Fios Internet
Verizon Fios Internet Service uses state-of-the-art fiber-optic technology to deliver broadband internet access to your business. Its fiber-optic technology and speed set Verizon Fios Internet Service apart from other solutions to provide you with:
- Faster connection speeds
- More bandwidth for phone lines, data transfer, videos and television
- A stronger signal over longer distances
- Clearer phone conversations and video reception
When you access the internet with Fios, a fiber-optic cable carries laser-generated pulses of light that transmit a data signal to your office. Once the signal arrives, 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 (NIC) plugged into your computer.
When your computer sends 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 enables consistent, remarkably fast internet speeds, making it ideal for streaming, online gaming and supporting multiple devices.
Fios Internet equipment
Verizon provides and installs the equipment needed for your Fios internet connection.
Your ONT requires electricity to operate all Verizon services provided on the Verizon Fios network and has its own built-in ONT Power Supply Unit (OPSU). The OPSU powers the ONT by connecting it directly to an electrical outlet at your location. To ensure connectivity to the Verizon Fios network, make sure your ONT Power Supply Unit is plugged in at all times.
The OPSU contains a single indicator light that tells you if electrical power is present. If the indicator light is dark, electricity is not flowing from the outlet to the ONT. During normal operation, the light should be green. The ONT requires very little power to operate. In fact, the amount of power needed is as little as what it would take to operate a couple of night-lights.
With an active battery, the BBU will provide backup power for your basic Fios voice services, including Emergency 911 dialing, for up to eight hours in the event of a commercial power failure. You are responsible for purchasing and replacing the battery in the BBU. Much like you would need to replace the batteries in a portable radio from time to time, periodically the BBU must be replaced. Please note that a damaged or leaking battery may damage Verizon network equipment and should be removed and replaced immediately.
Prepare for Fios Internet installation
The Verizon technician will need access to the location where your utilities enter your business. 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 TVs.
In order for the Verizon technician to be able to install Fios, you must have administrator rights for your computer. If you have installed software on your computer before, you probably already have administrator rights. You also need to have any other usernames or passwords needed to access your computer, including your firewall, networking router and Windows® login.
Get Fios Internet installed—step 1.
The installation of Verizon Fios Internet is a two-step process. The first step is to install a fiber-optic line to your office. We will perform this step after you place your Fios order but before your installation appointment. Generally, this involves either aerial or underground work and depends on how previous utilities were delivered to your office. You typically do not need to be present for this part of the 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 business. This work is typically done 24 to 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.
Get Fios Internet installed—step 2.
The second step for Fios Internet setup is to have your Fios equipment installed in your office. During your installation appointment, a Verizon technician will install Verizon Fios Internet service equipment in your office and establish a wired connection with the fiber terminal in your neighborhood. Next the technician will connect your computer to the Fios equipment in your office and guide you through the Fios software installation, account setup and activation on your primary computer.
The Verizon technician will run data wiring from the ONT to your router and, if necessary, install an Ethernet jack. The technician will also 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.
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.
Troubleshoot connection issues
Most connection problems can be resolved by simply rebooting your router.
- Unplug your router
- Wait one 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.
For router-specific troubleshooting tips, refer to the following resources:
- Get router-specific troubleshooting tips and resources.
- Get extender-specific troubleshooting tips and resources.
If you have questions about a discontinued item, please refer to the original equipment manufacturer for assistance. If you would like to upgrade your equipment, you can order updated equipment on the Verizon Accessories page.
Troubleshoot speed issues.
If you think you are experiencing less than expected speeds with Verizon Fios Internet, please first check your speeds using the Verizon Internet Speed Test.
Factors that can limit speeds on wireless devices include:
- Distance from the router
- Limitations of your wireless device
- Interference from microwave ovens and other electronics
- Infrastructure of the office
Sometimes simply changing the location of your router can improve performance. Depending on your current equipment, you might also be able to improve speeds by upgrading to a newer router or purchasing a wireless network extender to improve router signal strength. Visit verizon.com/fiosaccessories/.
An intermittent loss of your connection to the internet can be caused by electronic or physical interference from the following:
Large metal objects and electrical equipment: Televisions, entertainment electronics, microwaves, other electrical equipment and large metal objects can cause interference. Try to keep your networking router away from these sources of electronic interference.
Other nearby routers: Routers near your office running wireless networks at the same frequency as your router can interfere with your connection. Changing the channel of your wireless router can sometimes solve this problem.
Physical obstructions: Walls, floors, entertainment electronics, appliances, furniture and other physical obstructions can cause interference if the wireless signals have to pass through them. Moving your networking router to another location that isn’t in the line of sight of these potential interference factors can improve your connection.
To determine if your ONT has power, do the following:
- Use a flat-head screwdriver to remove the screw that holds the ONT cover closed
- Check the status of the power light
- If the green power light is on, the ONT has power
- If the power light is not lit, the ONT has lost power
- If the power light is blinking, the ONT is operating in battery mode (a fully charged battery provides up to eight hours of power for your phone service during a power outage)
- Confirm that the ONT is plugged securely into the AC outlet (the ONT may have been accidentally unplugged)
- Check the battery backup for power (your battery may not be properly connected)
- Check your service at the ONT to determine whether the problem is with the wiring or jacks inside your office.
Important: Although the ONT lines are grounded, do not attempt to open the ONT or test the lines during rain, a thunderstorm or other hazardous weather conditions. Also, if there is a loud hum on the line, do not test the ONT. Contact Verizon for assistance.
Additional support
Visit our Customer Learning Portal for even more training and resources related to Verizon Business products, systems and tools.