Legacy set top box upgrade - is new router absolutely required?

Question

I have a legacy STB that will lose support in early 2025.  I live in a large apartment building in NYC.  The ONT is down the building hall (eg, not viable to put the router there) and I can't change out coax for ethernet into the apartment.

Do the new Vz routers accept coax from the ONT?  My understanding is they do not.  If so, is it possible to upgrade the STB to Fios One without changing the router?

I am fine with 100mbps, we don't have/need a DVR.

Thanks for any help!!!

dexman · Accepted Answer

Use of coaxial cable to connect new routers to the ONT is possible if a MoCA converter is installed at each end of the coaxial cable.

So, an Ethernet cable is plugged into the ONT and the other end is plugged into the converter. Connect the coaxial cable to the converter.

On the other end, connect the coaxial cable to the other converter. Use another Ethernet cable to connect the MoCA adapter to the router.

If the ONT is an older model, Verizon might end up swapping it out.

dexman · Accepted Answer

I subscribe to legacy Verizon Fios television, so I'm most familiar with how those STBs operate.

I believe (other CLs who are a bit more familiar with the new hardware will correct me if I'm wrong) the new hardware requires an Ethernet connection because they are designed to work with the latest ONT which does not provide the "F" connector needed for coaxial cable.

The new router does have an "F" connector on the rear, but if my memory is correct, it is used only for LAN service. The router doesn't have the circuitry to use the connector for WAN service.