How to Get the Fastest FiOS Speed

[Heather_VZ]

With all the great FiOS speeds that Verizon provides, you want to make sure you’re getting the fastest speed your plan allows.  Here are some tips for doing just that:

• If you’re on a PC, check out our FiOS Speed Optimizer (link to: http://my.verizon.com/micro/speedoptimizer/fios/default.aspx )- there you can test to see how fast of a FiOS connection you really have.  It will also allow you to reconfigure your computer to get the best speeds possible.  After you’ve run the Optimizer once, shut your PC down completely and re-run it after you booted back up again. 
• If you have a Mac, please check out Apple’s broadband tuner (link to: http://support.apple.com/downloads/Broadband_Tuner_1_0) to do the same thing.

Please remember that all FiOS speeds are best achieved while using a wired connection.  Speeds will vary if you’re using a wireless connections.

If you’re still not getting the speed you think you should, please ensure that you have the proper gigabit network interface (NIC) card installed. You will need a connection of 10/100/1000 for FiOS speeds >99 Mbps downstream.  Look here (link to:

http://www22.verizon.com/home/fios-fastest-internet/#equipment) to see how to find out what kind of NIC card you currently have.

If you need additional help, please create a post on the FiOS Internet board. You can also reach support agents on Twitter @Verizonsupport, on Click to Chat or on Facebook at our Fans of FiOS page.

[sameer442]

Quantum FiOS is a complete scam.  My speeds have remained unchanged or perhaps deteriorated since I converted to Quantum.  Getting 10-15 MBPS download on a brand new latest version macbook pro and HP high end laptop from work.  Was told that the issue was with the macbook ... No one mentioned that I needed the new router with Quantum when I was offered to sign up (maybe it was in the fine print somewhere), which Verizon now wants me to buy for $99.99.  What a SCAM!  Considering switching to TWC ... slower speeds but at least it is cheaper and I'm ok getting what I pay for now that I know 50/25 counts for nothing, at least for me who uses WiFi only at home.

[m1a1armor]

Why is verizon responsible for your equipment and the building materials in your home/apartment.  You cant guarantee wireless speeds because there are too many factors involved.  Buy quality equipment and stop blaming the carrier

[sportz1]

I got 50mbps service because I have multiple devices i.e laptop, phones etc thinking that it would significantly improve my internet speed, however my speeds have gone worst than what  I used to with 15/5 mbps. I just performed a speed test and my download speed is 4.30mbps and my upload speed is 0.57mbps! I have used in home agent and optimizer tool to no avail. This is just unacceptable. I have contacted verizon via chat multiple times, but they keep telling me to restart the router. The speed will improve a just a bit but still insted of 4.30mbps, I will get about 8mbps download speed. Also after I restart my router, I have to talk to new chat agent  because that conversation becomes no longer active and I have to repeat my story all over again. They never ever say that we will replace the router for you or come check it. I don't know if they are doing this on purpose to get us to buy this new 3X optimizing router, but these speeds are really unacceptable and I hope somebody does something to fix it. It would be great to have email contact as calling via phone takes forever and I can't wait forever.

[NickZQ]

---

@sportz wrote:

I got 50mbps service because I have multiple devices i.e laptop, phones etc thinking that it would significantly improve my internet speed, however my speeds have gone worst than what  I used to with 15/5 mbps. I just performed a speed test and my download speed is 4.30mbps and my upload speed is 0.57mbps! I have used in home agent and optimizer tool to no avail. This is just unacceptable. I have contacted verizon via chat multiple times, but they keep telling me to restart the router. The speed will improve a just a bit but still insted of 4.30mbps, I will get about 8mbps download speed. Also after I restart my router, I have to talk to new chat agent  because that conversation becomes no longer active and I have to repeat my story all over again. They never ever say that we will replace the router for you or come check it. I don't know if they are doing this on purpose to get us to buy this new 3X optimizing router, but these speeds are really unacceptable and I hope somebody does something to fix it. It would be great to have email contact as calling via phone takes forever and I can't wait forever.

---

I had the same problem and fixed it by buying the newest router,

buy the MI424W Rev. I router at https://teleproducts.verizon.com/fios/index.cfm/eh/DisplayProducts

Once you have the router, you need to have the correct settings for optimal speed:

login to your new router by entering  - 192.168.1.1  -  in your browser

1) set your wireless mode to Performance Mode(802.11n)

2) use WPA2 AES instead of WEP

Your wireless speed will dramatically increased.

[Drew024]

Connection primer / basics on connection.

There are a number of different technologies involved in delivering Verizon Internet Service to a Home.  The first technology is the Fiber Optic cable that is connected to the ONT (Optical Network Terminal). Because of the nature of this type of connection this is a 99.99% chance that the Internet speed that you have ordered is being delivered to the ONT at maximum rate. From there the signal is transferred to a CAT5e ethernet line that is connected to the WAN port on a router. From here the bandwidth divides itself based on the number of requests for data that are being received. For example, let's say you are downloading a file and you are getting a 10 megabit download rate. Someone else connected to a router also begins to download a file. Now your download rate drops to 5 megabits and the other person also gets a 5 megabit download rate. Keep  in mind that this is a very simplistic view and the actual process is more complex. I mention this because in some cases if a wireless router hasn't been properly configured it could allow others to connect and with each connection the total amount of bandwidth available will drop. So the first thing is to make sure you have the wireless security correctly configured. Rebooting the router will also kick everyone off so if your going to do a test, try and reboot first.

From the router, there are two types of connections available; wireless, and wired. I have not seen any routers created in the past 5 years that don't at least have a 100/mb (100 megabit) connection. So unless you have a bandwidth plan that exceeds 100 megabits not having a gigabit connection isn't going to change anything. Performing a speed test isn't always going to be completely accurate as it depends on a high quality connection. You can test your connection quality at http://www.pingtest.net I would advise you check it more than one time with at least two different servers. There is lots of information there to help you determine what the actual quality of your connection is. I would also recommend that any speed tests or quality tests be performed with a wired connection. It is important to note that ethernet cable has multiple wires and is specially constructed to carry data. If the cable has a tear in the covering or is loose at the connections, it could cause a decrease in the connection speed. So check the quality of the ethernet cable. (including the one comming from the ONT to the router)
 Any speed optimizer only actually adjusts settings inside an operating system and although there may be some quality or speed gain, there usually won't be more than one or two megabits. If the wired connection is getting significantly lower speeds that you are subscribed too, then there is a process that MIGHT help.

First, power off the router. If you can't find a power switch, then unplug the power. The next step is going to be a bit more complicated and you will need to be very careful. This involves rebooting the ONT. You can find instructions here.Wait about a min or so after this and then turn the router back on.

---

[If you are still having connection issues, contact Verizon. I would highly recommend that you actually call in and if you can afford the minuets, I'd call in with a cell phone. This should make sure that you don't lose the technician your talking to. Otherwise ask the tech to call you back if needed.]

---

Wireless technology.
There are currently 4 different types of wireless connections. a b g n. Most routers have what is called mixed mode. This means that it can communicate on any of the available types of connections. Each of these types has a speed limit.

• 802.11b offered up to 11 megabits per second (Mbps)
• 802.11a and 802.11g offer up to 54 Mbps
• 802.11n offers up to 300 Mbps

If you are using a wireless connection, you will need to check to see what types of wireless connections your device can handle. (Wireless N is still very new so most older devices aren't likely to support that type of connection. )

Each of these wireless speeds are maximum speeds and are only seen under absolutely perfect conditions. Even with a device right next to a router there is no guarantee that you will get the maximum rate. This can be from poorly constructed wireless adapters or interference from other devices that use a wireless signal. This can be other routers in the area, cell phone, cordless phones and other wireless devices in close proximity. There are some wireless apps that can show you other interference in the area and help you determine what your wireless connection signal strength actually is. Each wireless transmits on a specific channel and each channel is a different frequency and so you could get interference on one channel or not on others. Some routers will attempt to auto select a channel but if your having issues you might need to manually change channels until you find one that seems to give you a better connection rate. Keep in mind that a wireless connection can fluctuate up and down depending on the quality of the signal and the distance from the wireless router.
  Another thing that commonly happens is some wireless devices are designed to automatically connect to a wireless network in range and sometimes will just connect to the nearest un-secured wireless network. So make sure you double check to make sure you are actually connected to your own wireless network and not someone elses.
 For those that have the newer routers that use wireless N. If you do in fact have a device that uses wireless N (the kindle fire HD uses it fyi.) I've found that for some reason, changing the router to wireless N exclusive mode (so only wireless N devices can connect) and making sure my wireless N device is connected at a rate above 54 Mbps and then switching back to mixed mode, seemed to allow my wireless N to connect at a higher rate.

The verizon router that came with my service also came with brand new ethernet cable. It was too short for me to use but the technician that installed the service made me a longer one. I kept the shorter ones and now if I have a connection issue, I use a laptop and one of those wires to test the wired connection before anything else. If you have a wireless device that you could connect wired to the router, I would highly reccomend that you use this to diagnose or adjust any connection issues you may have.

[tns2]

Drew024 wrote:

Connection primer / basics on connection.

...

---

Wireless technology.
There are currently 4 different types of wireless connections. a b g n. Most routers have what is called mixed mode. This means that it can communicate on any of the available types of connections. Each of these types has a speed limit.

• 802.11b offered up to 11 megabits per second (Mbps)
• 802.11a and 802.11g offer up to 54 Mbps
• 802.11n offers up to 300 Mbps

If you are using a wireless connection, you will need to check to see what types of wireless connections your device can handle. (Wireless N is still very new so most older devices aren't likely to support that type of connection. )

...

________________________________________________________________

Actually at this point wireless N is no longer very new.  Mid 2007 draft-n devices started being produced and certified. FIOS had its version F.  And 2009 was the final ratification.  Fios's version G and I.

 The latest common wireless is 802.11.ac  and yes that is very new.  A couple posts in this thread mention 802.11ac devices.  And even newer versions are in the works

[NickZQ]

Even with the newest Verizon FiOS router, the max speed I was getting wirelessly was about 39Mbits when I am in the second floor.  I have since bought a better router - the Netgear Nighthawk AC1900, I connect the Netgear router (WAN port) to the Verizon FiOS router (LAN port) and disable the Wifi on the Verizon router.  Now I used the Netgear Wifi and could get the full 75/35 speed wirelessly.

However, the max speed is also limited by the Wifi card (client) you have on your computer.

[earlbenz]

And the new laptops don't have wired ethernet ports on them.

[Capricorn1]

---

@earlbenz wrote:

And the new laptops don't have wired ethernet ports on them.

---

If your laptop has a thunderbolt or USB (preferably 3.0) port, they make thunderbolt and USB 3.0 to gigabit Ethernet adapters. You probably would find it useful to have at least every so often. The USB ones are pretty cheap, too.

The speed isn't bad, but I never tested mine to see if I get the max speeds out of it.  I use a USB 3.0 to gigabit Ethernet one with an ultrabook whenever there's a really big download I need to grab. Keeps from hogging up the wireless network, and it's definitely faster than wireless N.

[gcville]

i am right next to my router, and i have never gotten the speeds i am supposed to , esp. downloads.  Weeknights are the worst.. must be interference with other neighbors wifi.  i dont mind a little bit less speed, but when the wifi really drags, i cannot stand that.

[PeterGats]

i just got the 750/750 tier here in inner Boston 2 days ago. The techs were great and did everything right. Right AFTER they instaleld this on 2-15-17 (2 days ago) my upload speed tests with their own Verizon speed tests and DSL reports much more comprehensive tests revealed a very acceptable uplaod rate at 940-1000Mbps on the upload side. It has been well documented over the at the Verizon DSL forums on DSL reports site forums that the 750/750 speedtier is actually a Gig Ethernet rated tier and provisioned at 1024/1024 and most subscribers at this tier see in the upper 800's to mid 900's on the download side, and thus this is exactly where my problem lies. On the download side i consistently get in the low 600's Mbps according to again the DSL reports site and only 1 of the Verizon speed test sites (as well as a host of other speed test sites) AND my latency is in the 15ms range whereas with previous Com Cast provider the latency with the blast tier was in the 6-8ms range. Well i opened a ticket yesterday, one day after install AND the techs did get dispatched along with a supervisor bcs it want only my own installation affected, my neighbor's excat same 750/750 insatll was seeing the same exact results as i was. They were good and did spend some time here, BUT they wouldn't escalate it to resolve it to my satisfaction , they called into their network Operations which had me test it at another of their special speedtest sites and this solitary speed test which mysteriously showed both up load and download in the low - mid 900's Mbps range was the basis, even tho their own other speed test site along with DSL reports (being most comprehensive) and a host of others refuted this solitary finding. So this rant is a warning that signing up for top speed tier available presently being the 750/750 tier presently isnt what you will neccesaruily recieve even at its premium pricing. Any others in teh Boston area in this speed tier noticing similar results?

[CRobGauth]

Verizon can only guarantee service speeds as access to their network.

They have their own speedtest server that stays within their network (speedtest.verizon.net).

Once it hits a gateway and across other networks, all bets are off as they don't have complete control over performance.

[vaporland]

just saw your post. hope you're having better luck now.

test your speed by connecting your PC directly to the ethernet port on your FiOS ONT. you will probably need to power-cycle your ONT afterwards to refresh the MAC address and gain a public IP. You have to disconnect the UPS battery to completely reset and power-cycle your ONT.

I was experimenting with different routers connected to the ONT ethernet port, and saw widely varying up/down speeds ranging from 350 up/down to 900+ up/down

the FiOS tech who upgraded us from 75mbit to gigabit warned me that the quality of the connection from the router to devices is a big factor in sustaining gbit internet speeds. 

for now the fastest consistent speeds I am seeing are using the verizon supplied router but i am going to switch it out for a commercial grade gbit internet router in the near future and re-run new cat 5e or 6 directly from that router to our wired devices.

[Anak1]

It should also be noted that:

• The optimizer link will only work with IE6 or higher.
• Expect to install another ActiveX control, vzTCPConfig.CAB
• And for Windows 7 users, you need to run that IE as Administrator.
  

[mrdoughten]

just called and spoke with a rep and he said "based on his experience if I am getting at least half the speed wirelessly v. wired then i am at optimal speeds. he said verizon has many routers and he hasn't found any that do much better than 50% wired speeds." 

Speakeasy Speed Test: 21.82DOWN/18.01UP (wireless)

                                           40.5DOWN/35UP (wired)

Verizon Speed Test: 18.682DOWN/ 8.083 UP (Wirelss)

[prisaz]

---

@mrdoughten wrote:

just called and spoke with a rep and he said "based on his experience if I am getting at least half the speed wirelessly v. wired then i am at optimal speeds. he said verizon has many routers and he hasn't found any that do much better than 50% wired speeds." 

Speakeasy Speed Test: 21.82DOWN/18.01UP (wireless)

                                           40.5DOWN/35UP (wired)

Verizon Speed Test: 18.682DOWN/ 8.083 UP (Wirelss)

---

I think you are running wireless G. Wireless N would do better than 18.682DOWN/ 8.083 UP..

Both the dive being tested and the router would both need to support wireless N.

From the looks of things, you are still at 35/35, and could benifit from wireless N if the devices supported it.

[Nu2FiOS]

VZ really needs to address the wireless speed issue. I understand it’s difficult to guarantee wireless speed b/c of the many variables. But in my experience and others, it is pretty clear that the VZ supplied Actiontec modem-router-AP has a problem.

I have done a litmus test:

• Placing the Actiontec right next to my computer-Wi-Fi N adapter with no obstruction in between.
• I have no cordless phone or other wireless devices except computers and cell phones.
• All wireless devices except the testing computer are turned off during the test.
• I have run the VZ FiOS Optimizer on the testing computer.
• Double checked the Wi-Fi N adapter’s settings to be optimized and with the latest firmware and driver.
• Scan the neighborhood and use the least crowed channel – channel 1. There is only one other network using channel 1 and it’s far away.
• Make sure the Actiontec Rev. I is set to N mode only and WPA2-AES only.
• “Transmit Power” is set to 100% in the Actiontec by default.
• Test speed throughout different times of the day.
• Repeat this test using the other computers one by one.

I pay for the 50/25 service. While my wired speed is consistently 60/40, I could never get the wireless speed to be faster than half of the provisioned 50/25 – it is consistently around 25/15. After researching on the web for a soultion, I disable the wireless radio in the Actiontec and hook up an Asus RT-N10+ router to the Actiontec so to setup the Asus as the AP. Instantaneously; I get 60/40 wirelessly. Additionally, the computer in my home office upstairs used to get only about 15/10, now it’s getting 40/20. Turning off the Asus and re-enabling the Actiontec radio again and, just like that, the wireless speed drops back down to only about 25/15. Repeat this test many times with the same result.

Since all other factors remain unchanged during the tests, the only variable is the AP. I can confidently say that there’s something wrong with the VZ supplied Actiontec MI424WR (mine is Rev. I) based on this test. Besides, during my research on the web, there are many users having the same problem and the only solution I and other users have found so far is by not using the Actiontec as the AP. 

[Sarsfield1]

I am convinced that you cannot use the Actiontec as your wireless hub.  I never got close to my contract speeds with only the supplied router.  Simply buy a decently rated N router and use this guide to set it up:

http://www.dslreports.com/faq/12506

I am getting my advertised speeds wirelessly with an Asus RT-N56U on a consistent basis.

[armond_in_nj1]

---

@Sarsfield wrote:

 ... buy a decently rated N router and use this guide to set it up:

http://www.dslreports.com/faq/12506

I am getting my advertised speeds wirelessly with an Asus RT-N56U on a consistent basis.

---

Ditto using an Asus RT-N16:

[robhab]

I agree that many customers do not understand the difference between wireless and and wired performance.

However - if all you do is swap an older model MI424WR router for a new MI4242WR GigE rev I router and you immediately see a 90% drop in speed due to a dramatic drop in signal signal strength (NOTHING else changed) - then I think Version or Actionec has some explaining to do and custom satisfaction issues.

This new 75/35 speed is advertised as an improvement - and my wired speeds are amazing.  The wireless speed right next to the router is great too  (50% of the top wired speed).  But the range drop is awful.  3/4 of my house that previously had 10 Mb speed - now has much less than 1 Mb.  I get 80/40 in my den - the rest of my familiy is effectively shut our from hi-speed FIOS.

I just need a detailed fix from Verizon or Actiontec - the cost is not as important as my time and frustration level.

If someone had told me this would happen - i would not have upgraded my service

[SpeedThree]

---

@robhab wrote:

  But the range drop is awful.  3/4 of my house that previously had 10 Mb speed - now has much less than 1 Mb.  I get 80/40 in my den - the rest of my familiy is effectively shut our from hi-speed FIOS.

 I purchased the Actiontec n router from Verizon and my speeds are now blazing fast, from top to bottom, in a three-story townhouse.  I am getting over 50Mbps in the iMac wired to the modem and 30Mbps over WiFi at the laptop in the basement, three floors away.  How could your speeds possibily so extraordinarily slow???