Topic: FIOS Mac users

[lastubbe]

I am a few weeks into FIOS since they recently penetrated my neighborhood, and the search function didn't yield any results so I thought I would throw this out here before calling Apple....

Has anyone used the Broadband Tuner from Apple?

http://support.apple.com/downloads/Broadband_Tuner_1_0

Based on various speed tests I've done, as well as my queing up multitudes of torrents to see where I could peak, it just doesn't seem like I am getting near my max speeds.  FIOS is telling me that computers are not initially configured to deal with their speeds, so you have to reconfigure your settings to open the parameters to allow for the max speeds when able.

Of course they don't have much advise for Mac users, but say there is a program they offer for PC users that will auto configure a PC and claim it works great.  They did point me to the Broadband Tuner above, but I haven't quite figured out yet, and also noticed the warning that it's not recommended with Airport!?

Has anyone had any experience with this?  I took a 35/35 package (even though I can't find it listed anymore in Verizons offerings), but the absolute most I am getting is 25/15.  No sense in paying extra if I can't at least peak out at those speeds once in a while.

If it's a matter of a quick reconfigure of my settings, that's what I'd like to do if anyone can help.  My last resort will be to call Apple.

Lastly, I was expecting to have to forward my ports, but ever since first connecting with FIOS, any/all of my ports used are greened up and and forwarding without me needing to set them.  They're even listed as forwarded ports when I go in to the router config.  Does this sound right?

Thanks in advance for any advice.

[nic]

I only have the 15/2 service but have never had an issue or had to do any configuring for any of my Macs.

honestly, I wouldnt rely on BT speeds to determine if you are getting all you can out of your service as it is dependent on too many things.
what does http://www.speedtest.net tell you?

[lastubbe]

I have tried a few different speed test sites including that one.  Speedtest is giving me 25/16.

I'm not necessariy relying on bt, I just thought with a few torrent projects running with hundreds of combined available leeches, I would at least peak around 4 on the up, but I don't think I've ever been over 2.9-3.0, which is actually more than any Speed Test has given on the upload.

Thanks for the feedback.  It would be interesting to find out if any Mac users have reconfigured for FIOS.

[crazifyngers]

FWIW when i ran speedtests the most i could get was 16mbs upload.  bit torrent would only go at 800KBs (6.25Mbs).  however i do get my full upload speed, 25M when i use winscp on my work computer and pull documents (music really) i get 3MBs (24Mbs).  I have used different speed tests but never get my full speed.  i'm not sure if they are throttling certain types of traffic.  I know that i am very happy with fios.  Thinking about it a little bit more.  the reason i may not get full speed on bittorrent could be due to my router.  i know thatmy 54gl with ddwrt is better than the standard one because it has a bigger routing table.   but i think that once you get enough connection it taxes consumer grade routers.  if i wasn't moving to an area that didn't have fios i would borrow a cisco 1800 series and see what that did, but since i plan on moving i'm just gonna leave my network as is.

Also why are they saying that any type of computer can't handle the speeds? i understand that 802.11g has some bottlenecks, but if you were using ethernet or 802.11n i don't know how they make that claim.  i mean my ethernet and all of my switches and network cards are gigabit.  1000Mbs is a lot more than 20 or even 50Mbs. 

[lastubbe]

They just said computers aren't configured to handled say 35/35, and basically the parameters have to be changed to allow for maximum capacity.  Check out that link for the Broadband Tuner I posted and that explains the idea behind it.

Thanks for the feedback.  I absolutely love my FIOS hook up as well.  Great service all the way around.  Even the TV is great.  HD DVR in 4 rooms is pretty out of control, great picture, and of course up and down amazing speeds.  For obvious reasons though, I would just like to know I can hit max speeds when needed, or not pay for a package that I can never fully utilize.

[rastasean]

how much does the FIOS line cost per month?

[lastubbe]

how much does the FIOS line cost per month?

Might depend on your area.  I'm paying less than I was for DirecTV and Roadrunner Turbo for the first year for a better package.  I went with FIOS TV, internet and home phone.

Here's a link...

http://www22.verizon.com/Residential/aboutFiOS/

It's really a great service.  The biggest issue is if it is in your area.  They seem scarce in most rural areas.

[rastasean]

how much does the FIOS line cost per month?

Might depend on your area.  I'm paying less than I was for DirecTV and Roadrunner Turbo for the first year for a better package.  I went with FIOS TV, internet and home phone.

Here's a link...

http://www22.verizon.com/Residential/aboutFiOS/

It's really a great service.  The biggest issue is if it is in your area.  They seem scarce in most rural areas.

Thanks for the link. Its not available in Austin, Texas which is not surprising since this is time warner country and grande (a growing cable company) area.