FiOS Internet

[#1]

What type of cable is it that is connected to my modem? It's much thicker than a 75 ohm cable, and white.  Thanks.

[#2]

it's usually a tri or quad shielded rg59 or rg 6 cable. 

tri shield is enough, and rg59 is enough, but quad and rg6 is better. 

[#3 · Accepted solution]

Actually, I'd say whether RG-59 is good enough or not depends on the length of the run.  RG-6 is less lossy than RG-59.  The longer the run the more difference it makes.

You can put the length of the run and type of coax into this calculator and see if the difference in loss is significant:

http://arrg.us/pages/Loss-Calc.htm

Of course...you can't argue with success.  If it's working, RG-59 is good enough. 

[#4]

Oldguy / hubris,

   When Verizon set us up originally, the ran what an RG 59 cable (see, I'm teachable) from the box outside, thru the house, and then snuck it thru an ethernet cable 'socket' on the wall and straight to the modem.  I'm headed to Radio shack tomorrow after work to pick up a short length of cable and the right connections.  Thanks so much for the timely reply.  V/r Mark