How to Connect an Apple Computer to a Wireless Verizon FiOS Modem

An Apple computer equipped with Wi-Fi can connect to a Verizon FiOS modem wirelessly if the modem has a built-in wireless access point; otherwise, the FiOS modem most be connected to a wireless router to complete the connection. FiOS modem combo units make the setup and configuration process easier, but are not the only way to share a wireless Internet connection over multiple computers. Wireless routers include a Wi-Fi access point to add wireless options to an otherwise wired network. If you using a modem without a built-in router, run through the steps in section 2 to configure the router and modem before going through the steps in section 1.

On the Apple computer, click on the Apple Menu and launch the "System Preferences."

Select the "Network" option from the System Preferences window.

Click the "Wi-Fi" option in the network connection services list.

Select the "Advanced" option.

Choose "Wi-Fi" and look for your Verizon FiOS router/modem combo unit or the dedicated wireless router from the available local Wi-Fi connections.

Click the plus sign next to the connection to set it as a preferred network and exit the menu.

Click on the "AirPort" menu.

Select the connection configured in the previous steps from the list.

Enter the network password if prompted to complete the network setup. The Mac will default to the Verizon FiOS modem's network.

Place the wireless router near the FiOS modem, plug the router's power cable into an available outlet, connect one end of the Ethernet cable to the router's "WAN" port and connect the other end of the Ethernet cable to the FiOS modem's Ethernet port.

Follow the wireless router's unit-specific setup instructions included with the device. The wireless router may need to be connected to the computer via Ethernet cable for the initial configuration. The router will either contain setup software or instructions on how to access the router through the computer and run the configuration wizard.

Enable Wi-Fi during the router configuration process; the router will automatically configure itself to work with the FiOS modem and split the connection.