Bgw210 with fiber how to get the newer model

I know that this model is from 2018 & there has been several newer modem/routers now being issued to new customers

Only one new Modem/Router. Just 2 different OEM versions of the same BGW320. The -500 version is produced by Humax and the -505 version is produced by Nokia. Both use the same BGW320 specs and Firmware.

 If anyone knows what the deal is with me trying to get AT&T to exchange this old modem/router to the newer model please chime in it will be greatly appreciated!

There is a difference that is physical. The BGW210-700 requires a separate ONT (fiber to ONT) and then there is an Ethernet output from the ONT to the BGW210-700. The BGW320's are normally setup using Fiber direct to the back of the BGW320 and using it's internal ONT function which is implemented on SoC.

That's why they need a tech to remove the external ONT and install an AT&T Fiber wall plate and then use a Fiber Jumper cable from the wall plate to the back of the BGW320 to connect to the SFP+ Optical transceiver.

If your external ONT and BGW210-700 are not close by aka same room, the tech would need to replace your existing Ethernet cable run between the ONT and the Gateway with a new run of Fiber that can be difficult depending on your physical layout. 

Only major updates to having the BGW320 over your current BGW210-700 is ability to have the new Fiber tiers of 2000 Mbps and 5000 Mbps and support for Wi-Fi 6 (802.111ax).

Easiest free install / upgrade to a BGW320 would be to upgrade to Fiber 2000 / 5000 if it is available at your address. You can always drop back to Fiber 1000 if you don't see a real benefit from Fiber 2000 which is priced at $110 per month after $5 Autopay and paperless billing discount.

How many Wi-Fi 6 devices do you have that can really take advantage of Wi-Fi 6?

Most customers that have a need / requirement for Wi-Fi 6 just use a third-party Wi-Fi 6 Mesh solution to replace the entire Wi-Fi solution from AT&T. They are much more granular with custom setting options with multiple satellites and configurable vs the AT&T limited customization Wi-Fi 6 implementation.

Dave

I am in a similar situation in regards to aging equipment. I had a different fiber gateway/router previously and had called asking why there were never any security patches released for their routers and they sent me out a supposed newer router, which is the BWG210-700. My son who moved into a brand new complex that has fiber internet has the router I sent back. So pretty sure it was a newer model I sent back since the wifi signal on this one is 3 bars on my phone when I am 8 foot from the stupid thing. So much for new eh? This router has horrible wifi signal compared to my previous one. What was crazy is it came in a generic brown box and the tec who I called to help me set it up, kept my wifi network ID and password the same as what was printed on the one I sent back "to make things easier for me". Not very secure since I know they're gonna just send it to someone else. So yeah, still no security patches releases for this 2018 model to prevent whatever hack that was attacking routers cpl years ago that was in the news telling everyone to get the patch for their routers from their providers😒. Loving AT&T😐.

AT&T is still using gateways that are older than that for fiber customers.  They push out new firmware to all of the gateways, presumably containing bug fixes and security fixes.  It happens automatically in the wee hours of the morning and the updates are spaced out across the country and across a number of weeks.  If you aren't checking the gateway to see what the installed version is, you will probably never know you got an update. In fact the BGW210 is currently being updated to FW 4.21.5.  Some began getting it a couple of weeks ago, I just got it 2 nights ago.

When AT&T takes back gateways they "refurb" them and getting new wifi SSIDs, pwds and Access codes is part of that process.  So they aren't sending other people your info.  Even if they were, think of how solid the security is....the person would need to know your address to take advantage of that info.

@gassdogg 

What was crazy is it came in a generic brown box and the tec who I called to help me set it up, kept my wifi network ID and password the same as what was printed on the one I sent back "to make things easier for me". Not very secure since I know they're gonna just send it to someone else.

The switch to a different Gateway process is to migrate your current Gateway's Wi-Fi SSID and Access Code from the older system for ease of migration for the customer.  You always have the option to simply reset your replacement back to Factory default Settings by pressing the "Red" reset button for at least 15 seconds. It will then use only the default Wi-Fi SSID and Access Code as shown on the label of the replacement unit.

So yeah, still no security patches releases for this 2018 model to prevent whatever hack that was attacking routers cpl years ago that was in the news telling everyone to get the patch for their routers from their providers

AT&T had provided updated Firmware to a currently supported Gateways may times since 2018. Th Firmware updates cover new features, Security fixes and bug fixes.

As @tonydi indicated above most customers never are aware the Gateway is continually updated unless something in the Firmware upgrade process fails.

Dave

Thanks, everyone for your feedback very informative! I appreciate your knowledge & time. I’m going to just buy my own router & set up everything myself. I really should of done that in the first place my one track mind is my own worst enemy sometimes LOL😂!! Many Blessings to you & your Loved Ones!!!