[SOLVED] Wifi Extender for FIOS

[MKBL]

I am using FIOS G1100 router. Only a desktop is connected to the router physically, and all other devices are wifi. There is one wifi repeater upstairs in my bedroom, but still I see multiple weak spots in the three story house, including basement. As the internet speed is being upgraded from 100 Mbps to 400 in a month, I consider replacing the current repeater with better one. Among several options, I stumbled upon Verizon's own extender.

https://www.verizon.com/home/accessories/fios-network-extender/

All features are almost the same with other devices, but there is one that might make this work better than others.

"Incorporates Self Organizing Networks (SON) functionality, including Band/Access Point Steering enabling devices to move seamlessly between 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz signals and between access points for the best Wi-Fi connection available"

I wonder how critical this is and if it has practical advantage over other wifi extenders.

 

[bill001g]

First are you really one of those guys who is going to fall down his stairs because he just has to watch netflix as he walks from room to room.

There is almost no need for so called seamless roaming.

In addition it can't actually be accomplished using current wifi technology. The end device not the routers control what they are connected to. What systems attempt to do is force a disconnect and hope the end device connects to a better source. Not sure how they can even think that is "seamless".

You must be very careful since vendors call everything wifi "extenders". Any form of wireless repeater is going to have poor performance since you have mulitple wifi signals in the path.

What you want to use the verizon boxes for is as a AP. The key feature they have that almost no other device has is they have moca built in to connect back to the main router. Running like this should give you good wifi coverage with none of the issues of running wifi repeaters. Key here is having tv coax in the remote rooms.

 

[USAFRet]

Assuming coax through the house, MOCA+WiFi.

The G1100 is already moca enabled. A single moca + a WiFi AP on each floor would work MUCH better than an 'extender'.
They now even have moca devices with WiFi built in.

 

[Math Geek]

yah i went the MOCA rout with my Fios not long ago. verizon has a quality router if you do not wish to buy 3rd party.

Fios Network Extender | Residential | Verizon®

Buy the Fios network extender from Verizon. This product is able to expand the reach and potential of a Fios wireless network and connect multiple devices.

www.verizon.com

this is the one i got. all i had to do was split the coax going to the cable box and plug both this and the box in. took a few minutes and the device talks to the main router and gets all it needs and then just works. same ssid, password and so on.

do note that moca is limited to about 400 mb/s so if you have higher than that, you won't get it all. this is not a limit of the router but rather the MOCA standard.