FiOS Internet Update for Colonial Heritage

Finally, after a seemingly endless wait, Verizon FiOS Internet is beginning to expand its access in Colonial Heritage. Fiber trenching throughout the sections of Section 1, 2, 3 and 4 was completed in July and many homeowners are being notified that they can now enroll in the new service.

If you have not been contacted by FiOS via a door tag or by an official Verizon representative at your door you can contact them directly at (800) 922-0204 to confirm Internet availability at your home and to arrange an installation date.

Here is an overview of the installation process: (the installation charge should be waived)

The FiOS installation technician will trench a fiber line from the street to a junction box on the side of your house. They will then typically install their fiber modem (ONT) inside the garage. They will connect the ONT to an existing Ethernet cable or they will re-purpose one CAT-5 telephone line in the house. If you don’t plan to use Mesh, select a phone jack that is as central in the home as possible. The Ethernet cable can be connected to a modem-router (Gateway) which Verizon will provide to you at no cost. For improved coverage, you can connect directly to a multi-node Mesh router. You might want to refer to this article written by the CH Tech Club on how to connect a Mesh router to an ONT. Whichever router you decide to use, it is recommended that you select your own network name (SSID) and password, not the default provided.

The US is transitioning from cable TV to streaming. According to the latest statistics from Grok 83% of US TV viewing is done using Internet streaming! This means if you are switching from Cox Cable TV and are not already a streamer you will need to select from one of the available services which includes YouTube TV, Hulu Live TV, DirecTV, Fubo or Sling TV. We encourage you to use this handy table of subscription streaming providers and available channels compiled by CNET to help with your selection. For maximum cost savings, you might want to consider an over-the-air antenna to receive free local network channels. If you are unsure of the monthly costs and savings to stream, our Tech Club streaming calculator can help you make this decision.

For help with any of this information, reach out to the Croucher Group for assistance.

Wireless Network Optimization

By Calvin Croucher

This is a story that may sound familiar to some of you and your own home wireless network.

Recently, I was contacted by a homeowner who expressed concern that his wireless network wasn’t working correctly. He said, “My internet seems to cut on and off”. The homeowner scheduled an assessment. I asked, “What speed are you paying for?” He answered, “150Mbps”. First, I rebooted the modem-router, aka the Gateway. Then, I checked that the router's firmware version was current. Next, I measured the speed in megabits/second and signal quality in milliseconds by connecting directly to one of the available Ethernet ports. Results were well above the subscribed service level. Now here is where things got interesting. I measured the wireless bandwidth and signal strength at key locations throughout the house. The speed test results were “very disappointing”. None of the measurements were within ¼ of the rated speed! That means for a service that might be costing $90/month the homeowner was only receiving service that should have cost him $25/month!

So now what? Well, since the router was over 5 years old and runs on wireless N technology the recommendation was clear. Time to upgrade. But to what? There are generally two options. A Gateway, which is a device that contains a modem and a router or a modem along with a multi-node WiFi-6 mesh network. Generally, the cost is very similar so the clear choice, especially for multiple floor living, is to implement a mesh network. A Mesh network provides whole house coverage and can be expanded to three or more nodes as needed. Most mesh networks operate with wireless, beamforming, blended 2.4Ghz and 5Ghz technology. They are good for Gigabit speeds between nodes that can support more than 100 networked devices. An added bonus is that each mesh node generally comes with 2-3 Ethernet ports so TVs and computers can be hard wired to receive very stable signals.

So, after registering a new cable modem with the ISP, providing them with the make, model, serial number and MAC address and configuring a 3-node mesh network strategically placed in the customers house, how do things look? As Captain Kirk likes to say, “Warp Speed Scotty!” All points throughout the house now receive speeds well in excess of 100Mbps. Mission accomplished. No more buffering, no more dropouts.

If you have questions or would like to see if your home network is performing at its best contact me for help.

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How to connect a Mesh router to an Optical Network Terminal

By Calvin Croucher

Mesh routers are becoming increasingly popular among Colonial Heritage homeowners. Why? Because they offer a way to extend strong Wi-Fi coverage throughout a larger space or multiple floors without sacrificing speed or reliability. However, setting up a mesh router can sometimes be tricky, especially if you need to connect it to an ONT (Optical Network Terminal) that provides internet access through a fiber-optic network. Verizon FiOS has always used fiber and Cox is now rapidly expanding their own fiber throughout Colonial Heritage. In this article, we will provide a step-by-step guide on how to connect a mesh router to an ONT and get your Wi-Fi network up and running in no time.

Step 1: Gather your equipment

Before you start connecting your mesh router to the ONT, you will need to gather the necessary equipment. This will typically include the mesh router itself, an Ethernet cable, and the power supplies for the mesh router and each mesh node. You may also need a device such as a laptop or smartphone to configure the mesh router's settings, depending on the specific model.

Step 2: Locate the ONT

The ONT is typically located on the utility side of your home, within the home smart panel or in your garage, and is usually installed by your internet service provider (ISP). The ONT is the device that receives the fiber-optic cable from the outside and converts it into a signal that can be used by your router and other devices in your home.

Step 3: Connect the mesh router to the ONT

To connect the mesh router to the ONT, you will need to use an Ethernet cable. Connect one end of the Ethernet cable to the WAN (Wide Area Network) port on the mesh router, and the other end directly to the LAN (Local Area Network) port on the ONT. Make sure the Ethernet cable is securely connected to both devices. Yes, you read this correctly, you do not need to rent a Gateway from Verizon or Cox if you have an ONT and plan to use a Mesh router!

Step 4: Power on the mesh router

After connecting the mesh router to the ONT, you can now plug in the power supply for the mesh router and turn it on. The mesh router should start up and begin broadcasting a Wi-Fi signal. If you have a smartphone or laptop handy, you can try connecting to the Wi-Fi network to confirm that it is working properly.

Step 5: Configure the mesh router settings

Once the mesh router is connected to the ONT and powered on, you should configure its settings to ensure that it is working optimally. This may include setting up the Wi-Fi network name and password, configuring parental controls, or adjusting other settings such as a recommended weekly automatic reboot schedule. Consult the user manual for your specific mesh router model for instructions on how to access and configure its settings either directly through the router's IP address or through the router manufacturers provide mobile app.

In conclusion, connecting a mesh router to an ONT is a relatively straightforward process that can greatly improve your Wi-Fi coverage and performance. By following the steps outlined in this article, you should be able to connect your mesh router to the ISPs ONT and get your Wi-Fi network up and running in no time. If you encounter any issues or have questions, don't hesitate to contact your ISP, the manufacturer of your mesh router or as always, The Croucher Group is happy to help.

Internet Gateway vs 3-Node Mesh Home Network

By Calvin Croucher

The internet has become an essential part of modern life, and with the increasing number of connected devices in homes, having a reliable and robust wired or wireless home network is more important than ever. When it comes to setting up a home network, two of the most popular options are a traditional internet gateway and a multi-node mesh network. In this article, we will compare these two options and explore the pros and cons of each.

A home internet gateway is a device that connects your home network to the internet. It is typically provided by your internet service provider (ISP) and is responsible for routing traffic between your home network and the internet. Most gateways are simple, single-unit devices that include a modem, router, and sometimes a switch. They are easy to set up and require minimal configuration, making them a popular choice for home users who want a hassle-free network setup.

On the other hand, a mesh network is a bit more complex and sophisticated solution that provides better coverage and performance. A mesh network consists of a series of devices, or nodes, that are strategically placed throughout your home. These nodes communicate with each other wirelessly, creating a seamless network that covers your entire home. Mesh networks are designed to be easy to set up and manage, with most systems offering mobile apps that allow you to monitor and control your network from your smartphone. Mesh networks often combine band steering which manages the blended use of 2.4 and 5Ghz with the faster 5Ghz always given priority and beam forming which shapes or focuses a wireless signal to a particular client connection.

One of the biggest advantages of a mesh network is its ability to provide better coverage and performance than a traditional gateway. A mesh network can cover a much larger area and provide better signal strength throughout your home. This is because the nodes communicate with each other, creating a network that is more resilient to interference and able to adapt to changes in your environment. Additionally, mesh networks are able to handle more devices simultaneously, making them ideal for homes with a large number of connected devices.

However, there are also some drawbacks to consider when choosing a mesh network. Firstly, they are more expensive than a traditional Gateway, as you need to purchase multiple nodes to cover your home. Additionally, they can be more complex to set up and manage, as you need to ensure that the nodes are placed in the optimal locations to provide the best coverage. This may require some trial and error, as well as some technical know-how and use of a signal strength meter.

On the other hand, a traditional gateway is a more straightforward and affordable option for most home users. It is easy to set up and requires minimal configuration, making it a popular choice for those who are not technically inclined. However, it may not provide the same level of coverage and performance as a mesh network, especially in larger homes or those with lots of interference.

In conclusion, both a traditional internet Gateway and a Mesh network have their pros and cons, and the best option for your home will depend on your specific needs and budget. If you have a larger home or a lot of connected devices, a mesh network may be the better option as it will provide better coverage and performance. However, if you have a smaller home or a limited budget, a traditional gateway may be the more practical option. Whatever you choose, it is important to ensure that your home network is secure and well-managed to ensure that you get the most out of your internet connection.

For more help contact the Colonial Heritage Tech Club.