US Telco Support > Verizon > Verizon Fiber Optics > Is Fios Triple Play still a good choice

Is Fios Triple Play still a good choice

I would move off DSL as VZ wants to discontinue DSL eventually. I had Directv and liked it for the most part, but I like Fios TV better because of the picture.

Thank you Jackarino. I appreciate your advice.

I have a few more questions if you don't mind. When they install the Fios, is the Firewall automatically turned on? I know with dsl it was off. I want to be sure the wireless end has WPA2, also.

Re the TV - would you know how many hours can be recorded on the DVR - I think I read they had newer dvrs that could hold more. (We currently can record 100 hours regular shows on DirecTV.) Also, I think I had read a while ago that the set-top boxes don't have a guide. I hope that changed because I think it would be difficult to finds shows without one.

Sincerely, Libra

reply to Libra

reply to Libra
If the two copper lines are in the SAME name they will most likely both be moved to the fiber. However IF they are in two different names one of the lines _may_ remain on copper for now . In this case you could move the NON dsl line to fiber and _maybe_ retain the other DSL with POTS line for now. YMMV as Verizon is trying to dump POTS and move all copper customers to fiber in FiOS markets. At some point there will be a mandate .

reply to Libra
Just be real careful before you make the leap to FiOS because new rate hikes and raised equipment charges have changed pricing by no small amount.

reply to Libra
I would call to move from Verizon DSL to FIOS. They will keep what you have, including your Verizon email if you use it.

I currently have 35/35 for bandwidth and digital voice using the Ultimate HD tier. If you are satisfied with the DSL speeds, you will be more than satisfied with the basic FIOS speeds. There may be other incentives that you can take advantage of. All of the STBs (with the exception of the DC700) are HD now. The package you take will dictate the standard bandwidth.

If you keep the two phone lines, you can add a different ring tone for each. Just be sure of the package you take, as if you take the contract option, you are locked in for the contract period.

reply to Libra
I appreciate everyone's information. I have more questions:

Can I request that they install only the 7232 DVR? If I want to attach the external hard drive, can it be a Western Digital? I now have a Western Digital that I use for backups. Could I get one of those and use the usb cord to connect it? (I don't want anything with any software on it).

As far as the phones go, they are both in the same name. I have someone disabled at home and I want/need a copper phone in case of an emergency. I don't want to have any battery backup for the phone - so if they don't agree to that I won't switch to the fios.

About the wireless. I was reading something here. Can I have them turn off the wireless and just put my Zxyel Access Point into the Fios router with a CAT5? It's already set up, so it would be great if I can just connect it. It has a IP number of 192.168.1.2. Would that work?

We'll have to see what packages they offer us. We will want one DVR and 3 set top boxes. Locally they are advertising a plan for $99 per month (no contract, I think) and free DVR and set top box for 6 months.

Thanks again everyone.

Sincerely, Libra

Thank you. I'm in the New York City area.

If we do go through with this are there instructions on how to change the DHCP range in the Actiontek? I don't think I did anything regarding that in the Westell 2200 modem. (But I was aware of the numbers of the other computers.)

Is it better to use my own Access Point or is what comes with the Actiontek just as good?

I also have a printer networked via ethernet cable. I think I gave it the IP 192168.1.154 (I got help with that and I remember it was the last number in that range.) Is that okay. If not, would the techs know what to do about it?

Sincerely, Libra

If I change the starting address to 192.168.1.11, will the address of the Actiontek still be 192.168.1.1?

I checked my notes. The printer's address is 192.168.1.253. If I decide to use my Zyxel, I'll need help because I don't know how to change the addresses of my computers. I think they are 192.168.1.46 and 192.168.1.47 - I don't know the other, but I bet it's right with those numbers.

Is it just as safe to use the wireless of the Actiontek as it would be using the Zyxel?

Thank you for your help.

Sincerely, Libra

The starting address should just change the scope of the DHCP server, not the actual IP address of the ActionTec router.

For safety of the wireless, as long as both are using WPA2 security with a good pass phrase, it is absolutely safe.

Thank you Smith6612 for confirming the Actiontek wireless end is safe if using WPA2 security.

Sincerely, Libra

You're welcome!

reply to Libra
I have to say the first thing I loved about Verizon's approach to their router versus Time Warner's which I was with for 10 years is the fact we can actually secure our routers without interference from Verizon. I like the idea I can go in, change all the security settings, and not get a threatening email. It's most refreshing.

reply to Libra
I would like to know if Verizon FIOS uses the phone line to connect to the Actiontek router or the DVR and/or set top box.

We have two phone lines and the Verizon dsl is on one phone line and our DirecTV is on the other phone line.

Since I'm hoping to keep one copper phone line, I'm wondering if the phone lines are used. (Both phone lines are not in the areas of the tvs and computers).

Thank you.

Sincerely, Libra

Fios doesn't use the phone line. They do hook the ONT to your existing phone jacks so you can connect phones. Fios uses MOCA

Oh, thank you. So my phone lines won't matter.

Sincerely, Libra