Verizon today said it has upgraded the custom-modified routers for its FIOS fiber-optic Internet service to prep them for the future as well as to give users more control over their home networks. The new versions of the firm's Actiontec and Westell routers support local connection speeds of as much as 175Mbps (up from 75Mbps) that makes sure devices inside the house can make the most of the connection. Each device also supports as many as four Wi-Fi access points at the same time that can be used for public or private networks.The new upgrades also let computers, consoles, and other devices share media with each other across the local network if they support either DLNA or Universal Plug and Play. With dual-core processors, the routers can also handle a task of their own aside from managing the home network, such as locking down the router itself or monitoring the home.
Verizon plans to introduce the routers to new customers during the summer, but hasn't mentioned if or when it will let existing customers upgrade to the new models. New routers will be necessary for the company's eventual plans to move to 100Mbps for FIOS.
|