Verizon FiOS (internet only) Different Router?

[HiP0WER]

Hey everyone,

So when I first got Verizon in my apartment (internet only, 50/50mbsp) I decided to purchase a Verizon router off eBay because it was ~$50 compared to the normal ~$100ish.

Recently, the wifi has been terrible! I've done speed tests and right now from <8 feet away I'm getting download speeds of 5mbps (not 50). If I plug directly into the router with an Ethernet cord I get the 50mbps that I pay for.

This makes me think the router is trash, or something else is wrong. (Any suggestions)?

I have done a load of research but have still come up inconclusive... Can I just purchase an insane router so I get closer to my max with WiFi- because I only have FiOS internet and nothing else?

Or does Verizon still limit me to their routers, even though I have nothing from them except the coax coming directly from the wall (because the apartment building only allows Verizon.

Thank you so so much everyone, I'm looking forward to your suggestions and help!!

 

[USAFRet]

I have FiOS

If you still have the default ActionTec, upgrade to the Quantum Gateway G1100. I have one, and it is a significant upgrade.

Or, you can put a second router after the FiOS one, to act as the WiFI source.

 

[HiP0WER]

I have FiOS

If you still have the default ActionTec, upgrade to the Quantum Gateway G1100. I have one, and it is a significant upgrade.

Or, you can put a second router after the FiOS one, to act as the WiFI source.

Thanks for the response! Clearly though there are better routers than the quantum gateway right? I was looking to invest pretty heavily into a third party router; however, I need to know if it will work in lieu of the Verizon router because the Verizon is only connected to coax through the wall.

Or- even still, does Verizon limit me to using ONLY their router regardless of the fact that the only thing in my apartment is their actiontec?

Thanks!

 

[USAFRet]

I have FiOS

If you still have the default ActionTec, upgrade to the Quantum Gateway G1100. I have one, and it is a significant upgrade.

Or, you can put a second router after the FiOS one, to act as the WiFI source.

Thanks for the response! Clearly though there are better routers than the quantum gateway right? I was looking to invest pretty heavily into a third party router; however, I need to know if it will work in lieu of the Verizon router because the Verizon is only connected to coax through the wall.

Or- even still, does Verizon limit me to using ONLY their router regardless of the fact that the only thing in my apartment is their actiontec?

Thanks!

If all you have is internet service, I believe you can use any router.
If you also had TV service, one of the Verizon routers would need to be in the chain somewhere.

However, this is what I get WiFi, on a 75/75 connection, with the G1100 and a little Asus Transformer:

 

[HiP0WER]

Those numbers are really nice not gunna lie..

Only problem I came across looking at other routers is that not a lot of them have a coaxial input.. And I don't have an OTN in my apartment unit so I can't just run an Ethernet which sucks..

If I did go the first gateway route, should I get it directly through Verizon or just get it off amazon or something for cheaper?

 

[USAFRet]

Those numbers are really nice not gunna lie..

Only problem I came across looking at other routers is that not a lot of them have a coaxial input.. And I don't have an OTN in my apartment unit so I can't just run an Ethernet which sucks..

If I did go the first gateway route, should I get it directly through Verizon or just get it off amazon or something for cheaper?

Ahhh...yes. If your signal is coming in via coax from the ONT (the typical FiOS connection type), then I believe you DO need a Verizon router.

Verizon or ebay/amazon? Buy from Verizon, and they will probably just add it on your current bill, split over a few months. That's what they did with mine.

 

[USAFRet]

Also...investigate other issues.
Channel congestion with neighbors, etc. You should be getting more than 5mbps from that cheesy ActionTec.