New to FiOS, can I use my own modem and router

Question

I saw several questions similar to mine, but none that I saw answered my question for my scenario. I am sorry if this is a duplicate. I am new to FiOS. I have no other services from Verizon and do not plan to get any. No phone, no television, nothing. Just Internet. God willing, the installation will take place in two days. My house already has coaxial cabling. I have my own cable modem, a SURFboard SB6121, which goes to my router, a TP Link TL-WR941ND. None of my equipment advertises that it is FiOS compatible. I've seen other people asking about using their own modem and router, but in those cases the scenario involved other bundled services, and I understand a FiOS router is necessary to forward ports to television, phone, and computers. However, in my very simple scenario, can the Verizon optical network terminal simply feed its output to my coax, from there to my modem, then router, then comptuers? Is there any reason that wouldn't work? Verizon technical support just gave me a machine that wanted to help me troubleshoot my Internet connection, and I couldn't get from there to a human. Thanks in advance for the help!

Answer 1

Banish the word and the device called "modem" from your home when using FiOS.  FiOS does not use modems.  Your cable modem is useless with FiOS.  Do not plug it in. FiOS uses routers.  The router connects to the ONT's WAN port using MoCA (coax) or Ethernet.  The installer will enable one of the ONT's WAN ports.  If you order 150Mbps or higher speeds, they will have to use Ethernet.  For slower speeds, coax is the default.  Many installers will use Ethernet if you ask nicely, but usually only if it isn't too much work.  Make sure it's easy to connect a router to the ONT using Ethernet, and you should be okay.  If Ethernet needs to be run through the walls, your best choice is get it done ahead of time.  You can always call later and get the ONT's WAN port switched. The only routers available with a MoCA WAN port are the Verizon models.  The Verizon routers are good devices for most users.  People who like to tweak their networking gear don't like them as many advanced features are limited or locked down.  You can't run any other router firmware on them.  WiFi range is decent, but not great.  I'm quite happy with my Quantum router.  YMMV. If you get Ethernet WAN enabled, you can use any router you want.  However, know that Verizon provides zero support for any other router.  They won't even mention it as an option.  That doesn't mean you can't use one, simply that you must do so without Verizon's help. There are reports that they won't even complete an install without one of their routers to verify service.  If you don't use one of their routers, consider renting one for a month to complete the install or even buying a used one.  If you own a Verizon router, you can install it if you ever suspect Verizon networking issues.  This will allow you to call their support. This FAQ is very helpful:http://www.dslreports.com/faq/16077 Good Luck.