All,
I've tried my best to read the FAQ and search through various posts here and via Google (Though Google takes me to many ~2011 posts.), but want to make sure I am understanding what I have read correctly and get some advice here. I want to know what network topology I want before signing a contract and scheduling a tech to come out here.
Facts:
1. I am about to sign up for FIOS; have an existing ONT on the outside of the house from the previous homeowner.
2. I am looking at the Double Play - "FIOS 100/100 internet" and "FIOS TV Preferred HD" (Not sure if its considered "Quantum"). No phone.
3. The potential bill lists a Verizon Quantum Gateway Router for $200 (I think its the G1100 from what I read here.)
4. I want 3 separate DVR-STB boxes in the house for different rooms. I prefer not to have the one giant sharing DVR.
Goal:
I want to setup the network topology the best I can for both speed and security while still allowing for Wifi (Yes, copper is faster/more secure altogether.) If this means using a third party router like say the Netgear R6220 or ASUS RT-AC68u, then no problem.
Questions:
1. What is the best topology? I basically see 2 viable options...
-one is to just use the G1100 as my focalpoint, change default passwords, harden best I can with dumbed down user interface,etc. and use it for my Wifi and FIOS TV.
-two is to remove the G1100 as my outside firewall/central router and do what is listed in option 6 from the FAQ: Primary LAN-to-WAN (https://www.dslreports.com/faq/verizonfios/3.0_Networking#16077) A picture (from dslreports) of this is also here: (https://www.dslreports.com/r0/download/1520441~0a77a96047566870783c80e88baa78a7/PRILANtoWAN.jpg) This allows me to use a third party router that I can harden and use for my internet, but still use the G1100 to maintain the coax connection for the DVRs, FIOS TV, etc.
2. Does anyone see a better option or something I'm missing? Looking at the table of pro's/con's, I am not exactly sure what a mediashare software is, but if its related to the Remote DVR access, I don't think that affects me as I want the DVR data to stay localized to the room its in.
3. I see there are security flaws in the Actiontec (and the dumbed down intereface), which is the reason why I am hesitant to leave the G1100 as my outside facing router. Is the security a problem in the G1100 as well to the point of where I should want to use option 6 as my network topology?
4. Is it advised to stay away from buying the G1100 from someone who is not Verizon? (I think if I buy the router for $200 from Verizon, I get a 2-yr warranty...renting gives me the best warranty, but I'd be crazy not to buy it outright.)
5. All of my coax cable splitting is done outside the house unprotected/open to the weather. Is it my responsibility if these are damaged? Should I buy a box to place over this junction and protect the cables?
6. My ONT and NID are outside as well for some dumb reason. I doubt I can get them moved inside. Is it wise to put locks on the customer-portion of these boxes?
TIA,
David
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