Do you need a router with ATT internet?
If you decide to subscribe to the AT&T Internet connection, they will offer you to use their AT&T gateway/modem connecting your home to the company’s network. This equipment from AT&T also usually has integrated WiFi that helps establish a wireless network at home. However, many people are curious whether they also require a separate WiFi router in addition to the AT&T gateway. I’ve outlined a few things that you need to think through when deciding if adding another router would be a good idea for your home network.
Speed and Range
Another consideration is the data rate and coverage that the AT&T gateway can deliver independently. The speeds that you experience can be further impacted by the specific gateway model that AT&T uses and the size and structure of your home. While some AT&T gateways have good WiFi coverage with high top speeds, others have simple WiFi convicted sufficient for small spaces only.
Another high-quality WiFi router can add much more top speeds, and improve the overall coverage and stability of your WiFi connection. Specifically, the newer WiFi 6 routers can even surpass many older gateway devices in terms of performance. So if you are not a happy camper with the performance of your WiFi from the AT&T equipment alone, the addition of your router can help a lot.
Advanced Features
AT&T gateway devices have fundamental routing, network control features, and wireless fidelity capabilities. However, most of the current standalone routers available in the market have enhanced management, security, and connectivity capabilities. This includes things such as improved parental control, setting up a guest network, compatibility with VPNs, integration with Alexa, and much more.
Therefore if you desire to have more control, visibility, and customization of the home network, then a different router can offer that. Again, many of the AT&T gateways are not very configurable or even have monitoring capabilities for the local network. A router gives you another level of control in terms of tools and settings that you have at your disposal.
Mesh Networking
Using the AT&T Internet equipment you will have one WiFi network in your home. However, the integration of a mesh network router system can enhance the WiFi connection in a large area. Whole home mesh systems feature more than one access point to create uninterrupted extended coverage without blind zones. Using dedicated mesh system nodes is better for a stronger WiFi network than having a single AT&T gateway.
Do You Need Both?
The AT&T gateway does need to remain active as this is the main point where your home network communicates with the fiber or DSL service provided by AT&T to your residence. This modem functionality gives the core internet connection that further routers and mesh networks supplement WiFi and internal network administrators.
Yes, some people prefer to disable the features of an AT&T gateway and use only their own router or mesh system for networking. However, this could lead to reliability problems if the AT&T firmware becomes old. The least risky path is using your own router or mesh system but retains some benefits of the AT&T gateway.
The added router then merely improves the network rather than offering a completely new one. And while your AT&T modem works as the gateway to the AT&T network in general, your router helps to navigate and distribute the connections within your home. This way, you are guaranteed stable connectivity from AT&T while at the same time enjoying the added flexibility of enhancing what the default equipment that the company offers comes with.
When Not to Add a Router
However, if the AT&T gateway offers adequate WiFi coverage and data rate throughout your house and you do not require additional network features, there is limited value in incorporating your router. It is not easy to justify the purchase of another gadget if AT&T’s equipment has all that a household requires.
Others also put routers because of WiFi security issues with the defaults offered by the internet service provider. However, in most of the AT&T equipment the wireless network names, passwords, and settings can also be changed by the users. Therefore, depending on the built-in security options may be just as effective if the security settings are correctly set.
As for the range, if an apartment is considered to be rather small, the range from an AT&T gateway will not pose any problems. That in turn helps to minimize the need for extending coverage with mesh systems or standalone routers. Tenants also have little motivation to invest in fixed networking infrastructure improvements.
The included equipment from AT&T Internet is capable of functioning well right out of the box for many home uses. Where to add routers or mesh systems solely depends on whether there is any area that requires improved speed, a wider coverage area, or more configuration options. Consider your home's connectivity requirements and do not introduce networks that would add a level of complexity or expense that will not be fully utilized.
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