The question that most people who are thinking of subscribing to AT&T fiber internet service tend to ask is - is AT&T fiber internet service Wi-Fi ready? In a nutshell, the answer to this question is no You get an AT&T fiber directly to your house and what is responsible for giving your home internet connection is a wireless router that is not provided by AT&T fiber. Here's a more detailed breakdown:Here's a more detailed breakdown:
What is AT&T Fiber?
AT&T Fiber is an identity that AT&T uses for its fiber internet connection services that are offered at the premises. It offers incredibly fast broadband connections using fibre optic cables that connect with homes and offices.
AT&T Fiber is available in different speeds of 300Mbps to 1000Mbps or 1Gbps depending on the location and has faster speeds of up to 5Gbps in some locations. These speeds are even faster compared to the normal cable or DSL internet. These include lower latency, reliability, and higher carrying capacity because the internet uses fiber optic.
So, when it comes to the high–speed wired Internet connection right to your home, that’s AT&T’s role to play. But it is necessary to have a Wi-Fi router to translate that signal into a wireless one.
Some may be wondering if AT&T Fiber comes with a Wi-Fi router since it is not explicitly stated on their website that it does.
Well, the answer is no, a Wi-Fi router is not provided by AT&T Fiber service, unlike with other internet service providers. AT&T will have to provide a dedicated client device, the AT&T Fiber Gateway through which users will connect to the AT&T fiber optic network.
However, they are a fiber gateway, which means they do not have the Wi-Fi functionality integrated into the device. As for the telecommunication provision, it only caters for the wired fiber optic broadband connection.
And, therefore, you will have to possess your own Wi-Fi router so that you can surf the Internet wirelessly all around your house. Unlike some of AT&T competitors, AT&T Fiber does not offer a modem/router combo, which means that they do not have a fiber gateway with Wi-Fi as an integrated feature.
Devices would have to connect to the fiber gateway directly, using a wire ethernet cable to access the internet in case there was no Wi-Fi router. This setup allows Wi-Fi connection for devices such as Smartphones, tablets, laptops, amongst others that do not have Ethernet capability.
What are Compatible Routers for AT&T Fiber?
You have a few options when choosing a compatible Wi-Fi router for AT&T Fiber
1. However, if you prefer to have your unique router, below are some third-party routers that are compatible with AT&T fiber: You have options of having highly rated models from known manufacturers including Netgear, Linksys, TP-Link, A SUS, among others. These are used for providing reliable Wi-Fi range and connectivity.
2. AT&T Fiber Internet – Rent an AT&T Wi-Fi® Gateway – For a monthly rental fee, AT&T has a fiber gateway and Wi-Fi router in one sleek device. For fiber and dual-band AC2200 rated Wi-Fi there is the networking hardware in models like the BGW320.
3. Want to Use IP Passthrough Mode? – This is the setting that enables you to utilize the AT&T provided fiber gateway solely for the purpose of being a wired modem while you maintain and manage all other aspects of your Wi-Fi with a third-party router. It has been observed that, instructions differ as per the AT&T fiber gateway model.
It is best to use your own router as often as possible, and we’ll explain why in detail below. Still, AT&T’s rentals are more limiting and expensive than standalone routers and come with strings attached.
And lastly, a third party Wi-Fi 6 or mesh system router is capable of providing better Wi-Fi than that of the combo units offered by AT&T. If you have more specific information to offer on routers for AT&T fiber, then our detailed analysis has more tips.
Setting Up Your House Network
If you choose to be a subscriber of AT&T Fiber internet service they will arrange for a technician to come to your home or office to install the fiber gateway. Here are the general steps to get fully connected with Wi-Fi
1. Att installs fiber gateway – The tech will then proceed and place their fiber gateway device to the optical network terminal through the fiber optic cable. This deals with wired broadband fiber connection which is shown below;
2. Connect router to gateway – Plug an Ethernet cable from the WAN/Internet port of your third party Wi-Fi router and plug it to any of the available LAN ports of the AT&T fiber gateway. This connects your router to the gateway where you can be allowed to access the internet traffic.
3. Set connection parameters – These can be accessed via a web interface to the Wi-Fi router with options such as the network name or SSID and password, security, DHCP server and others. Configure it with a private IP address on the range assigned by the fiber gateway LAN network.
4. Share access to the router wirelessly – The final step involves having all your Wi-Fi enabled gadgets such as phones, computers, smart home equipment and more connect to the new Wi-Fi router’s wireless network. Get unlimited fiber connection with full home Wi-Fi coverage at the speeds you need!
Key Takeaways
Full-home Wi-Fi is NOT packaged with the basic internet service offering of AT&T Fiber, but it is offered as an additional service separately. For a fiber gateway they provide, there are only wired LAN ports for connection.
For the wireless connection, it is expected that the subscribers bring their own Wi-Fi routers. There are few choices available - continue using the same model you are currently using, buy a new router from a third party or AT&T will lend you one of their gateway/router combination apparatus (for a fee on monthly basis).
A good quality standalone router will often offer a better wireless signal and more network flexibility than AT&T’s rental equipment. Its installation can be done by simply plugging it to the fiber gateway via Ethernet cable.
Thus, it is prudent to cross check your required home networking prior to subscribing for the services. It is necessary to ensure that you are in possession of the proper router which is compatible with the wired AT&T Fiber optic broadband.
Call (844) 905-5001 to get a new AT&T connection now!
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