Actiontec MI424WR Router Problem
ISPs come in all shapes and sizes. Lucky for me though I am in a area where I am able to use Verizon’s FiOS Internet Service. If you have not heard of FiOS, it is a service offered by Verizon which includes Internet, TV, and Phone service. I am very happy with their product, however I recently encountered a problem. Verizon provides customers with the Actiontec MI424WR Wireless router. Verizon provides the router for FiOS Data services and for customers who also have TV Services. The router is actually required as the TV boxes need to connect to the Internet to download the interactive guide.
I have had FiOS for about a year and everything was fine. Then one day I noticed intermittent problems connecting to the Internet. I figured OK there must be some kind of problem somewhere outside the building. The next day the problem was worse. In fact it was so bad, I could not even browse to other computers on my network not to mention browse the Internet. I called Verizon, they reported there we no problems in the area. The support person had me try a few things. Check this, check that… nothing helped. Eventually I was told that there must be a problem with the DNS Server in my house. OK, I started messing with my server, shutting down DNS and DHCP. I did this hoping that having the workstations use the router’s DNS and DHCP would get me back on the Internet. No dice, I still could not get on the Internet and the next day I could net even get into the router’s admin interface.
I was stumped! Shortly there after I notice the all four of the routers LAN ports were blinking extremely rapid. After a few more minutes of trying to login to the router’s admin page I noticed something else. The light for the wireless port was solid green as was the light for the link to the internet. So I went to my laptop. Sure enough my laptop which connected via a wireless connection, had no problems. I could open the router’s admin page and browse the Internet without any problems. So I called Verizon once again. I explained the situation. The support person then said “oh that is a know issues with those routers” She proceeded to tell me that the four ethernet ports on the Actiontec MI424WR Router go bad and anything connected will not be able to connect to the internet. The wireless connections will not have a problem just the four wired ports. Umm Great! Now what? Verizon proceeded to have a new/refurbished router sent to me. Delivery took about 4 days. Once I installed the router I called Verizon and was back on the Internet in 15 minutes.
Bottom line. I am very satisfied with Verizon’s FiOS service and do highly recommend it. But if you have the FiOS service and are experiencing the above problem just remember there may be an issue with your router.
Same problem just started with my router as well. New one is on the way. Didn’t bother to search for this online before I started diagnosing the issue myself. In any case, the only known fix is a new router from Verizon.
Yeah they will probably send you a referbished router. Once you get the router installed, you will need to call Verizon to register the MAC address.
I think I’m having same problem but I haven’t received a new router yet. My wireless connections work flawlessly but any attempt to use a wired connection gives very bad connections. I’m hoping new router helps.
Troy,
The new router should fix the issue. And just to add some more info, Verizon just mail me the RMA information. More than 3 months after sending me the replacement router. So don’t thow away your old router. Verizon will want it back.
holy crap, it’s an epidemic. mine just started this a few days ago.
Mine’s doing this now.
I’ve been having slightly different problem. I was experiencing intermittent failures connecting through my wired system. However, at the same time, all my wireless connections also stop working. The lights on the router all seem to be on. I have to switch off and on the router’s power to get working. This happens quite frequently including when I’m trying to do some kind of large upload or download. In fact this weekend, I was trying to upload a birthday video file to YouTube. Each time, the ActionTec router would freeze. This is the first time I was able to pinpoint something causing the router to freeze. I’ve been going bananas resetting the power on the router. Verizon tech support suggested I use the “Reset” option on the router but it hasn’t helped at all.
srinivasmurty,
I would contact Fios Tech support and just be persistant with the fact that the router is defective and they will send you a new or referbished router.
BTW: On a side note regarding Verizon. I had to call Verizon this weekend and in the process I was asked to rate Verizon’s automated phone system. It was very basic. I was asked to rate the automated call system with one being not good and five being excellent. I rated it a 1.
I wish I read this earlier.. Mine router ethernet ports also went south. I thought something wrong with my cable since I made them myself when I wire entire house. I must have replaced 10 pairs of RJ45 before I realized it was the router ports. Now, Verizon said, I have to buy new one since it more than one year. I have been using FIOS more than one year but router was replaced about 6 months ago. Any ideas? tks
SPK,
I would be persistant with verizon fios tech support. Tell them thier router is malfunctioning and they need to RMA your router. Explain to them how you spent your time troubleshooting thier equipment and discovered the known issue(s) with the router. Go on to ask if they think it is fair that Verizon issues equipment to their customers which fails to function after a year.
On a different note I am putting together a post about the issues I am having. Thier billing department is HORRIBLE. Because of the problems I am having I am considering switching back to Comcast.