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Question

FIOS router or 3rd party router?

Mar 9, 2017 3:32PM PST

Hello.
I am new to this forum and know just enough about computers and networking to get myself into a lot of trouble...

I currently have FIOS 75/75 and Actiontec MI424WR router. I live in a four floor row home, the router is centrally placed on the second floor, and I have trouble with WiFi coverage on the other three floors.

I have done extensive research on-line and was close to purchasing the new Synology RT2600ac or the ASUS RT-AC88U. I then read that not all routers work with FIOS and the ones that do require that I plug my third party router into the FIOS router anyway. I have considered adding powerline adapters as well AND, by the way... VERIZON is pushing me to purchase the Quantum Gateway Router and two FIOS network extenders (which use coax cable that is run throughout the house) Can someone please provide some insight or advice for me?


Basic info: four story row home, both spouses work from home and have separate offices in the house with basic office use (no on-line gaming, heavy duty graphics use, streaming, etc), three smart TV's, Sonos, Nest devices, Arlo and Ring wireless security devices, multiple tablets, and cell phones that are set up to choose WiFi whenever possible. (Republic Wireless is awesome!). My current router is centrally placed in the house. Cat 5 cable is run on the first and second floors, coax run on all four floors of the house. I am very interested in setting up NAS for music (sonos) movies, photo storage, and laptop back-up.

Additionally, I have two toddlers running around so more stuff will be added as they grow up AND I need excellent parent control ability and finally, there are a heck of a lot of other WiFi / radio signals (think baby monitors) in the area.

Thanks in advance.

Discussion is locked

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Answer
The thing is
Mar 9, 2017 3:49PM PST

The Fios router is more than a router. It has the modem in it. I won't duplicate the web about setting the FIOS modem router to just be a modem.

Since you opted to go all WiFi that's a common mistake. WiFi is a limited resource so you keep wired when possible. Also you shop for dual core routers with 2.4 and 5 GHz bands so you can spread the load around.

WiFi is half duplex, only one device can send at a time so moving everything to WiFi can be troublesome.

There are some new mesh network product I'd consider if you continue down that road.

Read https://www.cnet.com/products/google-wifi/review/ and note the other two mesh systems.

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3rd party router follow-up #1
Mar 9, 2017 6:57PM PST

Thanks for your answer.
I do have desktop computers and three television sets wired via one of the following: Coax, HDMI, and Cat 5.
Wireless is for Sonos, nest, security cameras, phones, laptops, tablets, etc.
Thx again.