How to Use Your Own Router With Verizon FiOS

An easy-to-follow guide on using your own router with Verizon FiOS

To use your own router with Verizon Fios, ask Verizon to activate the ethernet port on the ONT. Once activated, you can run an ethernet cable from your router's WAN/internet port to the ethernet port on the ONT. If you have TV service, you'll also need a MoCA adapter. Read on to learn how!

Quick Steps

Contact Verizon to ask them to activate the ethernet port on the ONT.
Buy a MoCA adapter if you have FIOS TV service.
Log in to your Verizon router and release the DHCP lease.
Disconnect the FIOS router and connect your router to the ONT via ethernet.
Connect the MoCA adapter to resume TV service.

Part 1

Part 1 of 2:

Preparing the Network

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If your Verizon router has an Ethernet cable connected to its WAN/internet port and the port's light is on, you're all set. This is the typical setup. If the router is connected to the ONT with a coaxial (cable TV) cable but not via Ethernet (true of older setups), you'll have to perform some additional steps.^{[1]XResearch source}
2
Switch to Ethernet if you're using a coaxial connection. If you're already connected via Ethernet, you can skip to the next step. If not, perform the following steps to switch to Ethernet:
- Find the ONT in your home. It's usually in a white or silver box with the Verizon logo, and it's typically installed out of the way of foot traffic. It could even be mounted on the outside of the house near your telephone box.
- Find the Ethernet port. It's usually near some green LED lights on the bottom of the unit. You may have to unscrew or unhinge the cover to get there.
- Run an Ethernet cable from the Verizon FIOS router's WAN/Internet port to the Ethernet port on the ONT. Leave the coaxial cable intact for now, as the Ethernet port is not actually active yet.
- Call Verizon FIOS support (800-837-4966) to have the Ethernet port on the ONT activated. Until support makes the switch, continue using the coaxial connection.^{[2]XResearch source}
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Purchase a MoCA adapter if you have FIOS TV service. If you have TV service through Verizon FIOS, switching to a new router will prevent internet-specific TV features (such as the guide, On Demand, and the DVR) from working. A MoCA adapter should make your TV service work almost exactly as it did before. Some popular manufacturers are Actiontec and TRENDnet.^{[3]XResearch source}
- You may lose the ability to program your DVR remotely when using your own router. You should still be able to use regular DVR functions in your home.

Part 2

Part 2 of 2:

Connecting the New Router

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If you had to call Verizon to switch to Ethernet, make sure you are able to access the internet once coaxial service is deactivated.^{[4]XResearch source}
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Open a web browser and navigate to https://192.168.1.1. This is the default gateway address on your Verizon router.
The username is admin and the password should be printed on the router's sticker. If you changed the router password, use the one you selected instead.
It's near the top-left corner.
It's in the menu on the left side.
This will disconnect the router from the internet.
You should unplug both the power and Ethernet cable from the back of the Verizon router a few seconds after clicking Apply for best results.
It's the same end of the Ethernet cable that was formerly plugged into the Verizon router.
After a few minutes, it should receive a Verizon FIOS IP address from the ONT and connect to the internet.
12
Connect your computer to the internet through the new router. The instructions to do this will vary by router. If the router supports Wi-Fi, you can connect that way. If you prefer to connect via Ethernet, run an Ethernet cable from your computer's network port to one of the LAN ports on the router.
- The router's wireless access point name usually has something to do with its make or model. Check the manual for login instructions.
- If the new router was specially configured for another network, you may need to do a full reset of the router. Specific instructions can be found in the router's manual, but it's usually as simple as pressing the end of a straightened paperclip into the small hole labeled "Reset" on the back of the router.
13
Connect the MoCA adapter to restore full TV access. Follow these steps to get your TV set-top box back online:
- Connect the coaxial cable that once ran to your Verizon router to the coax-in port on the MoCA adapter.
- Plug an Ethernet cable into the port on the MoCA adapter.
- Plug the other end of the Ethernet cable into one of the available LAN ports on your router.
- Unplug the TV set-top box for a few seconds and then plug it back in.

Common Questions

Does a Fios router need an ethernet cable?

You can use a coaxial cable, ethernet cable, or Wi-Fi with your Fios router.^{[5]XResearch source}

Does Fios Gigabit require ethernet?

While you can use Wi-Fi, you'll get the best speeds when connected via a wired gigabit ethernet connection.^{[6]XResearch source}

Can I buy my own modem for Fios?

You must use the Verizon modem, but you can buy your own router if you prefer not to use the one provided by the service.

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Warnings

Verizon does not officially support the use of third-party routers. If there is trouble on your network, you may be asked to restore the previous setup to correct the problem.
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