Getting Started with Fios Internet
Verizon Fios Internet Service provides the same features as our Verizon High Speed Internet and requires similar equipment. It is the fiber optic technology and the speed that sets Verizon Fios Internet Service apart.
Learn about the Fios Advantage with Fios Internet
Verizon Fios Internet Service uses state-of-the-art fiber optic technology to deliver broadband Internet access to your home.
What is the Fios speed advantage?
• Fios delivers consistently fast speed throughout; Cable 'boosts' only work for a moment before slow speed resumes.
• Fios gives you consistently fast speed, no matter when you're online; Cable speeds vary throughout the day, especially at peak hours.
Learn more about Fios Internet
Test your Connection Speed
See why Internet speed counts and how much faster you'll go with Fios.Who needs Fios?
Do you use multiple Internet devices? The more Internet devices you use at one time, the greater the drain on your connection. Fios® has the extra speed you need to stay consistently fast.
Do you download or stream movies and TV? A Fios® connection means faster downloads of movies and TV. The extra speed also helps to reduce buffering and lag time.
Do you use online gaming? With more than double the upload speed of cable*, gaming on Fios® is virtually lag-free. No more hiccups or breaks in the action.
Learn more about Fios Internet
Fios® has the extra speed you need to stay consistently fastInstall Fios Internet
Verizon Fios Internet Service installation is a two-step process. To ensure a fast and trouble-free installation, review the 'Prepare for Fios Installation' section further down the page prior to your installation day.
Learn more about Fios Internet
Set Up
New Customer Help
Tutorials
Set up or install
Getting started with Fios Internet
Before you order Fios Internet, learn more about Fios Internet fiber-optic technology, system requirements and the Fios Internet equipment. After you order, review the 'Prepare for Fios Installation' section further down the page prior to your installation day, to ensure a fast and trouble-free installation.
Set up Wi-Fi on mobile devices
As phones, mp3 players, game consoles, and other electronics become more sophisticated, more devices can be connected to your wireless home network.
Learn more about setting up Wi-Fi on your mobile devices.
Set up routers and devices
Verizon 9100EM and 9100VM
Verizon MI424WR
D-Link DI-604
Actiontec RI408
Actiontec MI424WR
D-Link DI624
Prepare for Fios Installation
- Make sure your computer meets minimum requirements
Make sure your computer meets the minimum system requirements to work with Verizon Fios Internet Service. - Check for a grounded electrical outlet
Find the area where your utilities enter your home or garage. Nearby this area, you will need an indoor grounded electrical outlet that accepts three-pronged power cords. This outlet must not be controlled by a switch. - Allow 4 - 6 hours for installation
A typical installation takes 4 - 6 hours after the Verizon Technician arrives at your home. Make sure you allow enough time for installation. - Someone 18 years or older must be present
An adult who can make decisions regarding equipment placement and computer configuration options must be present for the entire installation. - Clear a path for the Verizon Technician to work
The Verizon Technician will need access to the location where your utilities enter your home or garage. The technician will also need room to work around your computer as well as any areas where Ethernet jacks will be installed. If you ordered Fios TV, the technician will need room to work around your TV(s). - Make sure you have Administrator Rights, plus any user names and passwords
In order for the Verizon Technician to be able to install Fios, you must have Administrator Rights on your Windows computer. If you have installed software on your computer before, you probably already have Administrator Rights. You also need to have any other user names or passwords needed to access your computer (for example: firewall, networking router, Windows logon). - Have your current Verizon Online user name and password (if applicable)
If you are a Basic Internet customer who is upgrading to Fios, please have your current Verizon Online user name and password available.
- Make sure your computer meets minimum requirements
What Happens During Fios Installation?
Verizon Fios Internet Service installation is a two-step process. To ensure a fast and trouble-free installation, please review the Get Ready checklist prior to your installation day.
Someone over the age of 18 must be present during installation. The installation time can vary depending upon equipment that may already be present. If an Optical Network Terminal (ONT) is present, average installation times are 2.5 to 4 hours. If there is no ONT, installation can take between 4 to 6 hours. Note: the Verizon Technician may not arrive within the first hour of the appointment due to pre-work.
Drilling may be required, and our skilled technician will work with you on the proper placement. Landlord permission is also required if you do not own the property.1 - Bringing fiber to your home
After you place your Fios order, we will install a fiber optic line to your home. Generally, installation involves either aerial or underground work, and depends on how previous utilities were delivered to your home. You typically do not need to be present for this part of installation.- Aerial installation
With an aerial installation, Verizon will install the fiber optic line from a telephone pole to the side of your home. Later, an ONT will be installed inside the home.
Note: Sometimes aerial installations are performed the same day of your scheduled installation appointment.
- Underground installation
With an underground installation, Verizon will contact the utility companies in your area to locate their services. Next a Verizon crew will dig a trench and bury the fiber from the Fiber Terminal in your neighborhood to the entry location at your home. This work is typically done 24-48 hours prior to your installation appointment.
Note: Please mark your sprinkler system or any other obstacles that may be buried in your yard. This helps ensure that no damage occurs during installation.
- Aerial installation
Fios Installation: The Installation Appointment
2 - Your installation appointment
During your installation appointment, a Verizon Technician will install Verizon Fios Internet Service equipment in your home and establish a connection with the Fiber Terminal in your neighborhood. Next the technician will connect your computer to the Fios equipment in your home as well as guide you through the Fios software installation, account setup, and activation on your primary computer.Installation of Fios equipment
- Optical Network Terminal (ONT)
The ONT converts the laser-generated signal that travels through Verizon fiber optic cables into an electronic signal that works with standard telephone and Internet equipment. The ONT is usually installed inside of your house or inside your apartment, generally in the area where any existing phone services enter your home. - Power Supply Unit
The Power Supply provides electricity to the ONT. Please ensure that you have a three-pronged electrical outlet that is not controlled by a switch available near where the ONT will be installed. The ONT requires very little power to operate. In fact, the amount of power needed is about what it would take to power a couple of night lights. - Battery Backup Unit
The Verizon ONT includes a Battery Backup Unit (BBU) feature. You may utilize this feature by maintaining an active batatery in the BBU. With an active battery, the BBU will provide backup power for your basic FiOS voice services, including Emergency 911 dialing, for up to 8 hours in the event of a commercial power failure. You are responsible for purchasing and/re replacing the battery in the BBU. Much like you would need to replace the batteries in a portable radio from time ot time, periodically the BBU battery must be replaced. Please note that a damaged or leading battery may damage Verizon network equipment and should be removed and/or relaced immediately.
Note: If you live in an apartment complex or condominium, Fios equipment may be installed in a central equipment room that you may not be able to access.
Connecting your computer
The Verizon Technician will run data wiring from the ONT to your router and, if necessary, install an Ethernet jack. Then the technician will connect your computer to your router.
Note: If you need new wiring installed inside of your walls, consider hiring a contractor prior to your Fios installation.
Software installation and account setup
Your Verizon Technician will guide you through the Fios software installation and activate Fios on your primary computer. Additional computers can be configured by the technician for an extra fee. Once all work is completed, the technician will verify that your Fios service is working and that you can access the Internet.- Optical Network Terminal (ONT)
Will My Computer Work With Fios?
System requirements are a list of the minimum hardware and software resources your computer needs to work with Verizon Fios Internet Service. Please verify your minimum system requirements below to determine if your computer will work with Verizon Fios Internet Service
Verizon FiOS Internet Service System Requirements
Verizon Fios Internet Service provides the same features as our Verizon High Speed Internet and requires similar equipment. It is the fiber optic technology and the speed that sets Verizon Fios Internet Service apart. System requirements are a list of the minimum hardware and software resources your computer needs to work with Verizon Fios Internet Service. Please verify your minimum system requirements here.
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About Fiber Optic TechnologyVerizon FiOS Internet Service uses state-of-the-art fiber optic technology to deliver broadband Internet access to your home.
Advantages:
- Faster connection speeds
- More bandwidth for phone lines, data transfer, videos, and television
- Stronger signal over longer distances
- Clearer phone conversations and video reception
Fiber Optic Strand
How it works:
When you access the Internet, a fiber optic cable carries the laser-generated pulses of light to transmit the data signal to your home. Once the signal has arrived, an Optical Network Terminal (ONT) converts it to an electrical signal that is understood by your computer.
Your ONT takes all converted incoming information and delivers it to your router via an Ethernet cable. After the signal has passed through your firewall, the Ethernet cable carries the signal to the Network Interface Card plugged into your computer.How fiber-optic technology works
FiOS Internet Equipment
Verizon provides and installs the equipment needed for your Fios internet connection. This equipment includes:
- Optical Network Terminal (ONT)
The Optical Network Terminal (ONT) translates the pulses of light that carry the data over the fiber optic cable into electric signals that are recognized by your computer.
- The Router
Provides the access point to the Internet and includes a firewall that helps to protect your computer from unauthorized access by hackers.
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Installation
Verizon FiOS Internet Service installation is a two-step process. To ensure a fast and trouble-free installation, review the Get Ready checklist prior to your installation day.
Verify your computer meets the minimum system requirements
Minimum system requirements PC
- 800 MHz Processor
- Windows 7, Vista, XP (Service Pack 2), Windows 2000
- 512 MB RAM
- DVD-ROM
- 10/100 NIC Ethernet Card
(For speeds over 100M a customer will need to have a 10/100/1000 NIC Card) - 1 available USB 1.1 or USB 2.0 port
Recommended system requirements PC
- 1.2 GHz Processor
- Windows 7, Vista, XP (Service Pack 2), Windows 2000
- 1 GB RAM
- DVD-ROM
- Supports 100Mbps Ethernet Card
- 1 available USB 1.1 or USB 2.0 port
Minimum system requirements Mac
- OS 10.3.9 or higher
- 2 GHz Processor
- 2 GB RAM
- CD-ROM DVD
- Supports 100Mbps Ethernet Card
- 1 available USB 1.1 or USB 2.0 port
- OS 10.1 or higher
- 233 MHz
- 128 MB
- CD-ROM DVD
- 10/100 NIC Ethernet Card
- (For speeds over 100M a customer will need to have a
- 0/100/1000 NIC Card)
- 1 available USB 1.1 or USB 2.0 port
How does Fiber Optic Technology work?
When you access the Internet, a fiber optic cable carries the laser-generated pulses of light to transmit the data signal to your home. Once the signal has arrived, an Optical Network Terminal (ONT) converts it to an electrical signal that is understood by your computer.
Your ONT takes all converted incoming information and delivers it to your router via an Ethernet cable. After the signal has passed through your firewall, the Ethernet cable carries the signal to the Network Interface Card plugged into your computerWhen you send an email or other data over the Internet, the electrical signal from your computer is converted back to light signals by the ONT and transmitted to the recipient over the fiber optic cable. This allows for the remarkably fast transfer of information.
Optimizing your computer to improve performance
The FiOS Speed Test has determined that your computer has not been optimized to provide maximum performance. You may be able to improve your computer performance by running the Speed Optimizer, which will tune your TCP/IP and MTU settingsUsing the Speed Optimizer Tool on a Windows computer:
- Go to the FiOS Speed Optimizer tool.
- Select the FiOS speed package you have, and follow the prompts.
A Speed Optimizer Tool is also available for Mac computers.
The Speed Optimizer:
Determines if updates to your system settings are necessary
Optimize your settings
(if needed)Select the FiOS speed package you have, and follow the prompts.
Restores your default settings (if needed)Fix your Fios Internet problems
Top problems for Fios Internet
I need help with my router
Try this Quick Fix:Most router issues are due to a problem with your Internet connection. Re-booting your router, or turning it off and on, solves most connection issues:
- Unplug your router.
- Wait 1 minute.
- Plug your router back in.
- Attempt to connect to the Internet.
If rebooting your router didn't solve the issue or if you don't have a connection issue with your router, review specific troubleshooting tips for your router.
More Fios Internet solutions
Routers & Connected Devices
- Help me connect other devices to my network: Netbooks | Game console | iPhone or iPOD Touch |
Networking
- I need help adding a computer to a wireless or wired network
SecurityWhat Is Instant Internet?
A high speed connection enables you do to so much more as you get a higher bandwidth. See if you are eligible for Instant Internet
Checking your Ethernet cable
Checking your Ethernet cableThe FiOS Speed Test has determined you may have a bad Ethernet cable connecting your computer to your router.
To check your Ethernet cable:- Verify that the Ethernet cable is plugged securely into your wall outlet.
- Unplug the Ethernet cable from the back of the router and plug it into another available Ethernet port. You should hear the Ethernet cable snap into place.
- If the Ethernet port light isn't illuminated and you have checked both Ethernet cable connections, you can use the D-Link router's configuration utility (see below) to test your Ethernet cable.
- After you have confirmed that both ends of the Ethernet cable are connected securely, check the Local Network lights on the front panel. A light should be illuminated for each port in which an Ethernet cable is connected.
Using the D-Link router’s configuration utility to test your Ethernet cable
Using the D-Link router's configuration utility to test your Ethernet cable
- If you have re-connected both ends of your Ethernet cable, but the LAN lights still aren't illuminated, you can use the D-Link router utility to test the cable.
- Open a browser like Internet Explorer or Firefox and enter http://192.168.0.1 in the Address field.
- Enter your router user name and password. If you didn't change the user name and password during installation, enter Admin as the user name and leave the Password field blank.
- Select the Tools tab.
- Select Cable Test in the left navigation panel
1.If you checked the Ethernet cable connections but the cable test shows it is as disconnected, the cable is bad and should be replaced.
- As if that weren’t enough, Verizon Fios also provides upload speeds that match download speeds. In a world driven by competitive markets, you need to be able to keep up on all fronts, and speed parity can jumpstart your work pace and make sure your business stays ahead of the curve.
- Speed Optimizer: Another great helper when investigating way your internet might not be as fast as you would like it to be is to use Verizon Speed Optimizer tool. You can use this on every computer that is connected to your network and it is available on the Verizon FiOS website.
Verizon Fios Speed Optimizer Tool Download
Verizon's FIOS fiber-optic Internet service is sold in multiple speed packages. Speed packages run from 15 Mbps downstream with 5 Mbps upstream, to 150 Mbps down and 35 Mbps up. Slow Internet connections can be related to your selection of the wrong kind of speed package for the Internet applications that you are using, incorrect settings on. Verizon Fios is a superfast fiber-optic internet service with availability primarily on the East Coast. When we analyzed speed test data for Verizon Fios, we found that speeds generally matched right up to the speed people pay for, ranging from 97 Mbps to 940 Mbps. There are over half a dozen Verizon Fios plans.