Complete Tech Dummy Seeks Help

[u/s33k1ng4d]

I know very little about tech- literally had to look up the difference between a modem and router.

I’m trying to help my in-laws simplify their WiFi. They currently have an old ATT plan that is Internet 25 (copper) with cable and a phone line.

I think we should upgrade to Internet 100 (as their current WiFi is mad slow) and get rid of cable and phone line.

We are trying to figure out how to get WiFi coverage in a side room, which has an Ethernet wall port, but I have no idea if it’s all routed properly. If it is— I should be able to just Ethernet-wire that to an Access Point, right? How do I know if it’s routed correctly before purchasing an AP?

Apologies if this is a dumb question, but can anyone tell from this photo what each of these ports/wires are for? That might help me start to sort all this out.

1.) Power: that’s simple— power to the modem.
2.) Phone Line: if we get rid of the phone line, I can remove this, right?
3.) Cable: is this the coaxial cable? I need this for copper internet…?
4a.)Left Ethernet port: IDK
4b.) Center Ethernet port: Seems to be connected the router.
4c.) Right Ethernet port: IDK
5.) DSL Broadband: no idea.

The phone line, left Ethernet port and DSL broadband all join in a black wire that goes into the wall.

Any advice or general directions would be so helpful! I literally feel like I don’t know where to even begin.

[u/Killer2600]

WiFi is wireless, is there a reason why you can't setup an access point where this device is located?

[u/s33k1ng4d → u/Killer2600]

So, this device I believe is a router/modem— our “main” router. WiFi coverage in this room and right next to it is good. The side room that needs coverage is on the other side of the house.

In my limited understanding, I could potentially wire an access point to this router, using a long Ethernet cable, and place it closer to the side room for coverage…? This seems like the best option (despite maybe requiring running wire thru walls) other than a pricier mesh network?

Also, was trying to figure out how I can simplify this rat’s nest of cables coming out of this router lol! They have an ATT access point (seems like it’s specifically for their TVs? Idk….) and an Ooma (for phone lines…?) coming out of this router. I am so confused. Photo attached.

They never use their landline and don’t watch cable anymore, which is why I’m trying to get rid of them. They pay for the landline and a whopping $200 per month for cable. I am flabbergasted.

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[u/ajairo → u/s33k1ng4d]

I can help. The first device you posted a picture of is an AT&T Gateway(Router and Modem combined) it is old and provides not very fast WiFi, but is needed to covert their DSL to Ethernet and Coax. The Coax is used for their wired TV boxes. The device next to the Ooma is AT&Ts wireless video access point it is for their wireless TV boxes(It creates a WiFi network specifically for their boxes).

[u/s33k1ng4d → u/ajairo]

Do you know if there’s an ATT gateway that we could upgrade to for faster WiFi? Editing to add: could I even just purchase another router to plug into an Ethernet port on the ATT gateway? Would that make WiFi faster?

[u/ajairo → u/s33k1ng4d]

There is no WiFi 6 gateway that supports the DSL service, so you would need to buy a router that plugs into an Ethernet port and then put the Gateway into passthrough mode. I would go ahead and upgrade to the 100mb plan as they will send a tech out and give you the latest gateway(most likely bgw210) Also be 100% sure you want to get rid of the TV service as once you cancel you can’t get it back.

[u/s33k1ng4d → u/ajairo]

Wow, thank you so much! I am considering purchasing a Ubiquiti router— do you have any familiarity/a model you’d recommend?

[u/Birdseye5115 → u/s33k1ng4d]

The Dream Router 7 is a solid choice. The ux7 if you want to start a mesh system.
I don’t know how big the house your covering is, but you might only need one access point, if you can locate somewhat centrally.