Are you wondering, “Can I use my own router with CenturyLink?” » If yes, then you have come to the right article.
CenturyLink is a leading telecommunications company offering 2 amazing plans that cost $55 for 100 Mbps and $75 for 940 Mbps.
I’ve been using CenturyLink’s 940 Mbps plan for a few months and was pretty happy, but once construction on the first floor was completed and I moved up to that floor, I started to notice that the speed I was getting was quite slow.
So I started wondering if I could use my own router with CenturyLink. Luckily the answer was yes, but it did require me to do some configuration steps.
However, for someone coming from a technical background, the setup was quite simple.
So, with this article, let me share my experience using my own router with CenturyLink and other relevant information.
What are the benefits of using your own router with CenturyLink?
Before we figure out if you can use your own router with CenturyLink, let us give you an idea of the benefits of doing so. If you have a large home covering a large area, you may need to add another router to get better coverage instead of opting for a Wi-Fi extender.
If you are in a multi-story building, you will need help with roofing. The Wi-Fi signal will not be accessible or will cover the entire space.
If so, you can create a wireless network by purchasing another router and connecting it to the CenturyLink combo unit using an Ethernet cable, saving you from poor Wi-Fi reception.
You also need to understand that this will add another NAT, which can create problems for NAT-sensitive applications.
Secondly, gamers and users who depend on Wi-Fi for good quality and hassle-free experience may need to add a router to serve multiple users at maximum speeds (MIMO functionality), higher Wi-Fi standards and maximum speeds or directional antennas for higher signal strength.
If coverage is not your issue and you just want a better user experience. If your router is of good quality, you can use it to manage all devices and data while deactivating the router in a combined unit by configuring it to transmit data.
You can get even greater benefits if your router supports two or three bands or has certain features, but these are mostly rare in home models.
Can I use my own router with CenturyLink?
You can use your own router for your CenturyLink connection. When you subscribe to Internet service providers like CenturyLink, they always provide a new modem and router.
The all-in-one router usually comes free or with an installation fee, which you can pay in full or in installments.
If you get a free router, why do you need to add your own router? Doesn’t that make any sense? But if you need fast and reliable Wi-Fi, for example for those who want to turn their house into a smart home.
However, you need to make sure that the external router you are about to use should be compatible with the connection type and your internet speed.
Gamers and video editors who cannot use an Ethernet connection or need a connection with a better and more powerful firewall. Then using an additional router in their network will help.
How to simply add another router to the network
A second router can be added to the network simply by using an Ethernet cable. Your CenturyLink modem/router combo unit must be connected to your router via an Ethernet cable.
Tip: Try to find a place for your router away from interference, such as baby monitors, microwave ovens, cordless phones, etc. Make sure you have a power outlet handy and can connect the Ethernet cable to the router.
Once planned and installed, here are the steps to follow.
- Plug one end of the Ethernet cable into the LAN port on the combo unit and the other end into the WAN port on your router.
- Next, turn on the router and configure it to configure a network.
- You can do this by visiting the router’s web interface and logging in with the credentials you’ll find on the back of your secondary router.
- Complete the setup wizard and save the settings.
- Check once if your router is flashing green, which represents an Internet connection. If the router flashes red, it is not connected to the network.
What free fiber internet modem routers does CenturyLink offer?
Do you need to know what type of router CenturyLink offers with its Internet plans?
CenturyLink uses different modems to operate at different speeds. If you want your modem to work for your Internet service, it must be compatible with both the connection type and the speed of your service.
So, depending on the type of connection, you will have two types of routers: a DSL router or a fiber router.
Both are delivered free of charge. If you rent an additional Wi-Fi router, you will be charged $15 per month. Unless you primarily use a wired connection for your internet, this is a necessary add-on to your plan.
However, rather than getting a router that you are still determining if it will be compatible with, purchasing one directly from CenturyLink would save you some headaches.
What to Look for in CenturyLink Compatible Modems
Now that you know the answer to your question: “Can I use my own router with CenturyLink?” » you must be wondering which modems are compatible with CenturyLink.
Let us tell you how to find compatible modems!
DSL technology
A faster and better connection can be achieved with the many DSL technologies available. You also need to know the particular DSL technology used in your location and on your line.
Here are the following DSL technologies depending on the maximum speed capacity of your line:
Technology | Maximum speed (Mbps) |
ADSL | 7 Mbps |
ADSL2+ | 20 Mbps |
ADSL2+ linked | 25 Mbps |
VDSL2 | 80 Mbps |
VDSL2 linked | 100 Mbps |
GPON | 1000 Mbps |
Wireless capability
In the past, DSL devices and wireless routers were two separate products. With the evolution of technology and development, DSL modems and wireless routers are integrated into a single device.
Wireless routers can be classified into two categories: 2.4 GHz, which is slower but more stable in speed and offers a wider range of connections, and 5 GHz or 5G Wi-Fi, which offers faster speeds but with a shorter connection range.
For example, a modem with 802.11ac is suitable for a larger area, while an 802.11n modem is suitable for smaller homes.
How to Disable the Router in CenturyLink Combo Unit and Use Yours Instead
If you have a high-quality router and want to use it instead of the one provided by your career, you should also know that this will simplify the problems related to NAT type, port forwarding and other associated parameters.
On both of your routers, you need to go to the admin panels and make some changes to achieve this.
Tip: Be sure to collect your PPPoE credentials by calling CenturyLink before beginning the process.
Combination Unit Configuration
Here are the steps to follow.
- Using an Ethernet or Wi-Fi cable, connect the combined unit. Then open the browser and type 192.168.0.1
- Next, log in using the administrator credentials (available at the bottom of the combo unit).
- Click Advanced Configuration > WAN Settings > Open the ISP Protocol drop-down menu > Transparent Bridging.
- Then you need to click Apply and restart the combo unit. Then it will only work as a modem.
The next step is to configure the router.
Router Configuration
For router setup, you need to google and find the router settings because it all depends on your brand and model.
If you can access the router’s admin panel, log in using your administrator credentials.
Look for an ISP or Internet Protocol drop-down menu. It will usually be available in WAN settings. Next, choose PPPoE and enter the credentials provided by CenturyLink. Make sure to save the settings and then close the admin panel.
Next, take an Ethernet cable and connect one end to the LAN port of the modem and the other end to the WAN port of the router.
Is it possible to increase CenturyLink’s Wi-Fi signal?
If you want to increase your maximum internet speed, you need to upgrade your plans. However, you can increase the efficiency of the Wi-Fi signal.
To achieve this, get a router with at least 802.11ac capability to broadcast internet signals over a longer range with less data and speed.
How fast should my CenturyLink Internet connection be?
Your Internet speed will depend on the plan you choose or have chosen. For households, the most basic $55 plan offering 100 Mbps speed is more than enough. It is best suited to a work-from-home environment.
For business, gaming, streaming, downloading, downloading, etc. The CenturyLink plan with a maximum speed of 940 Mbps at $75 will be ideal.
If you need an internet connection for your home, you should apply for CenturyLink’s Affordable Connectivity Program and see if you are eligible, as it will provide you with a free internet connection with a speed of 100 Mbps.
FAQs
Can I use any router with my CenturyLink Internet?
No, you cannot use any router with CenturyLink. The router you bring should match the network type and support the Internet speed according to your plan.
Should I rent a CenturyLink modem?
When you first apply for CenturyLink fiber internet, the modem is included for free with your plan, but if you need an external router, you must rent it.
How much does it cost to rent the CenturyLink router?
Renting the CenturyLink router costs $15 per month.
How much does CenturyLink charge for a modem?
If you rent a modem, the company will charge you $15 per month. You can also purchase a modem for a cost of $150 to $200, which comes with a 2-year warranty.
What is the fastest CenturyLink Internet speed?
CenturyLink offers the highest speed of up to 940 Mbps, and this plan costs $75 per month.
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