I am on the Northwest side of Chicago, NPA-NNX 773-774. Currently have ADSL using the Siemens Speedstream 4100 modem, plus ancient landline. The combination is just OK. At least once a year, I lose service on both voice and data. Failure modes are: severe noise level, or total silence. Techs assure me that the outside plant is in poor shape. I am inclined to believe them. Recently, I have noted that my ping times to downtown Chicago, normally a sad 50mS, have deteriorated to an abysmal 85mS. The latest line tests from dslreports confirmed performance problems. Are the culprits: Outside plant? Line card? Some combination? I am thinking it's time for Uverse. I receive the periodic nag mailings from AT&T, and I have a couple VRADs in the neighborhood--one a block away, another a half-mile.
For TV I currently get over-the-air. Picture is fine, but I am noting that content is slowly disappearing. Streaming is in my future. For voice comm, I intend to move to third-party VoIP; the economics are compelling. And, my present wireless router is a nice ASUS dual-band, working just fine. So, I want internet only, and bridge mode on any modem/gateway.
Regarding maximum available link speed, the att.com/u-verse site tells an inconsistent and confusing tale:
--Location---- -----Max speed uverse-----
1 house East == 12Mbps "Max"
my house ===== 18Mbps "Max Plus"
1 house West == 12Mbps "Max"
Across street == 24Mbps "Max Turbo"
A few questions/issues:
What really is my speed profile? Can I find out without ordering U-verse service?
Can I get Power tier? Max Turbo?
If my download speed limit is 12Mbps, is the Moto 2210-02-1ATT (black) modem off of Ebay an appropriate piece of gear? How about for 18Mbps?
Is there any other modem that is recommended for my intended mission profile?
Thanks for any guidance.
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