Have you recently joined the world of gigabit fiber internet?  AT&T recently made this available in my neighborhood and I couldn’t be more excited! We are in a 5 bedroom home, so I wanted to make sure we could get good speeds and signal throughout our house for our many devices such as iPads, phones, tablets, Nintendo Switch, etc.  So I began to research compatible AT&T routers, based on user reviews, performance, and price.  I used Amazon, CNet, Wired, and other sources to read up on the best routers for AT&T Fiber.  Here are the criteria to keep in mind when doing your research:

• Compatibility with AT&T Fiber: Not all routers are compatible with AT&T Fiber. Check with AT&T or refer to their website to find a list of approved routers that are certified to work well with their fiber service.
• Speed and Performance: AT&T Fiber offers high-speed internet, so you’ll want a router that can handle those speeds without slowing down your connection. Look for routers that support gigabit speeds (1000 Mbps or higher).
• Wireless Standard: Opt for a router that supports the latest wireless standard, which is Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax). Wi-Fi 6 offers better performance in crowded areas and supports faster speeds over Wi-Fi.
• Coverage Area: Consider the size of your home or office and the coverage area you need. If you have a larger space, you might need a router with multiple antennas or mesh networking capabilities to ensure good coverage throughout.
• Dual-Band or Tri-Band: Dual-band routers operate on both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency bands, while tri-band routers have an additional 5 GHz band. Tri-band routers can handle more devices without congestion, which can be beneficial for busy households.
• MU-MIMO and Beamforming: Multi-User, Multiple Input, Multiple Output (MU-MIMO) technology allows the router to communicate with multiple devices simultaneously, improving overall performance. Beamforming focuses the Wi-Fi signal directly to connected devices, enhancing their connectivity.
• Security Features: Look for routers with strong security features, including WPA3 encryption and built-in firewalls. This helps protect your network and connected devices from unauthorized access and cyber threats.
• Quality of Service (QoS): QoS allows you to prioritize certain types of internet traffic, ensuring that critical applications like online gaming or video streaming get the bandwidth they need.
• Ethernet Ports: Consider the number of Ethernet ports the router has, especially if you have devices that require a wired connection for optimal performance, such as gaming consoles or desktop computers.
• USB Ports: USB ports can be useful for connecting external storage devices or printers to your network. Some routers also support USB for cellular backup.
• Router Brand and Reputation: Opt for reputable router brands known for their quality and reliable performance. Brands like Asus, Netgear, TP-Link, and Linksys are often recommended.
• Price and Budget: Routers come in a wide price range. Set a budget that aligns with your needs and the features you require.
• User Reviews and Ratings: Reading user reviews and ratings can give you insights into real-world performance and any potential issues with a specific router model.
• Future-Proofing: While it’s impossible to predict the future, consider routers that are designed to be future-proof, supporting emerging technologies and standards.
• Setup and User-Friendliness: Some routers have intuitive setup processes and user-friendly interfaces, making it easier for you to configure and manage your network.

Before making a decision, thoroughly research the routers that meet your requirements and compare their features. Keep in mind that AT&T might have specific recommendations or requirements for routers that work best with their fiber service, so it’s a good idea to check with them before making a purchase.

So based on these criteria, here is what I found to be the top routers available for ATT Fiber Internet:

1: TP-Link AX5400 WiFi 6 Router

Pros:

The TP-Link AX5400 WiFi 6 Router is a beast!  It is one of the newest (as of this post) to be introduced by the Chinese manufacturer.  The TP-Link AX73 comes with all the expected WiFi 6 features, such as OFDMA, the 1024-QAM modulation and 160MHz channel bandwidth.  It has excellent performance on the 5G band, supports OneMesh, and can even be mounted on the wall.  If you are a gamer, you will appreciate the performance of this router.

The TP-Link routers offer two options to run the initial configuration wizard: using the web-based interface or by downloading a mobile app.  I found the iOS version of the mobile app to be very simple and intuitive to use, and setup took less than 10 minutes.  The router speeds regularly topped 800mbs over 5G band, losing only 50-100 mbs over wired speeds.  This is more than adequate for any streaming services, gaming, and supporting multiple devices.

Cons:

The TP-Link AX5400 router no longer comes with the HomeCare option, but instead offers a subscription model Home Shield.  It still retains many of the features of the HomeCare, which should be enough security precautions for most residential users.  Also, this particular router does not come with a multi-gigabit port, so there’s that.  Some people do not like the design, which in my opinion is a bit “over the top” futuristic looking instead of a more simple, streamlined approach.  For me, this is going to live in my laundry room, so it’s not a big issue.

2: ASUS RT-AX3000 Dual Band WiFi-6 Extendable Router

Pros:

My favorite thing about this router is it’s awesome range.  It’s rated for a 3000 square foot area, which should be enough for most homes that aren’t using a mesh system (which it is definitely compatible with should you decide to add ASUS AiMesh compatible routers, ensuring stable and seamless whole home coverage)

This thing is smoking fast too: the RT-AX3000 supports 160MHz bandwidth and 1024-QAM, boasting a total network speed of 3000 Mbps – 575Mbps on the 2. 4GHz band, and 2402GHz on the 5GHz band.  Always look at this when judging the performance of any router you are considering!

If Commercial-grade network security is important for your family, and it should be,  AiProtection Pro protects all the connected devices on your home network while providing substantial parental controls allowing you to manage the family’s internet usage. (You can tell it to “cut off this kiddos at 8 o’clock on a school night!”)  All of this can be managed using a mobile app, which is available on both Android and iOS. 

Cons:

Some users have reported that this router requires more frequent reboots than they are used to to maintain network speeds.  This is certainly not a majority of users, and could be related to other factors.

This isn’t the newest router on the market, and it may soon be superseded by a newer version.  Stay tuned.

Depending on the type of construction of your home, the range may not be as substantial as advertised. For example, if your home is primarily made up of concrete walls, you can expect less range than a wood and drywall constructed home.  

3: Reyee WiFi 6 Router AX3200 Wireless Internet High Speed Smart Router with 8 Omnidirectional Antennas, Dual Band Gigabit Computer Router Mesh can Support homes up to 3000 Sq. ft.

Pros: The Reyee AX3200 has multiple omnidirectional antennas with 4+4 FEM amplifers to help distribute wifi signal evenly throughout the home.   This is helpful if you have a larger home and typically have dead spots with little to no coverage.  It also means that diverse room types and differing wall thicknesses will be no problem for this router.

The manufacturer touts the “One-Click Reyee Mesh Advantage”: one click the of the Reyee Mesh button creates a network and finalizes the pairing of several devices.  For non techy folks like me, one-click setup, and the entire house is wifi6.  Boom! Thumbs up from the Dad!

Additional features include high performance network stability, beamforming filtering, and a 2400 mbs transfer rate on the 5G band.

Cons: The Reyee AX3200 is a bit pricer than some of the other options in my opinion.  Usually when it comes to routers, you get what you pay for in terms of features and performance.  This one certainly delivers, but it might be an overkill for your situation.  Also lets be honest, this thing isn’t the most aesthetically pleasing piece of tech in your home; it reminds me of the top of those cell phone antennas you see all over your neighborhood,  so depending on where it will live in your home, you might choose something more sleek and unnoticeable.  

4: Amazon eero Pro 6E mesh Wi-Fi router

Pros: The Amazon eero Pro 6E mesh Wi-Fi router’s beauty lies in its simplicity.  Remember, I’m not a techy Dad, so I try to make purchase decisions based on simplicity and ease of use.  For starters, this is one of the first Wi-Fi 6E Routers; the eero Pro 6E supports fast speeds and direct access to the new 6 GHz band when using Wi-Fi 6E devices, resulting in lower latency.  But don’t worry, this thing is still compatible with previous eero devices.  It will let you connect up to 100 devices.  That sounds like a lot until you figure its not only the kids’ iPads, phones, and watches that are connecting, but also every TV, Alexa, Google assistant, toy, camera, and maybe even the darn fridge that want to jump on your network!

Setup is easy via the eero app…just minutes really.  Also, this thing evolves and gets better over time with automatic software updates, so you don’t have to worry about it becoming outdated anytime soon.

Cons: It’s new technology, folks.  It’s from a proven manufacturer, but it’s the latest model.  Might there be glitches?  Software bugs?  Not very likely, but if there are, remember this thing will update itself, so those issues should be put to rest.  Some folks have expressed data privacy concerns because it’s running Amazon software.  I personally don’t worry too much about that, I’m more likely to get hacked at the grocery store or the airport.   It’s a little pricey at about $250 as of the time of this review, so maybe not as budget friendly for the Dads.  The pro I mean you could buy a cheaper router and take that extra hondo in your pocket and treat the kiddos to a day at the ball park.  But let’s be honest here, you’d rather have a bad ass router all day long, right?

FAQs

Q: Can I use my own fiber modem with AT&T?

A: Yes, AT&T typically provides customers with their own modem/router equipment when they sign up for their internet service. AT&T often uses proprietary technology, so using your own fiber modem may not be straightforward.

However, AT&T may have changed their policies or technology compatibility since then, so I recommend checking with AT&T directly or visiting their website to get the most up-to-date information on whether you can use your own fiber modem with their service. They may have a list of approved or compatible modems if they allow customer-owned equipment.

Keep in mind that even if AT&T does allow you to use your own modem, you should ensure that it is compatible with their specific network and service requirements to avoid any technical issues or compatibility problems. You may also need to configure the modem with the appropriate settings provided by AT&T to establish a connection.

To get accurate and current information on using your own fiber modem with AT&T, it’s best to contact their customer support or check their official website for any specific guidelines or requirements they have in place.

Q: What Modem brands work best with AT&T Fiber?

A: If you’re interested in using your own modem or router with AT&T Fiber, it’s essential to check the latest information on AT&T’s official website or contact their customer support to verify compatibility and get a list of approved or recommended devices. AT&T may have specific requirements and a list of compatible equipment that you should adhere to in order to ensure a smooth and trouble-free internet connection.

Keep in mind that AT&T’s fiber network uses a technology called GPON (Gigabit Passive Optical Network), and not all third-party modems or routers may be compatible with this technology. Therefore, it’s crucial to confirm compatibility to avoid potential issues.

When choosing a modem or router for AT&T Fiber, consider the following factors:

• Compatibility: Make sure the device is certified or recommended by AT&T for their fiber service.
• Speed: Ensure that the modem/router supports the maximum speed offered by your AT&T Fiber plan.
• Features: Depending on your needs, look for features such as dual-band Wi-Fi, advanced security options, and adequate Ethernet ports.
• Brand and Model: Reputable brands like Netgear, TP-Link, Asus, and Motorola often produce reliable equipment that may be compatible with AT&T Fiber.
• User Reviews: Check user reviews and forums for real-world experiences with specific modems or routers on AT&T Fiber to get an idea of their performance.

Keep in mind that technology and compatibility can change over time, so it’s essential to verify the current requirements and recommendations with AT&T directly or through their official website. They can provide you with the most accurate and up-to-date information on compatible modems and routers for your specific location and service plan.

Q: Is AT&T Fiber better than Cable?

A: Whether AT&T Fiber is better than cable internet depends on various factors, including your specific needs, location, and the available service options. Here are some key factors to consider when comparing AT&T Fiber to cable internet:

1. Speed:
   • AT&T Fiber typically offers faster download and upload speeds compared to most cable internet plans. Fiber-optic technology has the potential to deliver symmetrical speeds, meaning the upload speed is just as fast as the download speed.
2. Reliability:
   • Fiber-optic technology is known for its high reliability and consistency in delivering internet speeds. It is less susceptible to network congestion during peak usage times compared to some cable networks.
3. Latency:
   • Fiber internet tends to have lower latency (ping) compared to cable, which can be important for activities like online gaming and video conferencing.
4. Bandwidth:
   • Fiber connections can handle large amounts of data and multiple devices simultaneously, making them suitable for households with many connected devices.
5. Availability:
   • Cable internet is more widely available in many areas compared to fiber, which may not be available in all regions. Availability is a crucial factor in choosing between the two.
6. Price:
   • The cost of AT&T Fiber compared to cable internet can vary depending on your location and the specific plans offered. Be sure to compare pricing for the speeds and features that meet your needs.
7. Bundling:
   • AT&T often offers bundles that include TV and phone services along with fiber internet, which may be a consideration if you’re looking for a complete package.

Ultimately, whether AT&T Fiber is better than cable internet depends on your individual requirements and what is available in your area. If both AT&T Fiber and cable internet are options for you, it’s a good idea to compare the specific plans, speeds, and prices to determine which one best suits your needs and budget. Additionally, reading reviews and checking with neighbors or local online forums can provide insights into the performance and reliability of the internet service providers in your area.

Conclusion:

Here are four really good options for different people who are running on AT&T fiber Internet.  First of all, congrats on finally getting on that speed bullet they call fiber Internet!  If you have the right equipment, and set it up according to the manufacturer’s recommendations, you’ll achieve blazing fast speeds that will support gaming, streaming, support of multiple devices, and secure whole-house Wi-Fi.  And what Dad wouldn’t want to have that?