hardware for Verizon FiOS

[The_Powa_of_Seiji_Ozawa]

As I've finally had it with Time Warner in upstate NY, I am looking into getting FiOS. I was wondering if anyone could provide some advice on the hardware to use/get from them.
 
I'd be inclined to have them do a Cat-5 install. Presently I have a new Apple Airport Time Capsule Router that I'd like to continue using, and I own a Motorola sb6141 DOCSIS 3.0 modem that I would also like to keep using if possible. In short, I don't want to use a Verizon combo modem/wi-fi router if at all possible, but I realize I may not have a choice but to use their hardware and then deactivate their wi-fi to use my own Airport instead.  What would my options be?
 
Secondly, I would probably get the TV package to with it, leading me to ask what would the best HD DVR boxes to get from them? I know that with Time Warner they kept trying to give me their crappy Scientific Atlanta boxes, and folks here pointed me to requesting a Cisco box instead...which has been fine until recently, the latest Time Warner firmware update has basically crippled mine to a crawl.
 
Any other advice in pursuing FiOS would be great. Thanks in advance!

 

[derekson]

As I've finally had it with Time Warner in upstate NY, I am looking into getting FiOS. I was wondering if anyone could provide some advice on the hardware to use/get from them.
 
I'd be inclined to have them do a Cat-5 install. Presently I have a new Apple Airport Time Capsule Router that I'd like to continue using, and I own a Motorola sb6141 DOCSIS 3.0 modem that I would also like to keep using if possible. In short, I don't want to use a Verizon combo modem/wi-fi router if at all possible, but I realize I may not have a choice but to use their hardware and then deactivate their wi-fi to use my own Airport instead.  What would my options be?
 
Secondly, I would probably get the TV package to with it, leading me to ask what would the best HD DVR boxes to get from them? I know that with Time Warner they kept trying to give me their crappy Scientific Atlanta boxes, and folks here pointed me to requesting a Cisco box instead...which has been fine until recently, the latest Time Warner firmware update has basically crippled mine to a crawl.
 
Any other advice in pursuing FiOS would be great. Thanks in advance!

 
FIOS doesn't use a cable modem. If you have them run Cat-5 (or 5e or 6) from the ONT you can use the Airport Extreme, but you'll need to get a MOCA bridge to bridge your ethernet to coax cable so your cable boxes can get guide info and OnDemand and other data services.
 
You can find all kinds of info on various setups for FIOS in the links in this forum post: http://www.dslreports.com/faq/verizonfios/3.0_Networking#15981

 

[The_Powa_of_Seiji_Ozawa]

Thanks! I guess it isn't quite as simple as I was hoping, but not ridiculous either. If I were to buy the Verizon hardware, which is the most future proof and would still allow me to do what I am trying to do in setting up the bridge? (in the FAQ I thought I saw a suggestion somewhere that one of the Verizon boxes with its new firmware wouldn't allow an Airport bridge to be set up). Also, any insights about what are the TV DVR Set Top Boxes to prefer and avoid?

 

[derekson]

There's no reason to buy the verizon router if you have an Apple Airport Extreme already. What you want to buy is a simple MOCA LAN bridge. 
 
This page: http://www.dslreports.com/faq/16626 has suggestions of a few models that have been tested to work with FIOS networks.
 
I don't personally use FIOS so I can't speak to the differences in the various set top boxes.

 

[Norm loves Vera]

I just moved to a new house and Verizon basically said I would need to go with the brand new Quantum Gateway Router (QGR) and Quantum STBs since I wanted 3 TVs.   It took over a month and 5 visits to get the kinks out as the Field Techs didn't know the system yet and basically they rewired the ONT on the outside of the house and then the power source in the basement.  The last Tech installed a 3rd router, the QGR, which had been released in RI just that week he said. there have been no issues since.
 
I asked the last tech who seemed the most savvy about using a Hybrid STB (OTT/IPTV) instead of the Fios boxes I rent from Verizon.  He said he didn't think the new QGR would be compatible with other STBs as even the older Fios STB didn't work within the Quantum Gateway system.  That might be him quoting a "company line" but I do know all my boxes have to be on and connected or there are issues like VOD and wifi connectivity (Default gateway not found errors).  He also advised to not change the Wi Fi Signal name and passcode as Verizon by default would lower my speed as they assume I will be sharing it more with other devices/ people.  Sounds crazy to me but that is what he said.
 
The QGR is much stronger and the one router covers 3 floors (placed in the middle floor) and I don't need a booster to get good signal all thru the house and in the yard.  I pay @$150 a month for a movie / sport package and equipment rental along with a telephone/internet bundle.  I would be very interested to see if I have other alternatives.
 
Owner manual for the new Quantum Gateway Router.
 
http://www.verizon.com/cs/groups/public/documents/adacct/fios-qgr-userguide140925.pdf