Using Amplifi Alien in Bridge Mode Causing Problems with U-Verse TV

How is the Amplifi connected to the Gateway and how are the AT&T U-verse TV receivers connected?  If they are on different Gateway Ethernet ports, and the only change you have made is to upgrade the Amplifi's firmware, I'd say the device/firmware is doing something to flood/disrupt your connection (or is allowing someone else to). 

If your Amplifi is connected to a switch on which AT&T gear is connected, or your AT&T gear is connected through your Amplifi, then that's probably your issue.

Hey JeffrerMC....I was hoping you would chime in as you like myself are a long time Uverse subscriber.

Anyways to answer your questions here is my setup.  My main Uverse DVR is connected via ethernet directly to the AT&T modem ( BGW210-700) and I have 3 other receivers(UVerse tv receivers non DVR) and they are connected via coax  to the BGW210 as well.... I use an HPNA adapter that comes off the BGW210 to the coax ( since the BGW doesn't have a coax port like the 5268AC and have never had a problem with this adapter).......the Amplifi alien was just connected to one of the BGW210's ethernet ports and I had been using it in Bridge Mode for my wifi purposes over the last two years and I always kept the wifi in the AT&T gateway disabled.

I totally agree with you that the firmware update did something that flooded my gateway because my Uverse TV whether the receivers that are on coax or the main DVR itself connected directly to the gateway were all affected until I disconnected the Amplifi alien...since disconnecting the Alien I've had no more problems with the Uverse TV.

Do you suggest I don't use the Amplifi alien anymore or do you think if connected the alien into a switch maybe that would fix the problem?  Thanks much for your help.....James

Using a switch may help, but I'd not consider that likely.  The reason I asked about a switch is playing consumer wireless gear on the same switch (i.e. sharing a single Gateway port) as U-verse TV gear often causes issues.

I think I might try factory resetting the alien and reinstalling the next to current update (if you have it) and see what happens, then try the latest update and see if the problem repeats.  If so, report it to Amplifi and regress until their next patch.  Since your Amplifi is running in access point (bridge) mode, the need to keep up with security updates is much decreased.

Thanks JefferMC. I agree and that’s what I will do. I’ve thought about maybe just calling and seeing if they can just upgrade me to their latest gateway BGW320 since it supports wireless AX . That way I wouldn’t be having to use third party routers, etc.  would a truck roll be needed for the BGW 320? I think I’ve read where the fiber that comes into the house has to be connected directly to that gateway? My current setup is my ONT is downstairs and it’s fed to a wall plate upstairs in my bonus room where it’s converted as Ethernet going into my BGW210….hope I explained that right. 

A truck role would be needed, and your best persuasiveness.  BGW320's are reserved for new customer fiber installs because they are the only ones that have a built-in ONT that allows for a fiber-into-the-Gateway, one device installation.  And AT&T isn't getting as many of them in as they like. [ I should have gotten on one my fiber install, but they were out of them.  I'm actually okay with that, because I like the way I was installed just fine. ]

First, the CSR will want to ship you a replacement gateway.  They may even guarantee you it will be a BGW320 (it won't).  If you insist, you should get a truck roll, but there will be a fee. 

Second, when the tech gets there, if he has a BGW320 on his truck, you have to talk him out of it.  To successfully do that, you may have to convince him that you need your install repaired with a wall jack and fiber directly to your new BGW320.  The BGW320 would work fine with the existing ONT, they're really not supposed to install them that way.

Thanks JefferMC.......shew that sounds like a lot of trouble to go through and like you I actually like the way I am currently installed and its worked fine for me for six years now.  About a year ago a tech had to come out for something else and he offered to exchange my BGW210 for a 320 then but I didn't see the need because my Amplif Alien was working just fine so I didn't.....kinda wish I had now.

I will contact Amplifi support and report this because no doubt this is a problem on their end and not AT&T.......

Got an AT&T tech out this morning. I now have the BGW320 and so far it’s exceeded my expectations.  There was definitely something up with the Amplifi Alien as it just wasn’t playing nice with my U-verse IPTV.  I connected some older routers into the BGW210 and everything worked fine so I was definitely able to isolate the issue to the Alien.