Thank you for being a valued part of the CNET community. As of December 1, 2020, the forums are in read-only format. In early 2021, CNET Forums will no longer be available. We are grateful for the participation and advice you have provided to one another over the years.

Thanks,

CNET Support

Question

Upgrade modem/router

Feb 2, 2012 6:42AM PST

I'm still using the 3 year old freebie DSL router/modem from AT&T with my 3 year old macbook. I want to upgrade. What should I get? Can I upgrade without having to do anything with AT&T? Any suggestions will be appreciated!

Discussion is locked

- Collapse -
Clarification Request
Re: upgrade
Feb 2, 2012 6:48AM PST

I never saw a reason to upgrade a modem/router because of age. Only because one needs a wireless one when the old one isn't. Or because the LAN requires an N router. But that's not age.

What's your reason?

Only AT&T can answer your question. Possibly they "hardcoded" your logon credentials into their modem, and aren't willing to provide them to you so you can do the right setup of your new modem. Then you have a nice new modem that can't connect to Internet.

Kees

- Collapse -
Answer
Agree with Kees
Feb 2, 2012 6:58AM PST

You'll need to ask your provider. No matter what, it won't be plug and play. Your provider will want the MAC address of the modem.

- Collapse -
As mentioned, not plug and play
Feb 2, 2012 8:03AM PST

in some places, ISP's do not sanction the self purchase of a Modem and, if you are currently paying a "modem fee" of some description, you will still be paying it even it you purchase your own moved.