Hey @MikeScunz .
The scenario you are suggesting is going to cause issues and result in Double NAT and performance degradation. There should only be one device handling the routing functionality. Since you are using two routers, both will have to have port forwarding set up otherwise only one of them will route the traffic properly, if it works at all. If you are so inclined to use two routers, which is NOT recommended, this link will help but any issues would not be supported for the most part: Hardwire Wifi devices with Ethernet
Now...the BEST part...the Verizon modem can be removed from the network completely. You just need to make some adjustments and add in a MoCA device(s) for the TV. The Verizon combo does this with an internal MoCA (they don't tell you that) to keep you paying for renting their equipment. I've assisted several on this with success. The steps are outlined below:
Network setup recommendations. Please follow the steps outlined in order:
- In general, this article will assist with basic hardwired setups for future reference: Hardwire Wifi devices with Ethernet
- For visibility, the setup we'll use is ONT > Google/Nest router > Switch > Points and/or MoCA
- Delete any current network from the Google Home app. This should factory reset any connected Google/Nest Wifi devices but I'd perfom a manual reset on them to make sure they are as noted in #3.
- Reset the Google/Nest Wifi devices: Factory reset your Wifi device
- Remove the Fios router from the equation. The Fios router is only performing the routing and converting the signal for use with phone and TV, if you have the other services. It can be eliminated completely despite what they tell you.
- Use this article if you have internet ONLY: Use Own Router with FiOS ONT Ethernet
- Use this article if you have internet AND phone or TV service via Fios: How to Use Your Own Router With Verizon FiOS
- NOTE: If you have TV service with Fios, you will need to purchase a MoCA device(s) to convert the signal for TV use. The Fios router has one of these built into it (typical) and sometimes is integrated in the ONT (rarely though). Any MoCA devices needed will be covered further down so wait on purchasing one or setting them up until then.
- Setup the main Google/Nest Wifi device - Follow the appropriate link in the following article for the device you have. Get started
- NOTE: you will ONLY be setting up the main router right now.
- Connect the Switch - Connect an Ethernet cable from the Google/Nest router open port to the input (or port #1 depending on Switch) port on the Switch.
- Connect a laptop to the Switch via Ethernet to see if you have connection to the internet. If not, restart the Google/Nest router and switch and try again after they both fully reboot.
- If you do, have connection established, move to #7.
- Set up Mesh
- Connect points via wireless mesh (good scenario) - Follow the instructions in the Google Home app to add points wirelessly to form the mesh network.
- Connect points to Switch via Ethernet (best scenario) - These need to be done one at a time to full setup before moving to the next point you want to connect. Connect an Ethernet cable from the first available open port on the Switch to the device on the next floor you want to cover. Connect the other end to the point you want to set up WITH THE POWER CABLE REMOVED. Then power up the point, wait for it to fully boot, and add it to the network via the Google Home app.
- To connect additional points, follow the above procedure for your mesh configuration for each additional point making sure they are powered off before connecting the Ethernet cable or moving to the wireless setup. This will ensure that the proper connection is established in the Mesh for your preferences.
- Add MoCA device(s) (if needed) - See the below NOTE first. If you need a MoCA device(s) for TV service with Fios, you can find them by searching Amazon . DO NOT get the cheapest one as they can cause issues; a mid-range one is a good option at the minimum. You will connect them from an open pot on the Switch or point (depending on the point you have).
- NOTE: Check the TV service before adding a MoCA. Some newer ONTs will convert the signal and nothing has to be added but this is rare but can save money if it isn't needed.
- Check the network via the Google Home app - Run a Speed Test and Mesh Test via the Home app. This will verify the network is up and running correctly.
- If there are issues or errors, power off (no reboot) all of the devices one at a time starting from the furthest device out and working your way back to the ONT. Connect the power back to the ONT and then to each of the other devices one at a time starting with the Google/Nest router and working further out. Retest once all devices are fully powered back up.
- Once the network is verified as working, make sure other devices can connect to the network.
- If you are still having issues, please advise with the step the issue occurred on and if the previous steps were completed without errors/problems. We'll take a look if issues still persist to get things back on track.
This configuration will establish a home network with a single router and multiple points. If you need to make more connections from the Switch than what you have available ports for, let me know and I can help you expand the setup further. I actually have two Switches in my own network covering two floors and handling 40-50 connections at any one time. I've used the same setup with pre-Google Wifi devices, with the OnHub, again with Google Wifi (Gen 1), and with my current setup with the new Nest Wifi Pro.