is it possible to upgrade my router from BGW-320 to a gaming router?

[Erlhyenaplays]

Hi, all. I am wondering if I can fully replace my BGW-320 500 wifi router with a newer gaming router. I was looking for options, and I see that they all have ethernet ports, not fiber. Is there some sort of converter I can use to convert fiber to ethernet that would work with my router? Also, I need suggestions on what router to get, under 150 if possible.

[Russsell]

Since BGW320 is from ATT, I assume you have ATT fiber. In that case, you cannot replace it. You can bridge it and then use a different router after that. But ATT's network is made so only their RGs can be as first point of contact with the network. 

[Erlhyenaplays]

1 minute ago, Russsell said:

Since BGW320 is from ATT, I assume you have ATT fiber. In that case, you cannot replace it. You can bridge it and then use a different router after that. But ATT's network is made so only their RGs can be as first point of contact with the network. 

what is bridging

[Brando212]

11 minutes ago, Erlhyenaplays said:

what is bridging

there should be an option somewhere to switch to bridge mode. it basically disables the NATing on that router so a separate router can manage it. Basically making the BGW320 just be the modem.

 

If you're not sure how to switch or find that then you'll probably want to speak with AT&T support.

 

I always recommend keeping the modem and router separate instead of using a combo device, because the combo devices rarely are kept up to date very well with security updates and such.

[Erlhyenaplays]

10 minutes ago, Brando212 said:

there should be an option somewhere to switch to bridge mode. it basically disables the NATing on that router so a separate router can manage it. Basically making the BGW320 just be the modem.

 

If you're not sure how to switch or find that then you'll probably want to speak with AT&T support.

 

I always recommend keeping the modem and router separate instead of using a combo device, because the combo devices rarely are kept up to date very well with security updates and such.

Thank you. Do you have any suggestions for what to buy?

[Dedayog]

34 minutes ago, Erlhyenaplays said:

Hi, all. I am wondering if I can fully replace my BGW-320 500 wifi router with a newer gaming router. I was looking for options, and I see that they all have ethernet ports, not fiber. Is there some sort of converter I can use to convert fiber to ethernet that would work with my router? Also, I need suggestions on what router to get, under 150 if possible.

How is your fiber set up?

 

Mine is the fiber coming into the house and entering a small white box on my wall (modem), then ethernet to the Router (supplies by AT&T).

 

I just replaced this Router with my own.  

 

Done.  Leave the modem, as it does a fine job.

[Brando212]

4 minutes ago, Erlhyenaplays said:

Thank you. Do you have any suggestions for what to buy?

what's your price range? and do you have any need/want to future proof your wifi?

 

going off personal experience, I recently picked up the GL-iNet Flint 2 WiFi6 router. It runs on top of the open-source OpenWRT and their admin panel makes managing it super easy while still giving you advanced abilities if needed through the OpenWRT Luna panel.

[Erlhyenaplays]

50 minutes ago, Dedayog said:

How is your fiber set up?

 

Mine is the fiber coming into the house and entering a small white box on my wall (modem), then ethernet to the Router (supplies by AT&T).

 

I just replaced this Router with my own.  

 

Done.  Leave the modem, as it does a fine job.

same for me, i believe.

[Erlhyenaplays]

50 minutes ago, Dedayog said:

How is your fiber set up?

 

Mine is the fiber coming into the house and entering a small white box on my wall (modem), then ethernet to the Router (supplies by AT&T).

 

I just replaced this Router with my own.  

 

Done.  Leave the modem, as it does a fine job.

do i get a fiber to ethernet converter?

[Dedayog]

2 minutes ago, Erlhyenaplays said:

do i get a fiber to ethernet converter?

No, just use the one they give you.  It works perfectly fine and shouldn't cost you anything.

 

Just get a new router.

[BillBill]

https://help.sonic.com/hc/en-us/articles/1500000066642-BGW320#how_to_configure_your_bgw320_to_work_with_a_3rd_party_router. 

 

This site shows you how to use your own router. 

[Donut417]

7 hours ago, Erlhyenaplays said:

I can use to convert fiber to ethernet that would work with my router? Also, I need suggestions on what router to get, under 150 if possible.

No you cant convert the Fiber. The ISP will have an ONT onsite which will convert the Fiber. The ONT is kinda like the modem part. The issue is if your ISP is AT&T, in most areas they use a ONT/Router combo. While there are ways around using their box, its not for the feint of heart. It requires some real knowledge to get working and at any time it might stop working and AT&T doesnt support the config.

 

Your best hope will be using IP pass thru mode on their box and then using your own router.

 

As far as a router goes, how fast is your internet, because that plays a bill role in suggestions.

[Russsell]

Even if you have separate ONT and gateway (router), you have to use the one. There may be complicated ways around it, but ATT systems are designed to provide service only to the router assigned in their system, and only one from their database will register. So you have to have ONT and router from ATT or the combo as in your case, BGW320. Only after you can use something of your choice. Just bear in mind that it is then your responsibility and tech support won't help  

[Lurick]

On 1/23/2024 at 2:35 AM, Dedayog said:

How is your fiber set up?

 

Mine is the fiber coming into the house and entering a small white box on my wall (modem), then ethernet to the Router (supplies by AT&T).

 

I just replaced this Router with my own.  

 

Done.  Leave the modem, as it does a fine job.

You've got the BGW210 then I believe or an earlier Pace device.

The BGW320 they run the fiber directly into it so you cannot replace it nearly as easily and bypass the ONT box. It's technically possible with some hackery and dot1x spoofing of the certificate and whatnot but it's not as easy as it was with the BGW210.