FIOS: Own router + NIM or FIOS Router?

[StarsFan4Life]

I have had FIOS for two years now. My package is the Ultimate HD and the 35/35 internet. Since then, I have had multiple problems with the Westell 9100em router. I worked all week to get one of the Actiontec routers sent to me, even had a tech come put, and to make a long story short, I can't get one sent to me.

So, I want to stop using this POS Westell 9100em and get my own Wireless N + Gigabit Ethernet router. My problem is VOD and channel guides. I spoke with a guy I know who is a Verizon tech. He said he could come out and convert my demarc from Coax to Ethernet and this will allow me to use my own router. He said he would install a NIM that connects to my router that gives me the VOD and channel guide back.

My question is, how well does this work? Do any of you have this configuration? If so, how do you like it?

If I go this route, which router would you guys suggest I get? I do need router that is good and easy to setup port forwarding as I run a home surveillance system for remote view.

 

[bjamm2]

I have this. I use my own linksys gigabit N router. the NIM only downloads the VOD and guide. I actually dont even need that anymore as I purchased a tv tuner card and setup a 10tb media center to record all my fios tv..

However before, you will notice the guide updates faster and the VOD menus go faster and movies load quicker.. The coax setup was way slower to me even the verizion tech said wow we should do this on all of our installs...

 

[kevnich2]

I have had FIOS for two years now. My package is the Ultimate HD and the 35/35 internet. Since then, I have had multiple problems with the Westell 9100em router. I worked all week to get one of the Actiontec routers sent to me, even had a tech come put, and to make a long story short, I can't get one sent to me.

So, I want to stop using this POS Westell 9100em and get my own Wireless N + Gigabit Ethernet router. My problem is VOD and channel guides. I spoke with a guy I know who is a Verizon tech. He said he could come out and convert my demarc from Coax to Ethernet and this will allow me to use my own router. He said he would install a NIM that connects to my router that gives me the VOD and channel guide back.

My question is, how well does this work? Do any of you have this configuration? If so, how do you like it?

If I go this route, which router would you guys suggest I get? I do need router that is good and easy to setup port forwarding as I run a home surveillance system for remote view.

This will work fine for everything EXCEPT remote web DVR. You won't be able to manage your DVR remotely through the website unless you have the verizon provided router. There's lots of workarounds on the web but I have yet to find one that works. No biggie for me, I didn't use the feature enough before to justify it. But yes, you would need to have your ONT switched to ethernet from the coax for the data.

 

[StarsFan4Life]

This will work fine for everything EXCEPT remote web DVR. You won't be able to manage your DVR remotely through the website unless you have the verizon provided router. There's lots of workarounds on the web but I have yet to find one that works. No biggie for me, I didn't use the feature enough before to justify it. But yes, you would need to have your ONT switched to ethernet from the coax for the data.

They are coming to do that and installed a NIM100. Installing a Netgear N600 WNDR3700-100NAS with Wireless-N and Gigabit. Should be a better system!

 

[StarsFan4Life]

FIOS tech came today and switched me to Ethernet/NIM100 config. I have to seriously admit, the new router MAKES A DIFFERENCE. That Westell 9100em is a flat out POS and I can't believe Verizon allows it to be the hardware. The tech even admits it's a POS.

 

[Bryf50]

FIOS tech came today and switched me to Ethernet/NIM100 config. I have to seriously admit, the new router MAKES A DIFFERENCE. That Westell 9100em is a flat out POS and I can't believe Verizon allows it to be the hardware. The tech even admits it's a POS.

Its not the hardware its Verizon's firmware. The Actiontec I have has some pretty awesome specs for a router(550mhz x-scale,32mb ram,8mb flash). But on the stock firmware it was terrible and could only handle something like 100 simultaneous connections. Flashed with DD-WRT, its great and now can support something like 60,000 simultaneous connections.

Did Verizon just give you the NIM for free? I didn't know they had them.

 

[StarsFan4Life]

Its not the hardware its Verizon's firmware. The Actiontec I have has some pretty awesome specs for a router(550mhz x-scale,32mb ram,8mb flash). But on the stock firmware it was terrible and could only handle something like 100 simultaneous connections. Flashed with DD-WRT, its great and now can support something like 60,000 simultaneous connections.

Did Verizon just give you the NIM for free? I didn't know they had them.

This tech did....first time out we shot the shit for a good 1 hour...so he decided to be super nice and bring me a NIM100 free and set me up with Ethernet.

Now, should I leave my stock firmware or upgrade it to the DD-WRT?