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FIOS MI424WR: What is the difference between WPA2 and 64-bit WEP KEY?
VAer1
Enthusiast - Level 3
‎01-27-2022 05:05 AM

See attached screenshot:

Wireless Status > WPA2: This is my new WiFi password

Basic Security Settings > 64-BIT WEP KEY: This is identical to my previous WiFi password (I set my previous WiFi password as 10 digit number).

Thanks.

image

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gs0b
Community Leader
Community Leader
‎01-27-2022 06:13 AM

WEP is insecure.  It is easily hacked with readily available hacking tools.  Do not use it.  Use WPA2 or better.

The MI424WR was end-of-lifed long ago by Actiontec, and has been out of support from Verizon for years.  It no longer receives any firmware updates, including security patches.  It is an insecure, out-of-date device.  It should be removed from service as soon as possible.

If you have Verizon set-top-boxes and/or like having Verizon supported equipment, you can purchase a used G1100 online for under $40.  Just make sure the sell has a fair return policy in case the unit has non-Verizon firmware on it (i.e. was used on a Frontier network.)

If you want something new, buy or rent a G3100 from Verizon.  $15/month, $299 purchase.

If you don't have their set-top-boxes and don't care about Verizon support, you can use any router you want.  Lots of good options at your favorite online or big-box store.  You may need to get Verizon to switch your ONT to Ethernet WAN, but that's free and easy.  The harder part could be running an Ethernet cable from the ONT to the router location.

No matter what you decide, get rid of that Actiontec.

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gs0b
Community Leader
Community Leader
‎01-27-2022 06:13 AM

WEP is insecure.  It is easily hacked with readily available hacking tools.  Do not use it.  Use WPA2 or better.

The MI424WR was end-of-lifed long ago by Actiontec, and has been out of support from Verizon for years.  It no longer receives any firmware updates, including security patches.  It is an insecure, out-of-date device.  It should be removed from service as soon as possible.

If you have Verizon set-top-boxes and/or like having Verizon supported equipment, you can purchase a used G1100 online for under $40.  Just make sure the sell has a fair return policy in case the unit has non-Verizon firmware on it (i.e. was used on a Frontier network.)

If you want something new, buy or rent a G3100 from Verizon.  $15/month, $299 purchase.

If you don't have their set-top-boxes and don't care about Verizon support, you can use any router you want.  Lots of good options at your favorite online or big-box store.  You may need to get Verizon to switch your ONT to Ethernet WAN, but that's free and easy.  The harder part could be running an Ethernet cable from the ONT to the router location.

No matter what you decide, get rid of that Actiontec.

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VAer1
Enthusiast - Level 3
In response to gs0b
‎01-27-2022 06:10 PM

If I buy G3100 router on ebay, will it receive firmware updates from Verizon?

Thanks

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dexman
Community Leader
Community Leader
In response to VAer1
‎01-27-2022 06:23 PM

Yes. The 3100 (which is the current unit) will be updated for the foreseeable future. There is a new router in waiting the wings and once that is released, the 1100 will be the next unit to lose support.

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VAer1
Enthusiast - Level 3
In response to dexman
‎01-27-2022 06:55 PM

When will the new one come out? Sometime this year? Maybe I can wait for the new one.

How often do you update router? Will G3100 be supported for another 5 years?

Thanks.

Edit: Are you talking about Verizon 5G Home Internet router? I don't think there is 5G Home internet in DC metro area.

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dexman
Community Leader
Community Leader
In response to VAer1
‎01-27-2022 07:02 PM

That would be it. The router will be able to work with both 5G and FiOS services.

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Cang_Household
MVP MVP
MVP
In response to VAer1
‎01-27-2022 08:05 PM

The new router will likely come out in a few months according to some press release.

G1100 in 2014, G3100 in 2019, and CR1000A in 2022 (projected), I would say every 3-5 years.

You should expect the CR1000A to be more expensive than G3100 though, to put things in perspective.

CR1000A will be used for both residential Fios and 5G. This signifies the convergence of VZ's Fios and 5G product lines.

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VAer1
Enthusiast - Level 3
In response to Cang_Household
‎01-28-2022 04:43 AM

That is not too bad, G1100 has been supported for 8 years, if G3100 is also supported for 8 years, which ends in 2027. If I buy G3100, I should expect it to be supported for at least 5 years.

Just placed an order on Ebay for a brand new G3100, with red check mark, I guess that is the most current version.

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VAer1
Enthusiast - Level 3
In response to dexman
‎01-28-2022 03:57 PM

When I buy G3100 on ebay, how can I verify that it can get firmware update? As long as I can sign into 192.168.1.1 , then it will get firmware update from Verizon?

Curious question: if buying a router from someone, technically, that person also has router password and he/she can also be able to sign it/manage account if he/she wants, correct?

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gs0b
Community Leader
Community Leader
In response to VAer1
‎01-28-2022 04:31 PM

Before you plug in the router, contact Verizon support and verify it's serial number is for a purchased unit.  If it was a rental unit that someone sold on eBay, you could end up getting charged a rental fee when you connect it.

Once you've confirmed it's a legit unit, perform a factory reset.  That will make sure the passwords are all reset to the values on the label.  Then, after you get it installed and working, change the WiFi password.  Nobody but you will be able to connect to it.  The admin password is only used when you connect to the router from your LAN.  Since the WiFi password will be your secret, nobody can get to the router's GUI unless they know your WiFi password or connect to it's Ethernet.

As for firmware updates, you don't need to do anything.  The Verizon system will keep it updated.

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VAer1
Enthusiast - Level 3
In response to gs0b
‎01-28-2022 04:37 PM

I was talking about admin password: is admin password printed on router label? Then can the seller uses admin password to log in the router?

Thanks.

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dexman
Community Leader
Community Leader
In response to VAer1
‎01-28-2022 04:50 PM

I purchased two E3200s from Verizon.

If I had gone the third party route, I would have chosen a distributor over a private seller being sure to purchase a new in box example.

But yes, a seller can write down the Administrative password which is found on the back of the 3100 and 3200.

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VAer1
Enthusiast - Level 3
In response to dexman
‎01-28-2022 04:57 PM

So when I replace current router MI424WR with seller's G3100 router, will my current SSID network name/password be automatically moved to new router? Or do I need to reset SSID network name/password on the new router?

Thanks.

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dexman
Community Leader
Community Leader
In response to VAer1
‎01-28-2022 07:08 PM

It has been a while since I switched routers. If my memory is correct, the names will be different from the get-go. Once configured, names & addresses can be customized.

One side note: the 3100 will come with SON enabled by default. Most users (including me) suggest disabling the feature and setting up 2.4 and 5 independently (much like the 424 does). 🙂

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Cang_Household
MVP MVP
MVP
In response to dexman
‎01-28-2022 07:54 PM
@dexman wrote:

One side note: the 3100 will come with SON enabled by default. Most users (including me) suggest disabling the feature and setting up 2.4 and 5 independently (much like the 424 does). 🙂

Disabling SON is no longer recommended as the 3.1.x firmware introduces the IoT 2.4GHz band for connecting all legacy WiFi 4 2.4GHz only devices that would otherwise have trouble navigating bands with the SON. IoT 2.4GHz band is not isolated from the main network.

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Cang_Household
MVP MVP
MVP
In response to VAer1
‎01-28-2022 07:56 PM
@VAer1 wrote:

I was talking about admin password: is admin password printed on router label? Then can the seller uses admin password to log in the router?

Even if the seller writes down the password, that person would need to know your WAN IP and the remote administration feature must be enabled on your router in order to access the admin interface.

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gs0b
Community Leader
Community Leader
In response to VAer1
‎01-29-2022 07:44 AM
@VAer1 wrote:

I was talking about admin password: is admin password printed on router label? Then can the seller uses admin password to log in the router?

Thanks.

No.

Perform a factory reset.   The admin password will be what is on the label or the default.

Login, change admin password.  Problem solved.

In addition, the factory reset will ensure remote access is turned off.  Then only way to access the UI is from the LAN side.  Do you suspect an illicit seller will come to your home and hack into your network?  If so, there are bigger security issues here.

The bigger risk is they sell you a rented or stolen unit that will trigger rental fees or other problems with Verizon.  That's why you should verify the serial number before you plug it into the ONT.

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