2Wire Gateway DSL+ Modem Early Failure

[dpathens]

I am about to install my third 2Wire (Pace) 2701 HG-B Gateway DSL+ modem in less than 30 months.  Both previous failures were Ethernet connectivity loss (hard line to desktop).  Wireless connectivity O.K.  This seems like premature hardware failure to me.  Or is this normal?  My research shows that this unit has various problems, but that the other units AT&T supports, i.e., Westell/Netgear 7550 and Pace 4111N, also seem weak and prone to failure.  I don't understand why AT&T would use hardware that is possibly/probably of low quality/reliability.  Or is there a mode of operation for these units that helps to prolong their life.  I normally don't power my unit off each night; maybe every fourth or fifth night, but always shutdown in the event of severe weather (thunderstorms) or while absent from home for trips of longer than one day.  Would it be better to just leave the unit on "always" rather than cycle on/off? 

I saw one user whose unit was just beginning to show problems after 4 1/2 years without problems.  As it stands now I would be very happy to have one unit last 2-3 years!  What other alternatives to the AT&T units might be available that I might find reasonably easy to install and find more reliable, i.e., longer, operability?  My research so far has failed to identify a non-AT&T-supported unit for less than $150 that possibly answers this.  So in essence it appears I have to shell out $100 to AT&T every 13 to 16 months for the same short-lived hardware and just figure it as added cost per month above the basic DSL service.  Perhaps that means I have to look into cable internet, but I wonder about the reliability of their hardware as well.  Proverbial horns of the dilemma ......

Your feedback appreciated

[jamileh]

Sorry to hear you're having such issues with the modem. 

While there are always some issues with electronic equipment, it is odd that you've had to replace them so often. In cases like this, we usually look at something in the environment that might be negatively impacting the behavior. 

You mentioned that you power cycle fairly frequently. Is there a reason why you do that or is it just habit? Modems don't typically need to be power cycled unless it's part of a troubleshooting step. 

Is there anything else within your home network that might be different from a standard setup?

[underlord2]

I am glad I'm not the only one that has these issues over the years like the OP. I never know why the managers act like these things (2wire gateways) are god's gift to the end user. /shrug

[txmarkel]

Why wont they let us upgrade our router to get channels 12 13 14

this sucks have it there and wont let us use it this is BULL