[Spivak]

So there are two ways to add your own equipment. I don't know what method the person you're talking about used.

The first you can put the modem in 'DMZ Plus' mode which is the closest you'll get to a bridge mode. This is where you'll lose bandwidth but it's easier to set up.

The second, which I recommend, is to connect your router to the ONT directly, and use their modem as a client on your network. You have to set up some rules to hook up the 802.1X traffic but otherwise the att modem is no longer in the picture. I haven't lost any bandwidth and I can't imagine that att's provided cheapo box would be faster than an EdgeRouter.

[chrissnell]

The DMZ Plus mode doesn't really kill much bandwidth. I get pretty close to 1 Gbit through it. Maybe 960-980 Mbit. Good enough for me. The real problem with the DMZ Plus mode is that it basically sets up a NAT to your router and the state table of the modem is somewhat limited. I've never had any problems but supposedly it might choke if you have tons of open connections.

[wil421]

DMZ plus mode is now where near bringing your own hardware and plugging it into the ONT. Everything still has to go through the AT&T gateway.

Comcast will let you bring your own modem and plug it into the coaxial. I've heard google fiber will let your bring your own stuff.

DMZ plus is much different than setting up an EdgeRouter to forward the authentication to the gateway. You are in much more control of your network if you don't use DMZ plus.