Question on Upgrading Router

[Sm00th]

Hi,

So I have very little knowledge when it comes to the networking world (hence why I'm here). I'm extremely tired of the slow speeds and constant dropouts from Skype with my Actiontec MI424WR. I believe its the first generation version, I've had it for several years (probably since 2006 or 07'). I want to upgrade to the Netgear N600 Dualband Gigabit Router but I'm wondering what this process involves.

For example, can I simply remove my Actiontec router and replace it with the Netgear one without any issues? Or will I have to..create some sort of bridge between the two routers?

OR

I'm not entirely sure about this, but is the MI424WR a modem+router? If so, can I just buy a Verizon modem and the Netgear Router to setup my network?

TBH I always assumed you needed a modem+router to setup a network but I'm starting to think the Actiontec is just a router...in which case I don't have a modem? O_o

-->I apologize if some of these ideas are stupid, as I said I have no experience dealing with networking. I really just want to utilize all my internet speed which is being hindered by this crappy router. 

[JDoe5]

Your ideas are noit stupid but the Router isn't crappy.

You ability to "replace" the Router with a Common Off The Shelf (COTS) solution will be dependant upon whether your subscription includes FiOS TV and if the Router is connected to the Optical Network Terminator (ONT) via a coaxial cable.

If you are connected to the ONT via twisted-pair Ethernet and not subscribing to FiOS TV then you can.

Else... Your comfort level in networking protocols and concepts will determine if you can supplement your ActionTec Router with the Netgear N600 Dualband Gigabit Router.  To implement it in conjunction with the ActionTec will mean configuring both Routers so the services they both provide don't conflict with each other and actual Network Address Tranlation (NAT) and IP Routing is done by the ActionTec.

[Manny56]

I also have Actiontec MI424WR router. I purchased wireless N router and created a bridge between verizon router and N router. I did that by disabling DHCP server routing on N router and also disabling wireless radio on Verizon's router. Bridging was easy. Just plug in Ethernet wire on one of the available ports of the Verizon router and connect it to one of the available ports of N router (not Wan or Internet port). Then, just configured the wireless security setting on N router and you will get IP addresses routed from Verizon router.

[Sm00th]

Yes, unfortunately I'm subscribed to Fios TV and my router is connected to the Coax cable. Are you saying its not possible to buy a modem or modem/router and have Verizon essnetially re-do my connection?

Or are you saying my only option is to make a "bridge" as the previous poster suggested?

[JDoe5]

Sm00th:

The ActionTec is a Router, not a Router+Modem.

The Netgear N600 Dualband Gigabit Router is not a direct replacement as it does not support MoCA thus you would have to augment your SOHO network with the Netgear.  That would depend on your abilities and comfort level in setting up and modifying networking constructs on the ActionTec and Netgear appliances.

[Sm00th]

So..to clarify..as I'm a total newb when it comes to this stuff, the Actiontec MI424WR is simply a Router with MoCA, and because I have FiOS TV, I cannot simply replace it with the Netgear N600. Am I right?

If so, my only options would be to either...

-Create a bridge between the Actiontec router and the Netgear Router which would hopefully utilize the Wireless N technology that I eagerly want?

OR

-Is it possible for me to buy the "Actiontec Electronics MoCA Network Adapter" and hook this up to the Netgear N600? 

If both options are viable, which would be the best in terms of boosting my internet speed/connection? For some reason I'm really turned off by the idea of having two routers and I wouldn't mind paying ~$80 for the adapter. Of course..I'm no expert, but any more advice would be great.

Thanks for the help so far, I'm understanding more and more with each post...I think. =D

[JDoe5]

I think both options may be viable but I can't state that all FiOS TV services related to accessing the Internet and Verizon databases will work with the Actiontec Electronics MoCA Network Adapter because I just don't know. 

You should ask yourself about spending an additional $175.00 ~ $200.00 in hardware for what purposes and what you think you would gain from it in a Cost Benefit Analysis (CBA).

EDIT:

Another option is to buy the appropriate Verizon equipment and replace the ActionTec Verizon provided you for ~$80.00.

Verizon Tele-products store

FiOS GigE Wireless "N" Router

[Sm00th]

What would you advise/suggest?

I honestly don't have enough networking/computing experience to know which options above would slow down/speed up my internet connection the most. Buying the FiOS GigE N Router looks like a good alternative as well - but for some reason I feel that Netgear's N600 model is...better..but it would require the use of an adapter. So...I'm kinda stuck..

[JDoe5]

I would go with the ActionTec

FiOS GigE Wireless "N" Router

It will be easier to drop in place and provide the capability and functionality you want and require.