Do I need a modem,router or gateway ?

[guitarfiend]

Modems/Routers/Gateways...Oh my !

I'm sorry,guys...I don't really know where to go with this question.That's why I'm posting it here.A couple of times over the past week (Or,so) it seems that my router has gone down.The first time,it was down for (I'm not sure how many) hours.It went down again yesterday for (Again,I'm not sure how many) hours.

Well,this second time,I called ATT and according to them,I need a new router.So,I've been looking on ebay (not much to choose from). My question is,do I need a "modem" or a "router" or,a Gateway ??? I know both enable internet access.But,really,what's the difference ?

I have ATT DSL and,2 laptops in the household that we prefer to run wirelessly.Any advice would be immensely appreciated !

 

[ignatzatsonic]

If you have typical "high speed Internet" via cable as supplied by someone like ATT, Cox, Comcast, you need a modem at a minimum. A "cable modem".

A router is an additional device that provides some degree of added security. They are sold as separate standalone devices and also as combination "modem/router" devices.

Gateway has different meanings, but I'd be suspicious of anything ATT was trying to sell me--they'll normally try to sell you more than you need.

I've used a cable modem without a router with no issues for 15 years. Purists will scoff at that, telling me about disasters awaiting me because I don't have a router.

 

[guitarfiend]

ignatzatsonic- Thanks for your reply.But,I don't have cable internet (And,I don't think ATT even supplies cable net do they ? My DSL comes through the phone line.And,if it makes any difference,it is NOT the "Uverse" internet they're always advertising.AND...at this point (till I get a freakin' job) it is the absolute lowest tier dsl internet service they have Waaaaaaay slow

 

[Ztruker]

What do you have now?

Describe your network setup. What boxes (ATT DSL Modem, existing router) you have and what is connected to what.

 

[guitarfiend]

I got sidetracked.Sorry.I have an ATT 2Wire 2701 HG-B router

 

[CountryBumkin]

I have AT&T too. I just switched from their "standard" fast-DSL to U-Verse DSL (internet: Ethernet and wireless, and VIOP phone only). No difference in price, but I cancelled the phone (land-line) and switched to VOIP which saved some $.

Do you have anything installed that did not come from AT&T.

If you agree that you need to replace the AT&T modem/router you buy it at Amazon (I see used for $1.99, refurbished for $20) Amazon.com: AT&T 2701HG-B 2Wire Wireless Gateway DSL Router Modem: Computers & Accessories

If you switch/upgrade to U-Verse, AT&T will send you (or install for you) a new modem/router.

 

[guitarfiend]

Country...yes,I actually have a router that I did not buy from them (Got it from Ebay about 2 years ago).But,it is their router.The one that I mentioned above.Thanks for your reply.

 

[guitarfiend]

And,in case I didn't make myself clear...do I need a modem or a router and are these modems routers isp specific ? Do I have to buy one that works with my isp or type of internet (dsl) ? Does one isp or another(dsl/dial-up/cable) require any certain specifications ? Please help if you can ,folks.I'd hate to buy the wrong thing from some place like ebay or Amazon and find out it's not going work.I got lucky the first time I did this.But,I'd sure like some input ! I can't buy one from the isp.They're just too expensive from them (Like their service). And,please remember-I'm wanting to connect 2 laptops wirelessly.

 

[Ztruker]

If the existing 2-Wire modem is working then all you need is a Wireless router. If it's not working you need to replace it and get a router.

 

[guitarfiend]

ZTruker...you did not understand my post,apparently.Please go back and re-read my post from the beginning.I've stated very clearly that I have an ATT 2Wire 2701 HG-B router that ATT says is failing.I do NOT have a "modem".The modem is built into this router. (Edit) On second thought...maybe we have BOTH misunderstood each other

 

[GokAy]

In general: If your combo modem/router is failing then you need at least a DSL modem. Router is optional (although better). You can also get a DSL modem/router.

But the above is true for a single computer. Since you have 2 laptops with wireless and perhaps a few phones too(?), you also need a router.

I would say best bet is to get a cheap "DSL combo modem/router with wireless support". I am not familiar with what you can get in the US so I will leave make/model recommendations to Americans.

 

[Ztruker]

ztruker...you did not understand my post,apparently.please go back and re-read my post from the beginning.i've stated very clearly that i have an att 2wire 2701 hg-b router that att says is failing.i do not have a "modem".the modem is built into this router. (edit) on second thought...maybe we have both misunderstood each other

I understood your post perfectly. I also did some Google searches before responding.