[JohnWill]

I'm looking for folks that have actually installed Verizon FiOS service and can comment on how it went.

They "require" you to use their router, which kinda' makes me wonder. Is the configuration "locked down" so you can't access the configuration?

They state that you can have four wired connections and "many" wireless ones. Now, I'm not sure how they'd restrict you to four wired connections, but that goes with the question about the locked down configuration of the "mandatory" router.

I'm looking at the 15mbit/2mbit service, which would cost the same as my current Comcast 6000/384 service. When they say "up to 15mb", it makes me wonder what the real bandwidth will be on the service. I'd sure hate to swap and find out it's 2mbit!

I'm stunned at the complexity of the installation, they install a lot of equipment to make this happen, I'm also curious about reliability of the connections.

[Squashman]

We got to see a Fiber connection done when I was in school years ago. You need a little extra equipment for it. I am certainly looking forward to it being in my area. You would think that the Speed would be faster then that though.

Do you have to buy any equipment?

[JohnWill]

Nope, the installation is totally free. Actually, they install a box the size of a suitcase on the side of your house, and a battery backup module inside. It's all pretty involved, which is why the questions.

I just don't want to go to the trouble if they're going to block some key ports, like FTP server ports, and leave me without the services I'm already using.

[Squashman]

Here is a good article to read. Maybe you can get in touch with this guy.

http://www.bricklin.com/fiosinstall.htm

Terms of service say you are not suppose to run any type of Server. They also included a D-Link router in his package.

[StumpedTechy]

From my understanding Verizon does indeed block a couple of ports. You will need to ask them but I don't think FIOS vrs DSL is any different as far as ports are concerned. The only reason I know is I had a client who did gaming and then end result he had to return the game due to the blocked ports on the ISP (Verizon side).

I saw this, that is funny -

Power for services provided on the Verizon FiOS network must be supplied by the customer. Customer is responsible for back-up battery replacement. Backup battery does not supply power for Online or Video services.

It makes me wonder WTH the battery backup is for SURELY this device has some kind of non powered memory that it can pull up in the case of a full power drain? or not? LOL

BTW broadband reports has a faqs did you look at that?

http://www.dslreports.com/faq/verizo...20Installation

This box is an ONT: Optical Network Terminal
ONT is an media converter that's installed by Verizon outside of your home, during the FiOS installation. This device will convert fiber-optic/light to copper (which is installed in your home, currently).

I am not 100% sure on the outside of the home though I thought it was an inside unit?

Oh yeah and the link you supplied squashman - I think he just used the good ole double nat technique in his case but also indicates any old router should work.

I left the D-Link router in place, just as Verizon installed it. I don't, though, connect my computers directly to it, but instead use an additional router. I took my Linksys WRT54G Wireless-G Broadband Router and unplugged the connection to the cable modem

I understand that some users disconnect the D-Link router (and save it -- it comes bundled with the installation) and connect their own router. For example, some people have Linksys units with wireless that they find to have stronger signals in their homes than the D-Link. Apparently using other routers (connecting using PPPoE) works. However, as I understand it, that practice is not officially supported by Verizon which claims to use special diagnostic software in the routers

[JohnWill]

I hadn't gotten around to Broadband Reports, I just found out yesterday it was available. Of course, the Verizon rep that called wanted me to signup right away, but I want to know what I'm signing up for first.

I did find some stuff, here's a detailed sequence of FiOS Install Pictures. There is a lot of junk to installing it, that's for sure!

I notice they block ports 25 and 80, I wonder what other surprises they have waiting...

[StumpedTechy]

I bet the reps head owuld have exploded if you asked for detailed specs and to know all ports they have blocked!

In all honesty the people I see use it aren't unhappy but the most that use it in my case are home family users who don't do much on their computers.

[Squashman]

Originally Posted by JohnWill

I hadn't gotten around to Broadband Reports, I just found out yesterday it was available. Of course, the Verizon rep that called wanted me to signup right away, but I want to know what I'm signing up for first.

I did find some stuff, here's a detailed sequence of FiOS Install Pictures. There is a lot of junk to installing it, that's for sure!

I notice they block ports 25 and 80, I wonder what other surprises they have waiting...

You should be able to do a Port re-direct with your DNS service. I know I can do it with NO-IP.com.

[JohnWill]

I know about port redirect, and actually I'm not that worried about ports 25 and 80 being blocked. What I'm really concerned with is stuff that I haven't been told.

It certainly looks like a nice option for the same price as Comcast. While the 15mbit down is nice, what I really like is the 2mbit up speed.

[JohnWill]

Well, I've talked to a few people around here, including one guy that has it. They're pretty impressed, so I might just take the leap. Maybe we'll get Comcast's attention if I cancel their Internet service.

[Squashman]

I still can't figure out why they don't give you more upload. Fiber is a big fat pipe. Will you be getting all your services thru FIOS. Phone, Internet and TV?

[JohnWill]

I guess considering their stated policy is no servers, they don't see the need to give you a fatter upload pipe. Besides, it beats the pants off Comcast's 384kbit service by about 5x!

I'll get my phone (one line Verizon, one line Vonage) through the FiOS. I'll be considering dropping the Verizon line and adding a cheap VoIP for the second line, since they'll all be subject to the same carrier anyway. TV is still Comcast, at least for now. They have provisions on their box for TV, but it's not mentioned on the website yet. I presume that service will be coming, hopefully it'll at least make Comcast sit up and take notice that there's some competition in town.

[O111111O]

Curios, how much is it in your area?

[JohnWill]

$44.95/mo on an annual contract. There's another $1.50 for the FCC, and that's supposed to be the total charges. Installation is free, which is amazing considering how much work it is! I believe it may be more if you don't have a Verizon phone, but I have one Verizon line.

[Squashman]

Road Runner is a good Service I just think the Cable Companies Charge way too much money for their Services. Which is why they continue to fight the Phone companies with the FCC. In any other country we all would have had Fiber to the home 5 years ago.