Getting the best out of my Fios

[sze5003]

Just moved to a new apartment that has FiOS. I went with the self install option 100mb speed. The apartments already all have an ONT outside in the storage closet. They told me all I needed to do was install my router and it should be good.

I get to the apartment and I see there is a coax hookup outlet cable in every room. There was no way to connect my Asus RT-N66R router.

I called Verizon and the guy shows up and tells me they can not provide me internet over co ax and I need Ethernet. I told them the Fios representative of the complex mentioned it was already hooked up.

Then the tech says he's not allowed to drill holes. I call the complex and explain and the lady is new there so she tells me it's fine to run a line and drill some holes to get it in my apartment.

So now I have Ethernet from outside running through my roommate's room to mine.

I notice the speeds on the desktop are about 98 down and like 120 up. I'm running Merlin firmware on the Asus router. WiFi speeds vary between the PS4, my tv and other appliances. Not sure why upload speed is so high. When I had Comcast I had the same plan 100mb down and I always got 150mb down when testing and upload was of course slower.

Should I purchase a better router to get better signal and what should this one be replaced with? I used to have Comcast so I got my own modem and router anytime I had the chance to.

Should I go for an AC router? I want a bit better wireless speeds in the living room. My roommate has an iPad, we both have laptops connected as well as 2 Google home devices and a Phillips hue bridge for lighting control, smart phones and a few other wireless devices here.

Is the nighthawk a good option or should I just stick with what I have? I kind of want something that will be good for everything and decent speeds in case wherever I move to next I may not have the fios option.

 

[ylin0811]

do you have any wifi issues with 2.4 and 5ghz on your current implementation? if you dont have any issues with the existing wifi, you can certainly upgrade to a 4x4 wireless radio that will future proof your infrastructure.

 

[sze5003]

do you have any wifi issues with 2.4 and 5ghz on your current implementation? if you dont have any issues with the existing wifi, you can certainly upgrade to a 4x4 wireless radio that will future proof your infrastructure.

There is some interference when multiple devices are connected. Like my roommate's laptop and my older wireless devices. While the rest of the deceives use 5ghz. I could also use better range. Thinking about getting the nighthawk 7300 from Best buy with the dst adapter since it's included.

 

[pad23amg]

I notice the speeds on the desktop are about 98 down and like 120 up. I'm running Merlin firmware on the Asus router. WiFi speeds vary between the PS4, my tv and other appliances.

Not sure why upload speed is so high

Then the tech says he's not allowed to drill holes. I call the complex and explain and the lady is new there so she tells me it's fine to run a line and drill some holes to get it in my apartment.

So now I have Ethernet from outside running through my roommate's room to mine.
I notice the speeds on the desktop are about 98 down and like 120 up. I'm running Merlin firmware on the Asus router. WiFi speeds vary between the PS4, my tv and other appliances. Not sure why upload speed is so high. Cox seems have similar plans and had a modem setup at residence. http://www.corenetworkz.com/2017/12/setup-cox-internet-troubleshoot-wifi.html When I had Comcast I had the same plan 100mb down and I always got 150mb down when testing and upload was of course slower. I had configured a Belkin router before without problems. But that is older model now.

Should I purchase a better router to get better signal and what should this one be replaced with? I used to have Comcast so I got my own modem and router anytime I had the chance to.

high upload speed is possible as your current plan from verizon might have more focused with upload speed than your old plan with comcast. ISPs like Cox , Verizon has such plans.

While the rest of the deceives use 5ghz.

If you sense high interference on 5GHz , try change to 2.4GHz and check if you sill see the issues. Having a wireless AC router is good for more speed but I don't think it can solve any interference related issues.

 

[ylin0811]

it sounds like you are experiencing one of the two scenarios listed below:

1. router's 2.4ghz band has some legacy devices using 802.11b that's taking up the airtime, thus making users think that is is caused by interference issues.

2. insufficient processing power on the router with a large number of clients.

to move forward, can you see how many clients are connected to the wifi and ask you roommate to see if they have any legacy wifi devices that only support 802.11b

 

[sze5003]

We have close to 6 devices connected. Sony TV, PS4, 2 laptops, a desktop, an iPad and two Google home minis. A few more other things like the Phillips hue bridge.

I went and got the nighthawk 7300 as it was on sale. It came with the dst adapter which I put in the living room. I have the tv connected to that dst. Much less interference now and the PS4 pro now gets about 100mb down on the 5g compared to like 17mb when connected to the DST device on either 2.4 or 5ghz.

Overall the range from living room across all 2 bedrooms is 100% compared to like 50-80% on the Asus RT-N66R.

This router is huge though. I do like the addition of the DST as I can even give that to my roommate for his room in case he needs a better connection.

So far I'm seeing a better connection all across. The DST isn't that fast but it has an Ethernet port so I thought the living room was a good idea in case I ever wanted to run an Ethernet to the PS4 or another device I may want in there.

 

[ylin0811]

Would it be possible for you to move your new router to the center of the apartment? That would be the most ideal deployment.

 

[sze5003]

Would it be possible for you to move your new router to the center of the apartment? That would be the most ideal deployment.

I wish but since my desktop is in my room and I often work from home, I need it hard wired in. Also since the fios guy had to drill holes I had him already run the line to my bedroom.

The only difference between the nighthawk 7000 and 7300 is the processor and the included DST adapter. So I can't use custom firmware for it but I kept the Asus router just in case.

I was going to get the r7000 standard but that one was $180 at Best buy vs the 7300 which was $150 with the adapter. I set up most of my devices so that if I go in the living room they auto connect to the extender to keep coverage and range the same as if I were in my bedroom.