Verizon "requires" their router to be used when you have FiOS TV service, but whether this is actually a requirement depends on the specific TV service you have. With the newer service, FiOS TV One, it is actually required. The cable boxes will not activate or update without it. With the original FiOS TV service, you can use a third-party router if you add a MoCA adapter. Simply plug the adapter's Ethernet port into a LAN port on your router and plug the Coaxial cable that would normally connect to the Verizon router into its Coax In port. This allows the cable boxes to connect to the internet, which is necessary for guide and on demand to work.
Of course, if you aren't using any of Verizon's TV hardware, and are just using something like a CableCard, TiVO, HDHomeRun, or direct connection to a TV, none of this applies and you can use any router.
As for whether it's worth it: For internet, absolutely. The service is nearly 100% reliable and the speeds are symmetric (gigabit up and down). The TV service is worse, with very outdated UIs on the cable boxes and no voice remote like Comcast has.
Powerline didnt really work for me but what did work was use MoCA adaptors. If you have coaxial in the room with your router and your switch, you can get ethernet to your switch through coax. They are a bit expensive but if powerline doesnt work this definitely should.
Two of these would work fine: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B013J7OBUU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_AA8.BbJSV7HM0
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B013J7OBUU/
I never mentioned anything about using a standalone MoCA adapter from Verizon. The router I'm using is a Ubiquiti UniFi Security Gateway, and there's no Verizon router anywhere.
The router is an all-in-one device for the new ONT.
Does this mean the router and ONT are combined into one device? Because that's definitely not what I have, and I've never heard of that.
Sure.
Actiontec Bonded MoCA 2.0 Ethernet to Coax Adapter (ECB6200S02) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B013J7OBUU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_SC7lEb7SMXK36
Which FIOS Router do you have? The G1100 (MOCA2.0 Bonded) or the G3100 (MOCA2.5 Bonded)?
You can buy the Actiontec MOCA bridge
And then connect it to any Wireless AP you want. Or connect it directly to one or more (with gigabit switch) hardwired devices (Roku, PC, etc.)
TP-Link makes great business class AP's, like this EAP225V3, for example, for $60.
I have Actiontec ECB6200, they look to be discontinued at B&H but still available from Amazon. B&H was a good bit cheaper when I bought mine.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B013J7OBUU works just fine as well.