Everything You Need to Know About the Verizon FIOS router

Verizon FIOS is a proprietary system that requires you use the router provided by the company, for a fee. While this is an unwelcome move for many customers, some have made friends with the new service and don’t mind paying the extra $10 a month or $149 upfront fee for the hardware. But what are you getting for your money? Here is everything you need to know about the Verizon FIOS router.

The Quantum Gateway (G1100) Verizon FIOS router is their newest offering to connect your home to cable. It is often referred to as the most advanced router around, which isn’t quite true but sounds good. Whether it is the most advanced or not, it does work well, offers good Wi-Fi speeds and is relatively easy to administer.

You can rent the Verizon FIOS router from Verizon for $10 extra a month or buy it from them for $149. You can also buy one from Amazon for around $100.

FIOS internet

FIOS internet is fiber optic, currently the fastest connection we can get. Contracts are for one or two years so be careful to select the correct one. Two year contracts are a little cheaper, but you’re tied in for 24 whole months.

There are also extra fees for installation and setup and router rental if you don’t buy one. Expect to pay shipping too if you buy or rent your router from Verizon.

There are also early termination fees which become payable after the 30 day cooldown period. The fees are steep too, up to $165 if you want to cancel early.

The Verizon FIOS router

While touted as the ‘most advanced router’ it is not. It isn’t bad though. It has dual-band Wi-Fi, gigabit wired Ethernet and a dual core processor. It offers credible wireless speeds and includes a firewall, DNSMasq-DHCP and other neat tricks. What it does not have is QoS or a truly effective firewall.

The core functions of the router seem to work well. I don’t have one but a buddy does and he says aside from regular reboots, he has not had to do a thing with his in six months. He does have concerns though. The firewall has a habit of arbitrarily blocking normal traffic and a Verizon management port is left permanently open without any real security at all.

A minor issue is also the ability to change the default username. This is the most basic security consideration in networking yet the Verizon FIOS router won’t let you do it. At least not yet.

From a geeks point of view, DNSMasq-DHCP isn’t the most stable. BIND DHCP is preferable but you don’t get the choice. A simple reboot usually fixes and DHCP issues should they arise.

How to connect to your Verizon FIOS router

When the cable guy has been and connected your router you are going to want to have a play around.

1. Open a browser and point it to 192.168.1.1. A router login screen should appear.
2. Enter the default values which will be admin for the username and the password from the sticker on the side of the router.
3. Change your password immediately. Select Change Admin Password from the left menu.

How to troubleshoot Wi-Fi issues with the Verizon FIOS router

One issue I have seen first-hand with the Verizon FIOS router is getting a decent Wi-Fi signal. Even in a modest-sized home, the signal seems to fade very quickly and needs a little work to keep it stable and get good coverage.

The Verizon FIOS router does utilize Wi-Fi AC but only at 1350Mbps so speed is not comparable to newer routers from D-Link or Linksys. Nevertheless, it should be fast enough for most uses.

If you have trouble getting a good Wi-Fi signal from the Verizon FIOS router, try one of these two tricks.

Move the router

A fix not restricted to this router by any means and takes only an hour or so to do. Wi-Fi signals are broadcast in a globe shape unless a router has aerials. If you have poor signal, move the router to the center of your home and away from other electronic devices. If this doesn’t work, try changing the broadcast channel, moving it away from A/C, central heat or other large appliances. Keep going until you get a good signal. Usually this will be enough to improve reception.

You can use a Wi-Fi app to see what interference, if any, you are getting from neighboring routers and select a channel away from those. This can often be enough to complete change your experience.

Otherwise, buy a network extender and place it where the signal is weakest. They are very useful for stretching a Wi-Fi network or for boosting signal in areas where the router alone cannot reach. They cost as little as $20 and can be a great investment for larger homes or older ones with thicker walls.

Extra precautions

If you do end up with a Verizon FIOS router, you need to be aware of the weaknesses in the included firewall. Leaving the maintenance port permanently open is a rookie error by Verizon that leaves an easily accessible back door into your network.

To fully protect your home network, you should not rely on the router firewall alone to keep you safe. Install software firewalls on each connected device for an extra layer of security. Change the default password on the router and keep an eye on it for any unauthorized changes. While there have been no reports of hacks that I know of, that doesn’t mean they haven’t or won’t happen.

The Verizon FIOS router is a decent router for the money and will provide credible service and Wi-Fi access. It is much cheaper to buy one from Amazon or somewhere than to rent or buy from Verizon. The caveat there is that you will be solely responsible for its maintenance and repair. As long as you take the precautions mentioned above, the router should provide many years faithful service keeping you connected.

Got any tips or stories about the Verizon FIOS router? Tell us about them below if you do.