The word "modem" means something different depending on which AT&T service you have. AT&T Fiber customers cannot use a third-party modem at all — the fiber connection terminates at AT&T's ONT hardware, which then connects to AT&T's BGW320 or BGW210 gateway. AT&T DSL and legacy Internet Protocol Broadband (IPBB) customers on copper plans do have more options, including third-party VDSL2 modems. This guide covers both scenarios honestly.
AT&T Fiber vs DSL — Why Modem Choices Differ
AT&T Fiber delivers service over a fiber optic cable that terminates at an ONT — a small box usually mounted inside the home or in a utility closet. The ONT converts optical signals to Ethernet. AT&T's gateway (currently the BGW320-500 or BGW320-505) connects to that Ethernet port and handles PPPoE authentication, DHCP, and Wi-Fi. Because AT&T controls the ONT and the authentication layer, you cannot swap in a third-party modem and have it work on fiber.
AT&T DSL and IPBB plans — still available in many areas without fiber infrastructure — use copper phone lines with VDSL2 or ADSL2+ technology. On these plans, AT&T's approved device list does include some third-party modems, and the Motorola MD1600 is a well-regarded option. Check your address at att.com before purchasing any modem to confirm which technology serves your specific address.
Top Picks at a Glance
| Pick | Type | Compatible With | Max Speed | Key Feature | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BGW320 + IP Passthrough | Fiber gateway bypass | AT&T Fiber | 2 Gbps (plan dependent) | Use own router behind AT&T gateway | Included/leased |
| Motorola MD1600 | VDSL2/ADSL2+ modem-router | AT&T DSL/IPBB | Up to 100 Mbps VDSL2 | Bonded VDSL2 support | ~$90 |
| ARRIS NVG589 | DSL gateway | AT&T U-verse/IPBB | Up to 75 Mbps | AT&T-issued, refurbished available | ~$40 refurb |
| Pace 5268AC | DSL gateway | AT&T older DSL plans | Up to 75 Mbps | 802.11ac Wi-Fi built in | ~$35 refurb |
| TP-Link Deco XE75 | Wi-Fi 6E mesh router | Behind BGW320 on fiber | Determined by fiber plan | Best router to pair with IP passthrough | ~$200 |
Our Picks in Detail
- Best AT&T Fiber setup — keep AT&T's required gateway but enable IP passthrough to use your own route
- Speed overhead: 2 Gbps (plan dependent)
- Best DSL/VDSL modem for legacy AT&T DSL and IPBB plans — VDSL2 with bonding support and built-in rou
- Speed overhead: Up to 100 Mbps VDSL2
- AT&T-issued DSL gateway compatible with older AT&T U-verse and IP broadband plans
- Speed overhead: Up to 75 Mbps
- AT&T-issued gateway for older DSL-based plans — VDSL2 compatible with 802
- Speed overhead: Up to 75 Mbps
- Best third-party router to pair after BGW320 IP passthrough — Wi-Fi 6E mesh for full home coverage o
- Speed overhead: Determined by fiber plan
How to Bypass AT&T's Gateway with IP Passthrough
IP passthrough (also called DMZ+ mode) tells the AT&T gateway to forward all inbound traffic to a single device — your own router — and assign it the public IP address. From that point, your router handles all routing, firewall, DHCP, and Wi-Fi functions. The AT&T gateway still sits in the path but acts essentially as a bridge.
To configure it: connect to the BGW320's admin interface at 192.168.1.254 using a browser. Navigate to Firewall > IP Passthrough. Set the allocation mode to DHCPS-fixed (which pins the passthrough to a specific MAC address) or DHCPS-dynamic (which assigns to whichever device requests it). Enter the MAC address of your router's WAN port, click Save, then reboot both devices. Your router should receive a public IP via DHCP on its WAN interface within a minute or two. Confirm with a speed test — you should see full plan speeds without any double-NAT penalty.
Best DSL Modems for AT&T Internet Plans (Non-Fiber)
If your address is served by AT&T's copper-based IPBB or legacy DSL service, a third-party VDSL2 modem can replace AT&T's rented gateway and eliminate any equipment fees. The Motorola MD1600 supports VDSL2 with vectoring and bonding, making it the most capable consumer option for AT&T DSL. It includes a built-in router and 802.11n Wi-Fi — though pairing it with a dedicated router in bridge mode is the better long-term setup. Confirm your line type (ADSL2+ vs VDSL2 vs bonded VDSL2) before purchasing, as the MD1600 is most beneficial on VDSL2 lines.
AT&T Gateway Rental Cost and How to Avoid It
AT&T Fiber plans as of 2025 bundle equipment costs into the plan price rather than listing a separate rental fee, though this can vary by promotion and plan tier. AT&T DSL and IPBB plans may still show a separate equipment charge of approximately $10/month. Over 24 months, that is $240 — more than enough to justify purchasing a compatible modem outright if your DSL plan qualifies. Call AT&T or log into your account to confirm whether your specific plan includes an equipment fee before buying a third-party device.
AT&T Approved Device List
AT&T maintains an approved device list for DSL services at att.com/internet/equipment. The list is shorter than Xfinity's or Spectrum's because AT&T's fiber service requires their own hardware. For DSL plans, approved modems are typically those that support the correct DSL profile for your line (ADSL2+, VDSL2, or bonded VDSL2) and have been tested against AT&T's DSLAM equipment. If a device is not on the approved list, AT&T support may decline to help with activation or troubleshooting.
FAQ
Can I use my own modem with AT&T Fiber?
No. AT&T Fiber uses GPON technology that requires AT&T's ONT and their gateway (BGW320 or BGW210). You cannot replace these with a third-party modem. However, enabling IP passthrough on the AT&T gateway lets you use your own router for all routing and Wi-Fi duties, effectively reducing the gateway to a transparent bridge and giving you full network control.
How do I set up IP passthrough on AT&T BGW320?
Log into the gateway at 192.168.1.254, go to Firewall > IP Passthrough, select DHCPS-fixed mode, enter the MAC address of your router's WAN port, and save. Your router will receive the public IP address directly. Reboot both devices after saving. Confirm the setup by checking your router's WAN IP — it should show a public (non-192.168.x.x) address.
Does AT&T charge a modem rental fee?
AT&T Fiber plans typically bundle gateway equipment into the plan price, so there is no separate rental line item for most fiber customers. For legacy AT&T DSL and IPBB plans, an equipment fee of around $10/month may apply. Purchasing a compatible DSL modem outright eliminates this fee and pays for itself within 6–12 months depending on plan type.