you are connecting directly to the ONT, you'll need to have FIOS configure the ONT for this. In my experience some agents are grumpy about this. If this is your experience, call in again. Lately, the Verizon installers have been willing and able to do this on the spot.

I spent a good deal of time trying the various configurations "documented" out on the Internet for using a different router.

The simplest approach that kept all of the "normal" FIOS TV features working was to connect a router to a DMZ port.

Every other approach seemed to have issues of one sort or another.

Frederick

one further thing if you are at a pre-wire or planning stage. In my area in NY I have encountered that to have the highest speed internet they offer you will need a coax and a cat V wire to run from the router to the demarc point where the fios panel is located

for internet only applications you can use the ONT (optical network terminal) and run a CatX from the ONT to your router of choice.

if you are going to get TV from fios too then you must get their router. The coax port not only can be used for internet (up to 50mbps) but it also creates the MoCa network for the cable boxes to communicate. If your package has anything higher then 50MBPS then you must have a CATx run from your ONT to your verizon branded router. you also must have a Coax Connection to create the MoCa network for the boxes.

If you want to use your own router with the verizon branded router (only required if you have TV) then the most reliable way is to set the router up in DMZ...be aware though that when the router updates from fios it will revert back to default non DMZ settings.

there is an unofficial way of using your own router without their router but you will need to add a moca adapter system to that, you will also need to open up ports on the router for the boxes to properly communicate with the verizon servers. Ports can be found online by doing some digging. HOWEVER! you must still either be leasing their router or have purchased it at time of package order and be on the account. if you go this route even though a router is tied to your account unused tech support will immediately question why the router isnt "calling home" best to just use the router and DMZ it.

I know this... the last resident to have TV hooked up was in 2008. The house is located in Quakertown, PA. Not sure when Fios came out for the area. And I doubt that he even had Fios for TV, but not entirely sure either way.

I will be transferring my Dish TV to the house and be using their services since I'm still under contract with them. However, that doesn't mean that I won't use Fios' TV package if the deal is to have internet and tv bundle. Which is what I have with Comcast right now with the TV STB in storage, X1 is too awlful.

I have seen some install pics of this ONT, which I only found out after original post, have both coax and Ethernet ports. So is that hard to use the coax for the tv and Ethernet for internet? Or is it not possible to use both?

If I just get internet, I could request the installer run an Ethernet cable and I just plug my router into that? Is that a plug and play, or are there some settings to be done?

KOT

KoT,

Once the ONT is provisioned for the direct router connection, connecting your router is straight forward. You may need to reboot your router before it will pick the server settings.

I have found that you need to also power cycle the ONT. wait for the lights to go solid then plug in your router!

Good to know, thank you.

KOT

Are you moving there?

In the next several months. Unless something changes, like winning the lotto and/or getting a high paying job that's little further south and close to the coast.

I'm currently in Ledyard, CT and it's about a 15 to 20 minute drive to the beach. I would prefer to keep it like that if I had the option.

KOT

I grew up in that area and it was pretty rural then, but sprawl has been rampant there. I'm about 1.5hrs west of it (opposite direction of Jersey beaches) now. Great cost of living / quality of life ratio!

Also, yesterday was sunny and 67 degrees- today it's snowing and 30 degrees, lol!

The house was actually built by my grandparents in late 1950's. And up to the mid-90s, they had a party line with a neighbor. Then in the early 2000's it allowed you to use touch tone phones.

What is weird, they received Verizon Fios in the mid-2000's. But here in Ledyard, CT. Only DSL... the fiber stops 3 or 4 houses away. The fiber has been there for 30 years and haven't dug the trench to extend it.

I am trying to get away from the snow, but it is what it is.

KOT