Gaming with FIOS Internet and TV
Current FIOS installations pose a problem for gaming, and perhaps file sharing applications. The Verizon-supplied Actiontec MI424-WR router has a NAT implementation that is not sufficient for gaming. Normally, the simplest fix is to use a better router, but FIOS TV requires an MoCA (multimedia over Coax) connection from the ONT (Optical Network Terminal outside the house) to the cable box.
As a result, the best solution is to run the Actiontec router as a bridge connected to another router with a solid NAT implementation. Some FIOS installations use an enthernet connection (the square-ish RJ45 plugs) from the ONT to the intended router connection. COAX is also run from the ONT to the STB. If this is the case with your installation you can use your router as the front-end. This is the setup that I run, with a Linksys WRT54GL as my router. The Actiontec must be configured to be a bridge, meaning that the Actiontec will be transparent on the IP network, much like an ethernet hub is.
Figure 1: FIOS with enet WAN connection to ONT:
Some installations use the coaxial cable for both TV and internet, and the Actiontec must be wired into the coax. If this is the case with your installation, you’re stuck with the Actiontec as your router, and
the only way to get services like XBOX Live to work is to configure a DMZ.
If you’re getting FIOS, make every effort to get your installer to set up an ethernet/CAT5 connection for data from the ONT, as it will allow you to use your own router.
[I'm still working on this - publishing it as a preview]
So did this resolve the issues with XBOX live and the NAT type not being open?
Thanks,
Jason
Yes, I run the set-up in the top picture – Live works fine.
I was able to create the bridge with the Actiontec router but now I do not have a tv guide or on demand. Currently my internet and fios tv come through on coax. Is there a way to get the guide and on demand working with the Actiontec router as a bridge? I am currently using a Linksys WRT54G router running DD-WRT firmware behind the Actiontec bridge. I have followed the diagram you show with inbound coaxial cable.
Thanks
Randy
I can’t figure out how the bottom picture (COAX only from the ONT) is going to work.
Specifically, if the Actiontec is acting as a bridge, there’s no DCHP on the LAN for the
STB to get an IP address from. I’ll edit the post accordingly – I think if you’ve got
a COAX-only install, you’re stuck with the Actiontec as a router, and the only way you’re
going to get Live working is by setting the 360 up as as a DMZ.
I’m want to use my own (IPCop) router and I’m having trouble. I have FIOS TV & internet. I configured the Actiontec as a bridge and my IPCop box is working with my VPN, etc., but I cannot access On Demand features on my TV’s as a result. If I follow the diagram above, will it work? It looks like I need to run CAT6 from the device in my garage to my basement, which I will gladly do myself if I have some assurance it will work. Will the Verizon tech honor the request to turn on ethernet on the ONT? I’m curious to hear other experiences with this.
I doubt they’ll come out to turn on the cat5, but it can’t hurt to ask. Let me know what they say.