Do I have to use the router provided by ATT fiber?
Some individuals are even bothered by queries, such as whether they are required to use the router offered by AT&T upon signing up for the fiber internet in their homes. The short answer is - No, you do not have to go with AT&T’s router if it is not something that you prefer to go for. However, there are some points to consider if you use your router instead of the supplied one for some reasons.
Why does AT&T provide its router?: Good question, right?
Thus, the AT&T fiber internet operates on a technology known as Gigabit Passive Optical Network (GPON). This means you need a particular type of router that will have no issues speaking with AT&T’s fiber network. Hence, AT&T sells routers of their brand such as the AT&T BGW210 or 5268AC, to ensure that one would not encounter compatibility issues. Setting up and understanding its properties is much easier when using the router provided by AT&T.
Nevertheless, the same router also belongs to AT&T to control their network that is extended to the company. Customers buy routers that they can manage on their own or customize the existing one to have greater control and security. Fortunately, you do have that choice with the AT&T fiber.
Self-provided routers: I want to know whether I can bring my router and use it for this internet service.
Of course, customers can bring their router allowing them to avoid using the equipment provided by AT&T. All that is required is to change the specific router and modem combo unit given by AT&T for “IP Passthrough.” This will ensure that your router is the one that gets the public IP address not the AT&T router that was assigned to you.
This lets you use your router to the fullest but still provides AT&T with the ability to monitor or fix the fiber internet line when necessary. Thus, you get more control over the given process, while they receive what is necessary for them as well.
Remember that when it comes to your router, AT&T technical support representatives probably will not be able to assist in identifying problems. However, if you set up the IP Passthrough mode correctly, then you should eliminate most issues coming from your router solely.
The next question that arises is: What kind of router should I use?
To fully utilize the AT&T fiber speeds you will need a router that supports WAN and LAN ports of a multi-Gigabit (or 2.5G and above). Almost all the modern consumer routers come branded with the capabilities up to Wi-Fi 6 to prepare for future use. Some of them even mention more detail such as compatibility with AT&T.
For instance, the XR1000 Netgear Nighthawk is a router designed to provide users with MAX fiber speeds from AT&T. There are also other choices such as Google Wifi, Eero, or Netgear Orbi to name a few, which offer more extensive Wi-Fi coverage through a mesh router system. And before that, quickly make sure that the router’s ports are compatible and the router specs meet the speed tier.
I am not clear on how to configure the Gateway to use the IP Passthrough Mode.
Namely, it is crucial to place the gateway that AT&T has provided into IP Passthrough mode. This removes its built-in router so your router just gets a public IP address assigned to it. Here are the steps:
- Log into your gateway web interface at http: The default gateway is another important network setting that may be present in the list of network connections and its value is //192.168.1.254. Please, sign in the fields of username and password.
- Go to Firewall settings and click IP Passthrough. For the drop-down menu option, choose Allocate IP Passthrough.
- Select the desired enabled connection that should be configured with the IP Passthrough feature on the list. This assigns one public IP address that is configured to the router's WAN port.
- Plug one of the cables in your personal router’s WAN port directly into any of the gateway’s LAN ports.
- Try resetting both the gateway and your router so that changes can take effect and be made.
Make sure the router is handed out a public IP address and not a private 192.168.x.x one to ensure success. There is also the option of setting its AT&T gateway to true bridge mode as well if you want to. However, if you want to reaccess gateway settings later, the setting is easier in IP Passthrough.
I have read some questions in forums like, “Will using my router affect performance?”
So long as your home router is capable of matching the WAN port speed of the AT&T fiber plan tier, speed will be no different than AT&T’s router. Fiber optic connection transmits bandwidth up to the customers’ premises where there is a fiber optic demarcation point. Well, your router just does all the networking after that just like a normal one everything else is blocked.
While one might expect that using a different router would negatively impact Wi-Fi coverage and speed, using a router that is better suited for faster speeds can make Wi-Fi coverage and performance better than that provided by an ISP gateway. You also get more options for customization such as QoS settings beyond basic, the number of VPN servers, and priority wired connections. While that may seem to be a positive factor, do not expect to get faster speeds simply by having 1Gbps ports or Wi-Fi 6 since the fiber link is still the major speed limiter. But it does prevent those pesky future changes to your home network.
In summary – yep, you’re allowed to replace the router that was provided to you by AT&T Internet with your device if that’s what you want. Well, just make sure to turn on the IP Passthrough on their gateway at first. This way, you get to have the positive aspects associated with having your router while still maintaining compatibility with AT&T fiber and their ability to help with any issues that may arise with your connection. This way it is easier to have a smooth transition should you decide to leave one job for another or one company for another company.
Upgrade to faster, more reliable AT&T Fiber Internet today! Call us at +1 844-905-5002 and get connected with speeds that keep you ahead.
