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Range and reliability issues with PACE 5368AC -- Is there are better router/gateway?
I just switched from Cox cable internet to AT&T fiber internet 50 with a PACE 5368ac gateway, and I am having a lot of issues. Internet drops out multiple times daily, and even though the router is located in the exact same place as my old Cox router (Netgear DN6300, which they no longer offer), the range is far more restricted. I'm talking 40 feet tops, but even outside of 20 feet I'm getting maybe 1-2 bars on phones and tablets. Also, when the internet is cooperating, I'm getting speeds consistent with my plan (60 download, 50 upload), but when it's not, and that's just as common, it's more like 20/10 at best. We are not gaming or anything like that -- just standard internet use and only a few devices. Does anyone have any thoughts on how to improve my range and/or reliability? Does AT&T offer a more reliable/higher performing gateway that I could swap this one out for? The representative I spoke to last week said this is a newer router and shouldn't give me any problems, but if it's not the router then what is it? I'm also not against range extenders or getting a better router, although DMZ+ doesn't sound like a particularly desirable solution either, but I can't imagine that I would need both (and spend all of that money!) to fix problems that I never experienced with my old, outdated router and subpar internet service. Any advice would be greatly appreciated! I'm really starting to regret switching at this point...
jjgk
Scholar
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96 Messages
5 years ago
The Pace 5268AC and ARRIS BWG210-700 are AT&T's latest home use RG's/modems. As explained to me by several of AT&T's Technicians, these RG's cover about 2,000 square feet.
My personal experience is coverage of about 25 linear feet and less if walls are involved. Sadly, AT&T doesn't fully disclose this linear feet information and I sent my Galaxy S8+ phone for service because the wi-fi was so bad. When the replacement phone performed as badly, AT&T had to own up to the fact that the RG's wi-fi radio simply doesn't perform well. So they sold me a pair of their AirTies 4920 mesh network units. At first, it seemed to connect well. I'm not sure if there was automatic firmware update or what, but suddenly it doesn't respond to their Smart Home Manager App nor the AirTies App. When the AirTies 4920's were working, I had full coverage of the house and, in fact, the AirTies App tells you to turn off the RG wi-fi. The App shows you the up/down link speed between the units (in my case about 1,100Mbps). At $70 for the pair, it was a great solution...until it stopped working.
AirTies has come out with the 4930 model with an improved link speed of 2,500Mbps, however it hasn't been released in the US yet. When it is, I suspect I will I pick up a paired 3-pack from Amazon---not AT&T, because I don't want AT&T firmware involved like it was with the 4920 that eventually rendered it useless. The AirTies did work well before the AT&T Smart Home App stopped connecting w/ it. These little units are a good alternative to more expensive solutions to whole house wii-fi coverage.
To conclude, I have AT&T's 1000Mbps Fiber service and one thing is certain: there is currently no AT&T branded RG that provides a full 200-300Mbps solid wi-fi signal for more than 25 linear feet that I have personally had and that includes the 5268AC, NVG589, NNV599 & BWG210-700.
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ukwildcat4life
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117 Messages
5 years ago
I agree with the advice given in the last post. I too have an AirTie and found it to be underwhelming as far as speeds are concerned but it was very easy to configure and I didn't have any of the disconnects, etc. It improved the range in my 2500 square foot home but the reason I don't use it is simply it does not give me the speed I was hoping for. If you pay for internet that is 100Mbps and under the AirTie will suit you just fine and its not very expensive. I paid $35 for mine directly from AT&T.
I have 1000Mbps service as well and I have experimented and tried about everything you can think of as far as using my own routers in DMZ plus mode, range extenders, etc. My best advice to you would be to buy a good router ( something like a Netgear nighthawk, etc) and disable the wifi in the AT&T gateway and use your own router in access point mode.
Right now I use a Netgear R7800 in access point mode for my upstairs ( which is where my RG is located) and downstairs I use the Netgear EX8000 wifi extender and I have great coverage and speed so far. Yes having to buy your own router and range extender is expensive but at least you'll have the coverage and speed that you need and pay for. I hope that helps.
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jjgk
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96 Messages
5 years ago
I would agree w/ ukwildcat4life if you're trying to cover an area that large. Additionally, I like Netgear as a brand and have used them in other installations. The price of the Airties seems consistent at about $35, but as I mentioned, I don't think I would go w/ the AT&T version of it; get them from, perhaps Amazon. They come in a single, paired or triple meshed set.
Let the area of coverage, the eventual speed of service and budget be your guide, all things security being equal.
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