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Using FiOS TV Ethernet ONLY without QG

I am originally just a FiOS internet subscriber. I have an Alcatel-Lucent ONT in my home network rack that directly connects to my Google WiFi. I have opted out of having a Quantum Gateway using the Google WiFi as my Router, and shipping the Quantum Gateway back to VZ. Then from my Google WiFi I have Switches and additional Google WiFi access points around the house distributing internet to various devices.

The set up works very well for Internet, however now I purchased FiOS TV and they delivered 1 VMS4100 STB and 1 IPC4100 IP STB to my house. These STBs have have Ethernet ports and I am trying to figure out how to set this all up without a QG (Quantum Gateway) and without the use of COAX.

I have Ethernet running to all the TV locations but I do NOT have COAX running to these locations. I am trying to figure out if I can get this to work via Ethernet only. Also trying to find out if I can get this to work without a Quantum Gateway.

In the research I have been doing, it looks like The IP STB is capable of connecting via WiFi although I am not able to get it set up via Google WiFi, it looks like I need a QG. I have also read that if I want it to be Ethernet only I wont have DVR and VOD or a Guide, this doesn't really bother me, although I feel like it doesn't make much sense. These STBs should be advanced enough to not NEED coax running to them, everything should be able to run via Ethernet.

When I called VZ support they told me I would need to revert to Legacy equipment to be able to go Ethernet only, but I also feel like the support technician was in a hurry to get me off the phone (like it was the end of his shift) and didn't feel like explaining the work around.

These are advanced pieces of equipment, you think they would be more versatile, and able to work in different environments. I'm an IT technician, and have a fully integrated smart home, with smart devices everywhere. My wife and I were looking forward to getting our hands on these new STBs that have voice activated remotes. I would hate to have to revert to Legacy equipment to be able to have TV with my set up.

Basically the question is, am I able to get these STBs to work with my set up or am I going to need get Legacy equipment and/or run coax in my house to make this work.

Help is appreciated! Happy Holidays.

Comments

Edg1

The answer is yes it can be done, but not with your current setup. The VMS4100 and older VMS1100 have to have the Quantum Gateway G1100 in place and primary for activation purposes. I would pick one up online and make sure there is a good return policy because if Frontier firmware is on it the activation won’t work either.
The VMS4100 and the G1100 both need to have coax connected to it and the IPC4100 can connect via ethernet.
After activation the Google Router can go back as primary but the G1100 will have to be set as a MoCA bridge. This way you will keep VOD/IMG.

Edg1

One thing I forgot to mention is that the VMS4100 has a QAM tuner and always needs to connect to coax for video and MoCA connection.

And if they move you to legacy then you’ll need coax at every location since each box has it’s own tuner.

gs0b

Verizon provides zero support for the use of non-Verizon routers. You will not get any useful information from their support for your setup. Don't waste any more time calling or chatting with them.

The FiOS ONE boxes doe not work very well without a Verizon router, if at all. Coax is required to the main box (details below). In short, if you want FiOS TV, you need to use coax to the VMS4100 and have a FiOS router in the mix. This may help:
https://www.dslreports.com/faq/verizonfios

FiOS TV is not pure IP. Linear TV, i.e. channels, are delivered using traditional cable broadcast technology (QAM, if you know what that is) on the ONT's coax port. This means the VMS4100 must be connected to coax between it and the ONT. This is true with legacy equipment as well - you simply cannot get TV without a coax connection.

Further, an LAN connection is required between the router and the VMS4100 to provide it with guide data, on-demand streams, control info and more. Since the box must have coax for broadcast video, this LAN connection is fixed on MoCA. The Ethernet port on the VMS4100 is not used for anything.

The FiOS ONE boxes must be activated as part of the installation. This has proven difficult to do without a Verizon router. Some have reported there are specific ports that need to be opened, but the results I've seen are mixed. Spend some time on https://www.dslreports.com/forum/vzfiber to learn more.

The VMS4100 has six tuners in it. Some tuners are used to IP stream TV channels to the FiOS ONE Minis. The Mini's are pure IP devices. Their LAN connection can can be over MoCA LAN (coax), Ethernet or WiFi. They do not require a coax connection.

All legacy set-top-boxes require coax, even the non DVR models. If you stay with the FiOS ONE boxes you'll only need to run coax to the VMS4100. Otherwise, you'll need to run coax to every set-top-box.

I suggest you find a way to run coax from the ONT to the VMS4100 and get a Verizon router in your network. Then, you can use Ethernet or WiFi for the minis.

If you don't want to rent a router nor buy the new one for $299, get a used G1100 online. The G1100 works fine for FiOS ONE boxes. Just be sure the seller has a fair return policy in case you get a damage or Frontier flashed unit.

Good Luck.

gs0b

If running coax is out of the question, you may want to consider an over the top TV live steaming service like SlingTV or Hulu TV. Will work fine with your existing network, no Verizon equipment required.

Good Luck.

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