MrDohB
Yeah, gave up on Netgear years ago because of terrible firmware. Only have Asus routers now, about the only brand that I trust to provide decent support for long enough. The Asus routers that I’ve had work well…some of the firmware releases have been buggy, but I can always revert to a nice, stable previous firmware version.
More information from the OP would be helpful. I assume that you have gigabit internet? Is it fiber, and do you have both an ISP router and your own router? Or just an ISP router? Are your speed test results from wired internet, or wifi? Given the 1 second latency, I’m guessing that’s a wired speed test, but just a guess. Really, more information about the OP’s network configuration would be REALLY useful to be able to make helpful comments. The mfr. and model of the big pieces is always helpful as well. I can think of some causes, but they depend on your configuration relative to your ISP plus your home network infrastructure.
Well, if you’re looking at Black Friday deals, this is the one that I’d be interested in:
The Asus RT-AX88U Pro is a great router, excellent wireless range, and a couple of 2.5Gbps ports if you ever go that way. It uses a newer chipset, very similar to the one in the Asus GT-AX6000, which is another great router, but not on sale currently. Anyways, the RT-AX88U Pro will be supported by Asus for some time, since it’s fairly new.
The RT-AX82U has also been an excellent choice, and it’s down to $129 when I looked at Amazon just now. It’s older now, so won’t be supported as long as the RT-AX88U Pro, and has a little lower throughput as well. The latest Asus firmware for it is last year, and no support in their new firmware family (3.0.0.6.102_xxxx), so it isn’t clear how much longer this router will be supported by Asus. Which may also explain the rock bottom price :-).
Anyways, you’re on the right track with Asus routers, in my personal opinion. I also left the Netgear world, due to very spotty firmware quality in my case, and have really liked the Asus routers that I’ve had.
You need to use the AT&T fiber gateway if you have AT&T fiber to be able to use your fiber internet. They have two styles, one where there’s an ONT separate from the gateway (BGW210) and the other where the ONT is in the fiber gateway (BGW320). It sounds like you have a separate ONT like me, and your BGW210 broke. You can’t really replace that, only AT&T can, since the AT&T fiber service requires a certified handshake that only their BGW210 can supply. There are workarounds for it, but not short term, it takes a while to get that working.
So, unfortunately you’ll have to wait for AT&T to ship you a replacement BGW210…you’re stuck there. Where I live there are “remote workspaces” where you can work by paying to use them per day that include internet and a workspace. I’ve used that before, no problems, they’re just fine. There’s also places like Starbuck’s where you can get internet as long as you buy coffee occasionally, as well :-).
Sorry that you’ve been put in that position. One more thing, if you have an unlimited cell plan, you can also use your phone as a hotspot for a laptop or desktop computer for some period of time. That might also bridge you through a few days until you get your BGW210 from AT&T.
Good luck, I feel your pain.