This week, a reader is seeking advice on whether they should upgrade their AT&T internet service for security and performance reasons. They are wondering if they should ask AT&T for an upgrade or purchase one themselves. If they decide to purchase one, they are also looking for recommendations on which modem/router would be a good choice.
If you’re in a similar situation, it’s a good idea to call AT&T and ask them to check the age of your modem/router. Let them know that you’re concerned about security and speed. When it comes to speed, there are two aspects to consider: the speed of the connection to your house and the speed of the WiFi connection to your wireless devices from your AT&T modem/router.
Before making the call, it’s recommended to run a speed test to determine if your modem is providing the internet bandwidth you’re paying for. You can test your internet connection using the speed test tool provided by AT&T at https://www.att.com/support/speedtest. Additionally, you can verify your speed through a third-party site like www.speedtest.net.
During your call with AT&T, inquire about equipment upgrades that may be available on your service plan. However, if you have a DSL plan, there might be limited options for upgrades. DSL modem/router boxes may not have seen much development, especially if you’re already getting the download/upload speeds you’re paying for.
On the other hand, if you have fiber internet service, there are modem/router boxes available that support WiFi 6. Although WiFi 6 is not the fastest WiFi speed available (that would be WiFi 6E), it still provides a considerable improvement. It’s worth noting that WiFi 7 has been announced but is still in development as a standard. If AT&T is unable to provide an upgrade, you have the option of using your own WiFi 6 or 6E router in conjunction with your existing modem.
To give you a personal example, at my home, I have AT&T Fiber 1000 service and I wanted faster WiFi. I opted to purchase a mesh WiFi 6 system from Eero. I connected one Eero router to my AT&T modem using an ethernet cable, and I placed two additional Eero routers strategically throughout my home to extend the WiFi signal coverage.
In my setup, the Eero system is in bridge mode, meaning that my AT&T modem handles the internet routing, while the Eero system takes care of WiFi. Although my slower AT&T WiFi network is still active, I don’t use it. Technically, I could turn it off in the modem settings, but I have chosen not to do so.
Remember, you are always free to connect the WiFi router that best suits your needs. Consider factors such as speed, coverage, and additional features when making your decision. By choosing the right modem/router, you can improve both the security and performance of your AT&T internet service.
Credit: The Star : Tech Feed
![[English - 100% Original] - Assessing Pragmatic Competence in the Japanese EFL C by Pino Cutrone (UK edition, hardcover)](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==)
