How to use two routers with Verizon FiOS

Verizon Wireless is a reputable telecommunications company offering a variety of services including Verizon FiOS.

Verizon FiOS is a bundled Internet access, TV and telephone services over a high-speed fiber-optic network. You get a combination of a router and modem to enable access of FiOS internet service. You can change the default settings and use a second router besides your FiOS router.

To use two routers with Verizon FiOS, disconnect all your devices from the Verizon FiOS router except your primary PC, reset the FiOS router and connect you PC, configure the Wi-Fi connection on your PC and power off the PC, connect your PC to the secondary router’s LAN port using an Ethernet cable and power your PC back on, go online and configure your secondary router’s settings, and restart both your secondary router and PC.

Reasons for adding a second router

You can add a second router to the Verizon FiOS router for either security reasons or location as it extends the wireless network’s capabilities. For example, an organization can have two routers – one for public use and another private for secure connections. Secondly, when you have a huge area to cover, you need another router to ensure strong wireless signal coverage in those dead zones. For a household, a second router is ideal if you wish to separate the home’s uses. You can have one for heavy data uses and another for lightweight activities.

You can use another Verizon FiOS or a different brand if you like. However, using a second FiOS router makes it easier to set up while other compatible brands will require some workaround. If you choose to use a different brand, then you have to make sure that its IP address matches the Verizon network.

Steps to set up two routers with Verizon FiOS

The first step to do is to disconnect all your devices from your Verizon FiOS router except your primary PC. Switch on this PC and make sure that it’s on and connected to the FiOS router using an Ethernet cable. On your Verizon FiOS router, locate the reset button and press & hold it for at least 10 seconds then wait for the router to restart. Once it’s completely rebooted, the connect PC will ask you to create a new password for your router. To create the new password, navigate to the Windows Start menu and search for Settings. Open the Settings app and select the Network option.

From IP Address Distribution sub-section, select the DHCP Server and in the ‘Start IP Address’ box, enter 192.168.1.11 and 192.168.1.254 in the ‘End IP Address’ box. When done, click the Apply button to save the changes and then wait for the FiOS router to reset. Once the reset it done, click the Apply button again and power your PC off. Next, unplug the Ethernet cable that’s connected between your PC and the FiOS router from the FiOS router and connect it to the second router’s LAN port.

Use another Ethernet cable from your PC to another LAN port on the second router and switch your PC back on. After the PC is fully powered back on, open a browser and type the second router’s IP address in the address bar and press Enter. You can find this IP address on the secondary router’s user guide. Enter the router’s username and password and click on Log in to continue. Select ‘Internet Settings’ and in the Router IP Address field, enter 192.168.1.2 and in the Subnet field, enter 255.255.255.0. Next, select ‘Disable DHCP’ server and save the changes by clicking on the Save button. On your PC click the ‘Reboot router’ button to restart your second router. Next, reboot your PC and your second router should be ready for use with the Verizon FiOS router.

A Summary table

FAQs

Does having two routers increase the Internet speed?

Adding a second router to the Verizon network doesn’t affect your internet speed. However, it improves the internet connection coverage around your office or home and in turn helps you optimize on your assigned internet speeds from your ISP.

Can I move my Verizon FiOS router to another room?

Yes, you can. All you need is to make sure the Ethernet cable or coax connection is extended between Optical Network Terminal (ONT) and the new location for the router.