So your connection to verizon's network comes in from the street (or ground) to a box typically located either outside your dwelling, in your garage, or basement/closet etc. This is called an Optical Network Terminal, which converts optical signals to RF, MoCA/data frequencies. Think of it as a modem and network interface device in one bulky package.
Your router (gateway if you went with the VZ hookup) is connected to this box, typically via coaxial cable.
You can change the data output from your ONT -> Router from coaxial to Ethernet (cat5e). This would allow you to take advantage of a utilizing a larger pool of network hardware. If you decided that you did not want to rent/use a Verizon gateway router...since most routers don't have coaxial connections. You also would have the added reliability of separating your cable TV and internet streams so you wouldn't lose both if say - a splitter went bad (they do) or some idiot cut/damaged your cable run. (and vice versa)
Your router (gateway if you went with the VZ hookup) is connected to this box, typically via coaxial cable.
You can change the data output from your ONT -> Router from coaxial to Ethernet (cat5e). This would allow you to take advantage of a utilizing a larger pool of network hardware. If you decided that you did not want to rent/use a Verizon gateway router...since most routers don't have coaxial connections. You also would have the added reliability of separating your cable TV and internet streams so you wouldn't lose both if say - a splitter went bad (they do) or some idiot cut/damaged your cable run. (and vice versa)