Technology help/opinions, please

[LibraryLady]

In July of last year, we purchased a new modem through ATT.
I have thought it to be c--- from the first because its signal was weak. My laptop often says I have 2 bars of signal, when I am sitting downstairs, almost under the modem.

For about 6 weeks now, I keep getting a notice that "Netgear can't find a broadband signal"
Netgear is the brand of modem. I have blamed it on the ATT work in the area, since ATT is laying fiber optic in the area.
However, it is happening more and more, and I think it is the modem acting up/going out.

Anyone think I am correct? If you think I am on the correct path, I'll take it back to ATT as it is still under warranty.

[Red Oak]

First off all wireless modems and receivers are flaky, secondly the AT&T supplied ones are even flakier; I plan to ditch AT&T ISP very soon.

Sending it back before the warranty expires makes sense.

[BigTex]

We were having a lot of trouble with access through our wireless router, to the extent that I went out and bought a new one. When that didn't solve the problem I took the modem to the Time Warner store and swapped it for a new one. That seemed to fix it.

[millergrovesue]

I know precious little about modems (my tech department deals with that stuff - thank goodness) but do know they have a life expectancy. Big Tex may be on the right track.

[Sangersteve]

Is your AT&T a modem/router combo? Or do you have a separate modem from the router?

[truep]

If it's just a router, I suggest a Buffalo airstation wireless N. I boughet one from Fry's at a very reasonable price last year. It has a built in signal booster that finally allowed my smart tv to work.

[truep]

If it's a router/modem combo, just plug the air station into one of the ethernet ports and move all of the other ethernet ports (if you use any) over to the new unit.