What equipment does AT&T provide for internet?
Here, the author has discussed various equipment that AT&T offers for getting connected to the internet based on the kind of package that is subscribed to. Here is an overview of the main equipment AT&T may provide.
Modems and Routers
If you have subscribed to AT&T Internet services, which used to be known as U-verse Internet services, you will be provided with the indoor residential gateway device. This is a single device that can be used to link your home to the AT&T network as well as a WiFi router that can create a local network in your home.
AT&T Internet is delivered through AT&T fiber optic lines or digital subscriber lines (DSL). Which of the internet technology will be available at your address will determine the gateway model you get. Common models provided by AT&T include.
- NVG589 ADSL2+ home router
- A residential fiber optic gateway, the BGW210
Both these gateways come with in-built WiFi supporting the latest standards, four Ethernet ports for other wired devices, and jacks for home phone service via AT&T.
As for the Internet service, the customers of AT&T Fiber who signed up for the higher speed plans may be provided with the WiFi 6 gates as they enable the full utilization of the higher multi-gigabit per second bandwidth.
Satellite Dish
For their fixed wireless internet service mainly available for the rural market, AT&T offers a DIY external satellite dish. This exterior dish enables a user to link up to a fixed LTE wireless network tower that disseminates high-speed Internet to the countryside to the company.
You plug the dish into a modem/router combo device that is inside through a cable that is provided. As for the LTE fixed wireless service provided by AT&T, it will install a mounting pole and make sure that the dish has an unobstructed path to receive the signal.
AT&T Smart WiFi Extender
In some homes, users are unable to access WiFi hotspots or the signals are weak in some areas of the house hence the wireless internet is unreliable. AT&T has a device they sell called the AT&T Smart WiFi Extender which can be used to address these Wi-Fi connectivity problems.
This compact wall-plug device rebroadcasts your gateway router’s WiFi extending the coverage to those difficult corners. It does not require that you have to create a new specific network as an extension to your home WiFi network.
Included HDMI Cable
When you subscribe to AT&T TV service and choose to get it with the internet, they provide an HDMI cable to connect the set-top box to your television. This way the customer is likely to get the correct high-speed HDMI cord most suitable for their AT&T Uverse or DirecTV service than having probably used an older spare cable.
BYOD Options
The internet service that AT&T Internet offered in the dial-up internet era was to lease a modem to its subscribers but the current internet services involve allowing you to provide your device. AT&T does not even give an impression to its customers that it officially sanctions any equipment that is owned and supplied by them. However, they give general compatibility guidelines and settings to enable subscribers to supply their alternatives.
You are welcome to use your modem, Wi-Fi router, mesh system, or any other networking equipment you prefer. Although aspects such as access from remote locations, certain configurations, level of wiring, AT&T installation, and problem-solving are your responsibilities. They also do not alter service pricing since they are owned by the customer.
Regarding the fixed wireless internet service, the use of one’s equipment instead of the satellite dish and indoor equipment provided by AT&T is not allowed.
Fees for Unreturned Equipment
Remember to return any internet gateways, routers, modems or any other equipment that belongs to AT&T should be returned when one cancels or changes their service. Lost devices attract hefty charges that reflect on your account. Fiber Internet Gateways can be as expensive as $499 if it is not returned!
To recap the main equipment provided directly by AT&T when you subscribe to their internet connectivity or bundles
- Internet Residential Gateways – A modem/WiFi router for fiber optic or DSL broadband internet services
- Fixed wireless satellite dishes – For outdoor rural fixed LTE to receive the fixed wireless satellite dishes.
- WiFi Range Extenders – Optional additional extender pods for enhanced Wi-Fi coverage
- HDMI Cables – High-speed HDMI cords for set-top TV boxes
- When it comes to installation, networking cables and splitters
It is perfectly possible to bring your own networking devices such as standalone routers or a mesh system. But understand functionality and support if not using AT&T’s provided equipment. It also is important to return any leased gateways, dishes, or other hardware equipment to avoid high unreturned item fees when canceling the service.
That sums up the main categories of equipment AT&T offers or suggests for providing home or small business broadband Internet access through their multiple networks. Feel free to ask anything if you have any questions or need any further clarification.
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.