You can't directly replace the Actiontec router with a typical off-the-shelf router since Verizon FIOS uses MoCA to connect to the Optical Network Terminal (ONT). However, you can bridge the Actiontec router with a router of your choice.
Steps
1) Connect an ethernet cable to the back of one of your open ports on the Actiontec router and the other end to a laptop/workstation. This will ensure you have a hard connection to the Actiontec router.
2) Login to your router:
The default IP is 192.168.1.1 and the default username is 'admin'; password is 'password1'. Technically the factory default password is 'password', but the Verizon technicians usually change it to 'password1' upon installation.
3) Reset your Actiontec router back to its original default settings:
Advanced -> Click 'Yes' when it asks if you want to proceed -> Restore Defaults
This will reboot your router and restore it to its default settings. It will now ask you to create a password. Put a password in of your choice (alpha-numeric) and login to the Actiontec again.
4) Disable Wireless:
Wireless Settings -> Basic Security Settings -> Turn Wireless On: Click the 'Off' radio button.
5) Release the ActionTec IP from the ONT:
My Network -> Network Connections -> Broadband Connection (coax) -> Settings
You will arrive at the 'Broadband Connection (coax)' settings page. Copy down the grayed out password: in the textbox.
DHCP Lease: Click 'Release' and immediately perform the next step.
Internet Protocol: change to 'No IP Address'
Ensure Auto Detection is 'On'
Privacy checkbox: 'Enabled'
Input the password you noted in the 'Password' textbox
Click 'Apply' at the bottom of the page and click 'Yes' when it asks if you want to proceed.
6) Turn the Actiontec into a Bridge:
My Network -> Network Connections -> Network (Home/Office) -> Settings
You will arrive at the Network (Home/Office) settings page.
Bridge:
Broadband Connection (coax):
- check the Broadband Connection (coax) to enable
- check STP
Click 'Apply' at the bottom of the page and click 'Yes' when it asks if you want to proceed.
7) Disable the firewall settings:
Firewall Settings -> Minimum Security (low)
Click 'Apply' at the bottom of the page and click 'Yes' when it asks if you want to proceed.
8) Verify that the Actiontec router no longer has a connection to the Internet:
The Actiontec should still have a connection to the ONT.
You can verify this by going back into:
My Network -> Network Connections ->
click the Full Status button at the bottom of the list.
'Broadband Connection (Coax)' should say it's connected still.
9) Disconnect all devices from the Actiontec:
Physically disconnect any devices from the back of the Actiontec ethernet ports, and setup the router of your choice. Make sure your new router's IP address is something different from 192.168.1.1 or it will conflict. Your new router should now DHCP an IP from Verizon without any issues.
