u/gadgetboyj

I've spent a bit of time testing different scenarios with the new CHR30A routers/extenders, as they are pretty much brand new, and there is very little information out there so far.

If you have anything you'd like me to test or take a look at, or if you have any information you think might fit here, leave a comment!

Datasheet
User Manual
Mounting Bracket User Manual (Uses same mounting bracket as the CR1000 routers)

General Information

• CHR30A routers and extenders are the same physical device. They decide which device they are acting as when you first connect them. This can be changed later on with a factory reset if needed.
• Any CHR30A acting as an extender will automatically clone the Wi-Fi configuration (SSID, Password, Radio Config, etc.) from the router. If you change any of this on the router, all extenders will automatically begin to use the updated settings. This cannot be changed, there is no manual configuration for these settings on the extenders.
• For the above reason, all CHR30A units come with a blank sticker covering the default Wi-Fi information. The idea is you peel off the one on the router, and leave it in place on any device acting as an extender, since the information under the sticker will be irrelevant for a device acting as an extender.
• They also come with stickers in the box that say Router and Extender if you wish to further label them.
• The extenders can be connected over Ethernet, Wi-Fi, or Coax (Coax requires MoCA Expansion Modules for the router and each extender).

MoCA Expansion Modules

https://verizon.com/mocaexpansionmodule

• Part Number: EXPM10A
• User Guide
• Slots into back of the CHR30A under the cover labeled Expansion Port (Cover must be removed).
• This port and the module are SFP, however they are not compatible with other SFP/SFP+ devices. Attempting to insert another SFP module into the CHR30A results in it getting power, but otherwise not being recognized. Attempting to insert the MoCA Expansion Module into another device like a router or switch results in it not being recognized.
• Supports MoCA 2.5, 2.0, 1.1, and 1.0
• Required for some FiOS TV products, though this will be changing in the future as everything moves to IPTV and old equipment ages out.

Extender Compatibility

CE1000A / CME1000

• I don't have either of these to test, if you have tried one please let me know your results. The official guidance from Verizon is that they are not compatible.

E3200

• DOES NOT work.
• Coax connects @ 2.5Gbps
• Coax status lights on back of both the CHR30A and E3200 are green
• Status Light on E3200 changes between dim white and yellow
• When Status Light is dim white, LAN is bridged and Ethernet works but E3200 Wi-Fi stops broadcasting and admin page becomes inaccessible
• Light occasionally goes yellow and connection drops for about 5-10 seconds, so even though Ethernet LAN does kind of work, the connection is never stable.
• Does not work over Ethernet backhaul either
• Does not work using MoCA Ethernet Adapter instead of MoCA Expansion Module
• CHR30A never recognizes the E3200 as another network device

ASK-MAE340 (MoCA Ethernet Adapter)

• Works without any issue

WCB6200Q (FNE / FiOS Network Extender)

• DOES NOT work.
• No coax link at all

ECB5240M (FNA / FiOS Network Adapter)

• I don't have one of these to test, if you have tried one please let me know your results.

G1100 (FiOS Quantum Gateway)

• If you are using one of these repurposed as a MoCA adapter, this does still work with the CHR30A without issue

Actiontec MI424WR

• If you are using one of these repurposed as a MoCA adapter, this does still work with the CHR30A without issue

 

I'll do my best to answer any other questions people may have, and keep this post updated with any additional relevant information as it's discovered. Hope someone finds this helpful!