Connecting primary wi-fi

[peterkronenberg]

Hi,  I have the Google Mesh system.  I want to clarify about how to set up the initial unit.  I have Verizon Fios and the router already gives me a wi-fi system.  It appears that when I connect the primary unit to the router with a Ethernet cable, it creates *another* wi-fi system that the other units connect to instead of extending the existing wi-fi that the router is creating.  Is that how it works?  Can I just have the initial unit connect wirelessly to the existing wiifi?

[PatrickP_Viking]

Hey @peterkronenberg .

You will need to remove the Verizon Fios router completely from the equation. This is something that Verizon doesn't provide information about since it means they will lose the "rental fee" for their router if you replace it with something else.

Below are two articles to get you squared away with replacing the Verizon router with Google/Nest Wifi. The first one only pertains if you do not have TV service; if you do, follow number 2.

1. Use Own Router with FiOS ONT Ethernet 
2. How to Use Your Own Router With Verizon FiOS 

Once you have configured the settings as described and remove the Verizon router, just follow the normal setup process for the Google/Nest Wifi.

[Jeff]

Nice info, PatrickP_Viking. 

Hi peterkronenberg,

I just wanted to jump in real fast to see if you saw the links Patrick shared and to see if you still needed some help on this or if you were able to get it sorted out. If you are still needing some help, just let us know and we'll be happy to continue helping.

Thanks,
Jeff

[peterkronenberg]

Thanks, yes I did see it.  I do have Verizon TV service.   Although I don't use any of the Verizon specific stuff like on-demand, so I don't think I need the MoCA.
  It looks like I have both an Ethernet and a coax coming in from the ONT which is mounted outside, into the Verizon router, which, based on the article, was a bit surprising.  I always assumed that the coax was for the TV service and the Ethernet was for the Internet.  But now that I think of it, the coax that is going all throughout the house and is connected to the TV's isn't coming from the router, so not sure what's going on

[PatrickP_Viking]

Hey @peterkronenberg .

Verizon tends to run both from the ONT to their router, essentially splitting the signal coming in. The Verizon router "should" be distributing the coaxial to the TVs and the Ethernet for internet.

I'd suggest trying to trace the coaxial back to see where it is coming from. I suspect they split it somewhere between the ONT and router for some odd reason (maybe a new installer?). You might want to get a coaxial tester to help.

[peterkronenberg]

I'm pretty sure it's coming from the ONT which is in the other side of the wall. When I get brave, I'll try disconnecting them one at a time and see what happens. If the Ethernet cable works, then I can just connect it to the Google wifi and ignore the coax

[peterkronenberg]

Oh, I just realized you might be saying the the coax is output. That might be possible. But if so, then I would still need to keep the Verizon router, right? 

[PatrickP_Viking]

You will have to remove the Verizon router completely. Per the second link ( How to Use Your Own Router With Verizon FiOS ), once you configure the ONT for Ethernet only you will remove the Verizon router. To get the signal to the TVs, you'll install a MoCA downstream via Ethernet from the Google/Nest Wifi (or switch if you choose to add one).

The signal is essentially being split, one converted for TV and sent out via the coaxial and the second for internet access via Ethernet. The Verizon router is managing the split with a built in MoCA. The changes you will make just makes the MoCA an external unit so you can remove the Verizon router. Splitting the MoCA out also will allow for more flexibility in TV placement too since you aren't tied to the original coaxial locations.

Amazon sells numerous MoCAs at a reasonable price. Others that have done the changes have advised not to go super cheap since it will affect quality.

Please make sure you follow the instructions and don't skip any. It is a fairly simple process and you'll save money too since you won't have to pay Verizon's equipment rental fees anymore for the router.

[peterkronenberg]

ok, now I understand what the MoCA is for.  I think I get it.  But if the ONT is already using Ethernet, then there is nothing that needs to be re-configured, right?  And it means that I don't have to try to route an Ethernet cable from outside to inside.

[PatrickP_Viking]

You'll still need to check to make sure the ONT is configured per the link instructions.

[peterkronenberg]

So you're saying that even though there's an Ethernet cable, it might not be enabled?

[PatrickP_Viking]

Hey @peterkronenberg .

Sorry if I've caused any confusion...the ONT is likely configured for Ethernet BUT you need to make a setting change as noted in the instructions to prevent issues with removing the Verizon router. The default configuration is for the Verizon router; the change will allow it to be used with any router.

[peterkronenberg]

Oh, I see. You're talking about the configuration that needs to be done in the browser.  Got it

[LovelyM]

Hi folks,

Thanks for the help here, Jeff.

@peterkronenberg, I'm chiming in to check if you still need additional help. Don't hesitate to reply to this thread if you have other questions or clarifications about your network setup.

Keep me posted.

Regards,
Lovely

[peterkronenberg]

Thanks.  I'm w as waiting for a good time that I can get to this. I'm sure I'll have more questions then, especially if it doesn't work

[LovelyM]

Hello again peterkronenberg,

No biggie! I'll keep this post open for three more days. Fill me in once you have additional questions in mind so I can further assist you.

Thanks, 
Lovely

[LovelyM]

Hey peterkronenberg, 

I'm checking in to see if you still need help. Don't hesitate to tell me if you have other questions or concerns. I want to make sure you're all good now.

Best, 
Lovely

[LovelyM]

Hi peterkronenberg, 

Due to inactivity, I'll go ahead and lock this thread in 24 hours. If you still need assistance, feel free to start a new thread and we'd be glad to help you further.

Cheers, 
Lovely