Zoe Alvarez
Verizon Fios offers customers the option to rent or buy a router, modem, or gateway. Renting a router costs $15 per month, while buying one costs $199 with a two-year warranty. While renting may be more convenient, it can be more expensive in the long run, especially if you plan to stay with Verizon Fios for more than a year. On the other hand, buying a router gives you more flexibility and can save you money, but you may need to troubleshoot and fix any issues yourself. Some customers have also reported being charged rental fees for routers they owned, so it's important to be aware of potential issues and carefully consider your options before deciding whether to rent or buy a router from Verizon Fios.
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What You'll Learn
Cost analysis of renting vs. buying a router
When it comes to deciding between renting and buying a router from Fios, there are several factors to consider in terms of cost. Firstly, Fios charges a monthly rental fee of $15, which may seem convenient at first. However, this accumulates to a significant amount over time. For example, in just 11.5 months, you would have paid off the entire cost of the router, which Fios values at $175. Therefore, if you plan to stay with Fios for more than a year or two, renting becomes less financially advantageous.
On the other hand, purchasing a router requires a larger upfront investment, with prices ranging from $58 for the TP Link AC1750 to $230-$280 for an Eero or comparable router. Additionally, if you choose to buy your own router, you take on the responsibility of troubleshooting and maintaining the equipment. This can be a complicated task, and Fios customer support may be less inclined to assist with issues if you're not using their proprietary equipment.
Renting a router can be a good option if you're unsure about your long-term plans or the specific router you need. For instance, if you're considering moving to a new apartment or testing the Fios service, renting provides flexibility without committing to a purchase. However, some Fios users have shared strategies to navigate the renting vs. buying decision. One approach is to rent initially to ensure everything works as expected and then switch to a purchased router once satisfied with the service.
In conclusion, the cost analysis of renting vs. buying a router from Fios depends on your specific circumstances. If you plan to stay with Fios for an extended period, purchasing a router is more cost-effective in the long run. On the other hand, renting can be a convenient option for short-term commitments or if you prefer the simplicity of bundled services and support. Ultimately, the decision should consider your financial preferences, technical proficiency, and anticipated duration of service.
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Compatibility with TV and Wi-Fi 6 devices
When it comes to compatibility with TV and Wi-Fi 6 devices, there are a few things to consider when deciding whether to rent or buy a Fios router. Firstly, it is important to note that Fios routers have built-in Wi-Fi, and if you want to upgrade to Wi-Fi 6, you may need to replace the built-in Wi-Fi with a new router. For example, if you have the Frontier Fios G1100, you can use a TP-Link Archer AX21 router as an access point by plugging a LAN cable from one of the G1100 LAN ports into the TP-Link's WAN port. This allows the G1100 to serve as a modem while the TP-Link provides Wi-Fi 6 connectivity.
Additionally, if you have TV and don't have any Wi-Fi 6 devices, buying a used G1100 on eBay for around $50 is a good option as it can handle TV and 1Gb Internet. However, if you plan to use Google Home as your extender, you may not need to purchase the Verizon router. Instead, you can use Google Home as your main router. On the other hand, if you have set-top boxes for television, you might need to use the official Verizon router or another MoCA device to provide internet over coax.
Another consideration is the cost of renting or buying a router. Renting a Fios router from Verizon typically costs $15 per month, and they usually upgrade their routers every 3-5 years. If you plan to stay with Verizon for more than a year or two, it may be more cost-effective to buy your own router. Additionally, if you buy your own router, you have more control over firmware updates, which may be more frequent than with ISP-provided routers.
In terms of compatibility, it is important to ensure that your devices support the Wi-Fi standards of the router. For example, Wi-Fi 6e supports older Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 5 devices, but there are rules about avoiding certain frequencies to prevent interference. Additionally, some older devices may not be compatible with the WPA2 encryption used by Fios routers, so it is important to check the specifications of your devices before making a decision.
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Technical support for third-party routers
You can use your own router with Verizon Fios. However, Verizon will not offer any technical support for third-party routers. You will need to troubleshoot and fix any problems yourself.
If you are using a third-party router with Fios TV, you will need a splitter to connect the set-top box (STB), third-party router, and optical network terminal (ONT) together. The ONT connects to the STB and a MoCA adapter with a coaxial cable. The router connects to the MoCA adapter with an ethernet cable. The ONT also connects to the router with an ethernet cable. You will need to call Verizon Fios support and ask them to activate the ethernet connection.
If you have an old-school Fios installation from 2013, you may need a special converter to use your own router. If you have an Ethernet jack, you can plug any router into that.
If you are subscribing to Fios internet only, you don't need to use their router. You will need to have Ethernet run from the ONT if it isn't already. The Ethernet from the ONT plugs directly into your router.
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Pros and cons of renting vs. buying
When it comes to setting up your internet connection, you may be wondering whether to rent or buy your router. Here are some pros and cons of renting versus buying a router for Fios to help you decide which option is best for you:
Renting a Router from Fios
Pros:
- Convenience: Renting a router from Fios can be more convenient as they provide the necessary equipment and may offer support if something goes wrong. This can save you time and effort in troubleshooting and fixing issues.
- Regular Upgrades: Fios typically upgrades their routers every 3-5 years. By renting, you can take advantage of these upgrades without having to purchase a new router each time.
- No Long-Term Commitment: Fios does not require a long-term contract for equipment rental, so you have the flexibility to rent month-to-month.
Cons:
- Cost: Renting a router from Fios costs $15 per month, which can add up over time. If you plan to stay with Fios for more than a year or two, buying your own router may be more cost-effective.
- Limited Customization: When renting a router from Fios, you may have limited options for customization and may need to use their specific equipment. This can restrict your ability to choose a router that best suits your needs.
Buying a Router for Fios
Pros:
- Cost-Effective: Buying your own router can be more cost-effective in the long run, especially if you plan to stay with Fios for more than a year. You can find compatible routers for around $50-$300, which can save you money compared to ongoing rental fees.
- Firmware Updates: Third-party routers often receive firmware updates more frequently than ISP-provided routers, ensuring your router stays up-to-date and secure.
- Freedom of Choice: When you buy your own router, you have the freedom to choose one that best suits your needs and preferences. You can select a router with specific features, performance, or compatibility that aligns with your requirements.
Cons:
- Troubleshooting: If you encounter connection issues, Fios may blame your third-party hardware. You may need to have some networking knowledge or seek additional support to troubleshoot and resolve problems effectively.
- Initial Cost: Purchasing a router requires an upfront investment, which may not be feasible for everyone. The cost of buying a router can range from $50 to $300 or more, depending on the model and features.
- Compatibility: To use your own router with Fios, you need to ensure compatibility. Certain Fios plans and older installations may require specific gateways or converters, adding complexity to the setup.
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Router upgrade frequency
Routers play a crucial role in connecting your devices to the internet and your local area network. While routers can be expensive, renting them from internet service providers (ISPs) is a common practice. However, the question remains: how often should you upgrade your router?
Upgrading your router can bring significant improvements to your internet speed and performance. Generally, ISPs like Verizon Fios upgrade their routers every 3-5 years. For instance, Verizon Fios historically upgraded its routers every 3-5 years, and in 2022, they were due for another upgrade. If you rent a router from an ISP, you can benefit from these upgrades without purchasing new equipment.
However, if you own your router, upgrading every few years may not be necessary. For example, a router purchased in 2013 may still be compatible with your internet service in 2021. Additionally, if you have basic internet needs, such as streaming videos or using Zoom, a simple router upgrade may not be necessary.
On the other hand, if you have specific requirements, such as faster speeds, improved range, or support for new technologies like Wifi 6/6e, upgrading your router can be beneficial. For instance, if you have Gigabit internet and want to ensure a strong signal throughout your house, investing in a newer router with features like "Mesh" or a more powerful antenna could be worthwhile.
In conclusion, the frequency of router upgrades depends on your specific needs and the capabilities of your current router. If you rent a router from an ISP, you can benefit from their upgrade cycles without additional costs. However, if you own your router, consider upgrading every few years or when your current router struggles to meet your internet demands.
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Frequently asked questions
No, you can choose to rent a router from Fios or buy your own.
Fios charges $15 per month for equipment rental.
Renting a router from Fios provides access to tech support and warranty service. Additionally, Fios may provide upgrades to the router every 1-2 years.
Renting a router can be more expensive in the long run compared to buying one outright. If you plan to stay with Fios for more than a year or two, it may be more cost-effective to purchase your own router.
Buying your own router gives you more flexibility in choosing a model that suits your needs. Third-party routers may also receive firmware updates more frequently than ISP-provided routers. However, if you buy your own router, you will need to troubleshoot and fix any issues yourself, and Fios may not provide tech support for non-Fios routers.
