How AT&T U-verse Works?

What is AT&T U-verse and How It Works?

AT&T U-verse is a combo service consisting of AT&T Internet, TV, and phone (VoIP based phone) services. Services can be ordered in bundle or separately. Not all combinations are available in all areas of AT&T's service. Thus, the best is to check the service availability online, place an order, and wait for confirmation.

AT&T U-verse Technology

AT&T U-verse service is based on IPTV (Internet Protocol television) which is a relatively new technology, still in development, that is being used by AT&T to deliver TV service. AT&T claims they are the only national service provider to offer a 100-percent IP based TV service, AT&T U-verse TV. IP technology (Internet Protocol technology) means that your TV, computer, home phone and wireless devices can be integrated to work together, giving you many useful features, more control over those devices and how the services are being delivered, and more personalization (meaning tailoring those services towards your exact needs and how you like them).

How AT&T U-verse TV is Delivered

AT&T’s Internet Protocol (IP) network and video backbone delivers high-quality video, advanced functionality, and other applications. Video content travels AT&T’s managed, two-way IP network and arrives at the customer’s home via fiber-to-the-premises or fiber-to-the-node technology. Will the customer fall under fiber-to-the-premises or fiber-to-the-node option depends on how the AT&T's network is installed in the area. See the diagram below.

AT&T U-verse – IP Video Distribution Advantages

In the traditional cable TV or satellite network – using broadcast radio frequency (RF) video technology – all content constantly flows downstream to each customer, and the customer switches the content at the settop box. The customer can select from among as many choices as the cable or satellite company can fit into the “pipe” flowing into the home. The broadcast network is one-way.

AT&T’s switched Internet Protocol (IP) video network works differently. Content remains in the network, and only the content the customer requests is sent to the customer’s home. The IP network is two-way. Switched video delivery means content choice is not limited by the size of the “pipe” into the home – so the network allows for delivery of more content and functionality. The network creates the potential to provide customers more choices, including niche programming of interest to diverse audiences and more high-definition (HD) programming.

AT&T U-verse – IPTV vs. Cable

Compared to “traditional” cable or satellite TV, IPTV is a different, improved technology which allows for more flexibility and creativity within the network. IPTV enables two-way interactivity, versus a traditional, one-way cable or satellite broadcast network. The two-way IPTV network means viewers have more options to interact, personalize and control their viewing experience. IP technology also allows for more flexibility within your home network. With IP, all of the U-verse receivers in your home — no matter which room they are in — are connected on the same high-speed home network. This lets you watch shows recorded from your DVR on any TV in the house. You can also connect gaming consoles, laptops and other devices to your home network using the Ethernet port on the back of your set-top box.

AT&T U-verse – IPTV vs. Internet Video

Watching U-verse TV is different than streaming videos over the public Internet. With U-verse TV, programming is carried over AT&T's managed network, which allows it to control video quality and the reliability of the service. Best-effort Internet video can be subject to delays due to lower bandwidth, high traffic or poor connection quality.
Because IP lets your TV communicate with other services, it can bring integrated high speed Internet based content and features to your TV screen. For example, AT&T Online Photos from Flickr gives you the ability to view personal photos that you’ve uploaded to flickr.com right on your TV.