Verizon Fios Install

As one of the first units to have the Verizion Fios service installed, I wanted to document my experience so that others may know what to expect.

I chose to have the technicians install the equipment closest to the point of entry for the fiber cable. This simplified installation, and reduces the need to route even the fiber cable to where my current Comcast equipment is located, routed through the back wall of the pantry.

I choose not to use the television service, even though my package deal includes it. This allows my cost to be lowest, at least for the first two years. I also don't need to rent a "cable TV box" as part of that, saving $10 a month. While I chose to purchase the WiFi router, I do intend to replace it in the future with the Google Mesh system. Unfortunately, the Google product $200 credit cannot be applied to the Google Mesh devices.

For those of us on the Centre Street side of the complex, on Beaufort Rd, they needed access through the laundry room basement area (Centre St) in order to pull the fiber line down through the conduit. Once they finished installing the fiber and devices, I was asked to test connect to the wireless router. The one that comes from Verizon is a 2.4GHz and 5.8GhHz dual mode router. The 5.8GHz signal is a higher bandwidth connection, but more easily blocked by walls, furniture, metal, etc, while the 2.4GHz signal has better penetration, but is a lower bandwidth. You'll do best to configure your devices to connect to both and if you wish to maximize coverage, I highly recommend a DIY reflector device similar to the one you see in the middle photo. It's made with cardboard, tape and aluminum foil.

The Google Mesh will eliminate the need for this contraption.

I hope this will help inform you as you consider your network/broadband needs.

If you wish to speak to someone at Verizon for more offer details, our area representative is:

Christine Piccirilli 508-562-2612

Renee is the area supervisor and can be reached at 774-226-3329 if anything needs to be escalated.

Update on 11 Sept 2018: I have since installed the Google Mesh product (three pack,) and have noticed a great improvement in speed at even the furthest point in my unit. At the complete opposite end / corner from where the the first WiFi access point is directly connected to the Fios head-unit, I reliably get 100Mbs (megabits per second) upload/download, and this is likely limited by the network switch I'm using in this room to connect multiple devices over ethernet. It's an older 100Mbs switch. With this setup, the old reflector contraption can be retired.