Mac User Apprehensive to Switch
akasjl
Enthusiast - Level 3
I would really like to switch over to FIOS, across the board for that matter. But, as a Mac user with an Apple wireless network I am apprehensive to do so after reading the various Mac related posts with respect to the internet service and being able to use (or not) Apple routers.  I am using two airports and an airport express which I do not want to give up.  The system requirements make it clear Verizon is not compatible with Airports.  It just does not seem that FIOS is as seemless for Mac users as it is for those using Windows.  To any Verizon rep that checks this forum, is Verizon planning on bettter intergrating the FIOS wireless experience for Mac users? Thx.
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Re: Mac User Apprehensive to Switch
dslr595148
Community Leader
Community Leader
In the meantime as you wait for a reply to your question, FYI you could use your own router...

See as need be: http://www.verizonfioswiki.com/index.php/Using_Your_Own_Router
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Re: Mac User Apprehensive to Switch
TimSykes
Specialist - Level 2
unless you get fios TV.
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Re: Mac User Apprehensive to Switch
dvakaduke
Newbie

I have FIOS internet, phone and tv and an apple wireless network and it works awesome! I have the Westell router from Verizon, which you need for FIOS TV, but I just turned wireless off on the Westell and set up my Time Capsule wireless router in bridge mode and it works awesome. I have a macbook pro, macbook, XP desktop and HP networked printer an have had no conflicts. Love the speed of FIOS!

If you have any questions on my setup, let me know. 

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Re: Mac User Apprehensive to Switch
akasjl
Enthusiast - Level 3
I would appreciate you sharing your setup.   I have a PowerBook, iMac and a Dell set up to an Airport Extreme, Base and Express.  A Brother printer is connected to the Extreme.  Thanks.
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Re: Mac User Apprehensive to Switch
cjacobs001
Contributor - Level 3
Wireless on a MAC is no different than with a PC, except that MAC's use lower-case letters in the WEP - security key, where PC's use capital letters.   And all o's are actually zeros ( 0 ).   
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Re: Mac User Apprehensive to Switch
Wil_I_AM
Newbie

All,

I joined the forum to answer this question.

The issue with the "bridged" mode setup as described here is that this limits your ability to use "Back to my Mac."  If you're using MobileMe, and you're looking to get back to your desktops and your time capsule shares, this setup does get very complex.  

Based on my research, many people have had success moving to Ethernet (or using MOCA) and putting the Verizon router behind the Airport.  This would fix the problem with MobileMe.  However, I'll warn you, I'm an Intenet engineer, and I found the configuration almost too complex for me to handle, primarily due to the "weirdness" of the actiontec advanced configs.  

So, let me net it out for you.  No MobileMe, then you're great.  Go for it!  Get their DVR and bridge your time capsule and you're set.  MobileMe and no Verizon DVR (you have a TivoHD) no problem, tell them to use the Ethernet when you install and install your Time Capsule instead.  Verizon DVR and MobileMe = Complex configuration, but workable (go to broadbandreports.com and look for setting the Actiontec in "bridge mode" and looking for "VLAN" in the same thread.  You'll need the VLAN setup working to make it all work.  

I gave up on the Verizon DVR box myself, and went to a TivoHD (with cablecards). I get all the HD channels, lose the "on demand", but pick up the Tivo features and get a less complex setup.  For me that was the best tradeoff, as I don't want to spend my time and energy configuring my house internet stuff!  

William

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Re: Mac User Apprehensive to Switch
zachyzissou
Enthusiast - Level 2

Anyone who says you cannot use your own router and have t.v. could not be more wrong. I currently use an AirPort Extreme with FiOS TV and it works completely fine.

My set-up includes,

Line-in to Airport, airport to the NIM box(i believe its called), along with that feeing a coax to a huge splitter that takes the signal all over my house.

No problems other than turning my router on and off every now and then to get on demnd to work again.

Hope i helped,

zach

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Re: Mac User Apprehensive to Switch
MickeyS
Enthusiast - Level 1
It works just fine, my iphone, macbook pro and old G4 powerbook work with no problems...
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