Verizon FiOS → [Networking] Adding a WiFi modem to Actiontec M1424WR router

Well, damn! I certainly wish someone had mentioned this before I ordered the new modem from Verizon.

I guess I could go through the annoyance of trying to send it back and, if I do, may I ask what dual-band 5.0/2.4GHz router did you find for half the price of the one Verizon is sending me??

What a bloody disappointment.

I did some research on this when Verizon started promoting their latest and greatest 802.11n router, and found out that it is not a dual band router... it only supports the 2.4Ghz 802.11n band. Upon further research, I found out that I could buy a dual band 5.0/2.4Ghz for half the price of Verizon's single band 2.4Ghz 802.11n router, which I purchase a connected it to my older Verizon router.

Wireless throughput and range have dramatically increased on the 2.4Ghz 802.11n band, compared to what my older Verizon 802.11g router was providing. The 5Ghz range is somewhat limited, but has even better throughput when in range. For devices (like a MacBook) that you can prioritize wireless networks, you can set it up to connected to the 5.0Ghz band when in range, but to automatically switch to the 2.4Ghz band when your not.

Wow, I thought you knew that. There were lots of discussions in this forum about that, you didn't see that? I assumed you knew it that your plan is to buy a dual band router if the wireless in Actiontec is not enough. Sorry, I should have told you and not let my assumption prevailed.

Almost all 802.11n dual band routers being sold through retail (Staples, Best Buy, Amazon, etc) cost less than what Verizon is trying to sell this single band router for. Vz actually raised the price by $20 on this router prior to their promotion... my guess is that they are trying to clear stock before introducing a dual band 802.11n or an 802.11ac router, but had the gall to jack the price up for this outdated router as part of the promotion. I went with a Netgear dual band router that has since been discontinued, but have also read good things about Asus, Linksys, etc.

Also, it was totally plug and play... the Netgear router adjusted it's IP addressees accordingly to frontend the Vz router, so I didn't have to go through any of the IP config changes that are said to be required in the Vz FAQ's. Of course I had to configure my devices to connect to the new router and I turned off Wi-Fi connectivity on the VZ router, but it was pretty straight forward.

You may end up being happy with just having the 2.4Ghz band, but I just think it's a rip off for what they are charging, especially if you have devices that can automatically change from 2.4Ghz to 5Ghz when in range.

Thanks, guys.

I will contact Verizon and find out what their return policy is: i.e., can I open it and try it out and then return it if the results are disappointing or must I return it, assuming it comes in some kind of clamshell package, in its virgin state in order for them to credit my bill.

It's due this week and I will continue this thread then.

Well, I received and installed my new router and the result has been improved speed throughout the house, even in the basement. Pages open just about instantly in the Laptop web browsers and the signal in the basement has increased appreciably.

Yes, I could have done it more cheaply, but I could also have done it more expensively as I was considering connecting an Apple Extreme Base Station to the old Actiontec and the AEBS is $200.

The advantages of the new Actiontec is that I am totally familiar with the web-based software and so don't have to learn my way around a new router's software and, FWIW, I can still call on Verizon support should I run into a problem I cannot solve.

Here are the results of some of my speed tests, done using the Verizon speed test. The router was installed on 27 November, and you can see the speed increase for yourselves:

TOP FLOOR:
24 Nov 1200H 21.85 DOWN & 20.97 UP.
24 Nov 1633H 22.87 DOWN & 19.81 UP. LATENCY 15MS

27NOV 1213H 42.81 DOWN & 38.96 UP. LATENCY 15MS - AUTO
27NOV 1232H 58.15 DOWN & 38.92 UP. LATENCY 15MS - CH6

WIFE’S TOP FLOOR OFFICE; A ROOM AWAY:
24 Nov 1200H 25.98 DOWN & 11.93 UP LATENCY 15MS
27NOV 1210H 38.31 DOWN & 37.69 UP LATENCY 12MS

KITCHEN
24 Nov 1200H 15.23 DOWN & 10.37 UP LATENCY 13MS
24 Nov 1525H 21.52 DOWN & 19.23 UP LATENCY 15MS
24 Nov 1810H 14.05 DOWN & 11.49 UP LATENCY 17MS
24 Nov 2109H 24.31DOWN & 17.74 UP LATENCY 15MS; CH 3
25 Nov 0615H 10,56 DOWN & 16.62 UP LATENCY 13MS; CH 3
25 Nov 2106H 22.53 DOWN & 11.99 UP LATENCY 18MS; CH 3

27NOV 1205H 39.37 DOWN & 31.21 UP LATENCY 15MS CH 6
28NOV 0710H 31.43 DOWN & 36.49 UP LATENCY 15MS CH 11

BASEMENT
24 Nov 1200H 16.23 DOWN & 11.97 UP LATENCY 15MS
24 Nov 1644H 12.14 DOWN & 12.36 UP, LATENCY 15MSS
24 Nov 1803H 07.72 DOWN & 03.42 UP LATENCY 14MS
24 Nov 2052H 06.71 DOWN & 11.46 UP LATENCY 15MS; CH6
24Nov 2056H 07.97 DOWN & 05.65 UP LATENCY 15MS; CH 11
24Nov 2100H 20.88 DOWN & 05.51 UP LATENCY 15MS; CH 1
24Nov 2102H 21.42 DOWN & 11.31 UP LATENCY 15MS; CH 3

27NOV 1841H 33.64 DOWN & 34.64 UP LATENCY 15MS; CH 6
27NOV 2019H 37.22 DOWN & 38.81 UP LATENCY 14MS; CH 6

A final thanks to all who chimed in with suggestions throughout this thread.

Well done! Good to know it worked.