Opinion: Do you need a newer broadband modem or a faster WiFi router?

A screenshot of a result from speedtest.net. — Jim Rossman/TNS

This week, a reader writes, “I’ve had AT&T internet service for quite some time and still have the original router and modem. Should I upgrade for security and performance reasons? Should I ask AT&T for an upgrade, or should I get one myself? If so, what would be a good one to buy now?”

You can certainly call AT&T and ask them to check the age of your modem/router. You can tell them you are concerned about security and speed. In this case, speed means two things: the speed of the connection to your house, and the speed of the WiFi connection from your AT&T modem/router to your wireless devices.