Does AT&T fiber come with equipment?
AT&T fiber is a home phone, TV, and internet service that is provided through a high-speed fiber optic connection. Getting AT&T fiber is a big step, but you may find yourself asking, does AT&T provide the equipment for fiber internet, or do I have to buy my own?
The short answer is yes, one of the things that make AT&T fiber stand out is the fact that the company provides the necessary equipment for connection. Nonetheless, there are a couple of objects that pertain to an AT&T fiber optic internet connection and it is useful to know.
AT&T Fiber Gateway/Router
When you subscribe for fiber service, the company will provide you with a router and gateway device known as the AT&T Fiber Gateway. This is the primary equipment that links your home network with the fiber optic line from AT&T.
The AT&T Fiber Gateway is a single device; it is an AT&T Internet router, firewall, WiFi, and network switch. It has all the basic features, which would be required to link all your wireless and wired devices to the AT&T fiber network.
Some key things to know about the AT&T Fiber Gateway provided with fiber installation
- Comes with integrated wireless networking features that feature dual-band WiFi 5 (802.11ac).
- It comes preconfigured with 4 Gigabit LAN ports to allow connection of wired devices.
- Accessible via a web page to view connectivity, set up wireless parameters, and diagnose problems
- The Gateway will be supplied by AT&T, if necessary, or upgraded at their expense, so one is not required to buy his or her own.
In other words, confirmatively AT&T deals with the router required for the fiber internet connection and offers theirs known as Gateway.
AT&T Fiber ONT
Besides the Gateway router, AT&T also provides an Optical Network Terminal (ONT) for the home that is connected to fiber. The ONT is the actual device that hooks up the fiber optic link and converts the signal to fit your home network wiring and hub.
This ONT box is located either inside or outside your house based on the extent of the fiber line access. This device is connected to the AT&T fiber optic line that enters the house.
Some things to keep in mind regarding the ONT box provided by AT&T fiber installation
- Looks like a book in size and must be plugged into a socket.
- Has a battery backup system if the electric power supply is interrupted.
- Connects via a fiber line that has an ethernet branching out to connect to the Gateway router
- Blue light when it's on and operating and green when powered on.
- Controlled and serviced by the AT&T support team if not effective
The AT&T fiber ONT is one of the pieces of equipment that’s required for AT&T fiber and is included for free with the service.
WiFi Extenders
To make sure every corner of your house is covered with a strong wifi signal, you can opt for an AT&T Fiber WiFi extender if it is required at the time of setting up the service. This helps enhance the AT&T Gateway wireless signal to be effective within the entire compound of your house.
During the installation, the home layout will be assessed to see if a range extender will be needed at AT&T’s discretion. The technician will check wireless connectivity from any Gateway router and based on this the technician will place an AT&T WiFi Extender where required.
Some examples where you’re likely to get an extender
- Houses that are either expansive or have more than one level.
- Houses with thick walls or any other construction material that hinders the signals from the device.
- Places, which are truly remote from the territory chosen for the creation of the Gateway
To have a powerful WiFi booster installed from the outset, AT&T WiFi extender provides the necessary strong wireless signal on the fiber internet AT&T wherever you require in your house.
AT&T Fiber TV Equipment
Besides the blazing-fast fiber internet from AT&T, you can also choose to receive AT&T TV services using the fiber line.
AT&T TV packages will also include additional equipment that will be necessary to make their fiber TV service functional if you decide to subscribe to their services. Here’s some of the TV-related equipment that comes with standard AT&T Fiber + TV installation: Here’s some of the TV-related equipment that comes with standard AT&T Fiber + TV installation:
All About AT&T TV Device – Learn About A Streaming Box That Offers AT&T TV. Serves as a streaming media player to launch applications, Liberty View, on-demand content, live television, and DVR recordings. This is connected to the TV using the HDMI port and one can navigate through the home screen when you power on this device.
AT&T TV Remote – This allows the user to control the power of the AT&T TV box, the smart TV, and applications such as volume, apps, etc via Line of Sight and Bluetooth connectivity.
Voice Remote Upgrade – Optional feature for customizable voice commands to navigate channels. If you want to search using the channel name or the program title, you just need to press the microphone button and then speak the name of the channel or the program.
3 Total Set Top Boxes – Each extremity of an AT&T TV brings 3 HD stream capabilities. This comes up to 3 boxes in total depending on the number of TVs you want to use AT&T service on.
Hence in the end, the elements that are core like the streaming device, the remotes, and set-top boxes will be offered for those opting to take both AT&T fiber ++ and TV. It supplies all the necessary equipment to them for their TV service.
Installation Process
When installing ATT fiber optics, a technician will be assigned to you, and you will only need to set a date for the company to install fiber optics. This covers:
- Putting fiber line through your home
- This involves installing the ONT box
- Connecting Gateway router
- We also need to put WiFi extenders where it is necessary
- Delivering and mounting the boxes that contain AT&T TVs if the customer ordered them
- Checking connectivity just to be sure that all the links are working
Generally, it can take approximately between 3 to 5 hours of installation depending on the extent of the installation work. Smart Home moves on providing all necessary equipment and installing required cabling inside the house during installation. This means that the students do not need to buy their own devices to be able to access the e-learning environment.
Owning vs Renting Equipment
The last regularly asked question does contain info about equipment – is it possible to acquire the AT&T fiber equipment myself or is it a necessity to rent it from AT&T?
The answer is however regrettably, yes, you do have to rent the equipment from AT&T. They do not allow customers to bring or provide their own. This ensures that space is configured, network security is addressed, technical assistance is available, and firmware is up-to-date.
Renting the gateway, ONT box, Wi-Fi extenders, and TV equipment provides a performing device on AT&T networks. It also ensures compatibility each time they advance on their technology platforms in the future.
In Conclusion
Having your home signed up with AT&T fiber optics means you get super speedy gigabit connectivity from dedicated lines. However, the fast internet is very important, but what is very important is the equipment that you have to enable you to access it.
Fortunately, AT&T includes all fiber equipment needed in the first installation, so no additional charges. Some of them include the ONT box for home fiber connections, WiFi router gateways for whole home wireless, extenders for wider WiFi coverage, and AT&T TV boxes for those who have subscribed to their TV services.
As for the fact that it is impossible to purchase the equipment directly from AT&T and own it to use with any other compatible carrier, this ensures the best performance today and adaptability to the constantly changing technologies tomorrow. Therefore you can expect AT&T to provide the necessary equipment for your home to access this new fiber network services it is offering.
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.
