configuration of home network w/ verizon fios

Question

Question

configuration of home network w/ verizon fios

by bryan_albo Nov 17, 2015 7:01PM PST

simultaneous w/ getting rid of cable tv and phone service, i purchased new router, Linksys WRT1900 AC on advice of someone who knows more about this stuff than i.
Old configuration was coax cable connected to Verizon's ActionTec 1424WR which was connected to ATT 3g MicroCell modem via Ethernet cable.
New configuration i have connected Linksys WRT1900 AC router to ActionTec router via Ethernet cable. I cannot use the modem in the setup b/c it does not have a coax connection.
My assumption was I needed to replace the Verizon ActionTec router w/ a modem for proper/optimal setup, but am having trouble finding Fios-compatible modems. Verizon suggested I could buy a Quantum Gateway modem/router combo, but doesn't that obviate the point of the new Linksys router?
The thing is, this setup works! I have wireless access through the Linksys 2.4 and 5.0 GHz networks and it seems faster than previously w/ just the ActionTec.
So i guess my questions are should i / can i replace the ActionTec router w/ a Fios-compatible modem (not modem-router combo) and, if so, suggestions for which one(s) to look for.
Or should I stick w/ if it ain't broke...?
Sorry if this seems like a dumb question...this has gotten much more complex than the last time i actually completed a set up.
many thanks in advance for assistance.
bryan

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5 Posts

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Clarification Request

DOCSIS vs MOCA and my correction

by James Denison Nov 17, 2015 7:57PM PST

You may need MOCA capable modem instead, definitely for On Demand.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DOCSIS

https://forums.verizon.com/t5/Fios-Internet/Replacing-an-old-Actiontec-gateway-with-my-own-DOCSIS-3-0-cable/td-p/715028

http://www.mocalliance.org/about/faqs.htm

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Multimedia_over_Coax_Alliance

Here's what I'm talking about snooping by Verizon.
http://jmikola.net/blog/fios-actiontec/

So, basically your least expensive and safest method is to use the ActionTec and then setup a second router's WAN with it's own hidden SSID and encrypted password hooked to a LAN port on the ActionTec. Whatever you do, whatever your settings, if all your home LAN is on the second router and especially turn off the wireless on the ActionTec, is all yours, none of Verizon's, other than the traffic you generate, and even that is bypassed if using https and VPN's.

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follow up

by bryan_albo Nov 17, 2015 7:44PM PST

James,
Thank you for your response.

I disconnected cable tv and have replaced it w/ HDTV antenna for OTA signals + Amazon Fire Stick for streaming... enough content for me, and not coming from Verizon.

Don't think i want to bother w/ running new cable given the current setup works.

If having two routers running like i do doesn't impair the performance of the newer Linksys, then it sounds like i'm ok as-is.
again, your time and input are much appreciated.
best,
bryan

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good for you.

by James Denison Nov 17, 2015 8:28PM PST

your own router behind the actiontec is probably best approach right now.

Back to Networking & Wireless forum

James Denison · Answer 1 · Nov 17, 2015 7:35PM PST

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Answer

beware the snoop

by James Denison Nov 17, 2015 7:35PM PST

. I cannot use the modem in the setup b/c it does not have a coax connection.

You would also need to have any new modem replacing the actiontec to be registered with Verizon.

but am having trouble finding Fios-compatible modems.

That's because they aren't FIOS modems but with coaxial cable connector they are DOCSIS modems.

Verizon suggested I could buy a Quantum Gateway modem/router combo, but doesn't that obviate the point of the new Linksys router?

You need something that can connect by coaxial, unless you string some CAT5 wire from the ONT and get that turned on by Verizon for a LAN port connect on the router.

can i replace the ActionTec router w/ a Fios-compatible modem (not modem-router combo) and, if so, suggestions for which one(s) to look for.

Motorola Surfboard is one I had that worked great in past. Any DOCSIS modem that is same current version Verizon uses should work for a passthrough to the router. You still have to have any modem registered to Verizon, or may be able to use the cloned MAC address of the Actiontec. Also reallize if you have cable TV and do On Demand, you will lose the On Demand function unless you set up the SetTopBox pass through yourself. That would be done on the router and then opens it up to them snooping your home network, although DMZ to the STB may keep the snoop from happening.

Personally I think you have the best setup right now. Any snooping can only be done by Verizon on the ActionTec and the second router can protect the rest of your home network behind it's firewall from the snoop. If you have STB with OnDemand, your network's SSID and password, and access to shared files on your home LAN can be accessed by Verizon.

James Denison · Answer 2 · Nov 17, 2015 8:27PM PST

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Answer

MOCA

by James Denison Nov 17, 2015 8:27PM PST

http://www.dslreports.com/faq/14077

"
If your WAN connection between the ONT and the primary router is coax, you will not find any retail versions of routers available that support the MoCA standard. To use a different primary router, you will need to get the WAN connection switched over to Ethernet, or bridge your router through the Actiontec.

Internet only If you are getting only FIOS internet, you can request a cat5 install from the ONT to the router. Running cat5 instead of coax from the ONT to the router is up to the installer. The tech will install the Actiontec in order to verify that everything is working correctly. Once the installer has verified that you are receiving your provisioned speeds, you can replace the Actiontec......"

configuration of home network w/ verizon fios

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