Modems & Stuff:

[Cogs]

So I finally got around to canceling our landline. We never use it anymore, & the only calls we get are sales & scams.
In reviewing our services with the rep, he mentioned the lease we have on our modem. It's never even dawned on me to outright buy one.
I'm Wondering if anyone knows about this stuff & might be willing to share their experiences & even make recommendations-
Thx

[OldStrummer]

I bought my own modem when I moved over to Verizon FiOS. They are plentiful on eBay, and often are cheaper than having the Verizon rep bring one and install it. Much of this depends on the service you're getting/have. FiOS is fiber-optic, so there are two parts to it: The ONT (Optical Network Terminal), which is affixed outside your house and then powered by an electrical outlet (which in my case is in my garage). Then you have the router, which is the "modem." Calling it a modem is outdated, as it doesn't really MOdulate-DEModulate, but connects to the ONT, which has an outlet inside your house. For all intents and purposes, it's just like any other Internet router. You can configure it from a computer connected to it via Ethernet or wi-fi (the address is usually 192.168.1.1, but you can change it). The credentials are usually on a sticker so you can log in and change them (DO SO!). Mine is a full router with firewall, guest networking, logging, etc.

At least that's my setup. If you're asking about some other form of service, let me know and if I can I'll update my answer.

[Cogs]

So the FiOS is specific to Verizon? Would it work with another provider, like Centurylink?

[OldStrummer]

So the FiOS is specific to Verizon? Would it work with another provider, like Centurylink?

Maybe. But like with FiOS, there are recommended modems, and I'd go with one of those over a cheap, eBay knock-off. CenturyLink has a list of modems they deem acceptable here.

[Bill Moore]

I finally got internet service at my house with a microwave system several years ago. I had the "dish" installed on the garage, and the "modem" was inside but had a weak signal inside the house. My daughter had a Century Link system we had been using with a "booster", so when I couldn't get the "booster" to pair with the system, I used the Century Link "modem" hardwired to the microwave unit, and all's great! Able to stream movies, (and children's programs) with ease!

[Cogs]

I just went to ebay & bought the exact model we're leasing. We'll see if I can just swap it out

[OldStrummer]

That should be the easiest method. One piece of advice: Copy and write down the settings on your current modem. Then, all you need to do is set the new one to them.

[gibsonjunkie]

I just went to ebay & bought the exact model we're leasing. We'll see if I can just swap it out

You may have to call the service provider so they can register the unit once you hook it up. I haven't rented a modem in 20 years (or more).

[OldStrummer]

You may have to call the service provider so they can register the unit once you hook it up. I haven't rented a modem in 20 years (or more).

Can't speak for CenturyLink, but Verizon was delighted I had my own modem. When the rep came to hook up my ONT, he was visibly relieved he didn't have to do any more than that.

[Offshore Angler]

LOL, I was suffering from slow service and the culprit was my cable modem- which was 29 years old! Needless to say, things are streaming better now.

[DanTheBluesMan]

we are being trolled by FIOS. We're only a mile away from the trunk by the highway. They've been saying for over 10 years now that they'll get it to our neighborhood. Meanwhile we're getting bent over by Xfinity/Comcast. They just took our Bruins away and want 72 dollars more a month for the package that will have them. We were already paying 192 dollars and all we watch are sports (Red Sox, Patriots, Celtics, Bruins) and we stream everything else that we do watch (which ain't much)

I spent way more time on my computer than I do watching TV. At least I feel like I'm interacting albeit online but it is preferable to passive viewing.