Can I use my own router with CenturyLink? If you have an existing CenturyLink line, or might be planning to get a new one, this may be one of the questions you might be asking.
Luckily for you, here is a guide that will teach you how to accomplish just that, and more.
So, to answer your question: yes, you can use your own router for your CenturyLink subscription. However, it is not as simple as that.
For it to become usable for your line, the router must be working on the same type of technology as that of your connection.
With that in mind, here are the things you should know about connecting your CenturyLink line to your own router, and how you can make sure that it would work as intended.
Can I Use my Own Router with CenturyLink?
While you can indeed user your own router for your CenturyLink connection if you want to, you have to clear the question first:” Should you use your own router?
After all, most internet service providers, such as CenturyLink, usually provides a new modem and router as part of your new subscription.
This router and modem–or most of the time, an all-in-one router, is usually free of charge as a part of your plan or is paid through the installation fee that you either pay upfront or in increments, on top of your monthly bill.
If there is a free router given already why would someone still want to use their own?
There are many reasons, but some of it may include: they want or need a faster connection, which is 5Ghz, or they need a connection with a better and stronger firewall.
What Free Fiber Internet Modems Routers does CenturyLink give?
So, you are curious and you are asking, “can I use my own router with CenturyLink fiber,” but first, you have to get to know the kind of router that they usually give out included in their internet plans.
There are two types of routers that you may probably need, depending on the type of connection that you have–it will be either a DSL or a fiber router.
Either way, both can be requested and issued for free.
However, there would be an additional $15 per month charge for you to lease an extra Wi-Fi router.
Now, unless you are mainly using your internet in wired connection, this is something that can be considered a must add-on for your plan.
This is one of the reasons why a lot of people opt to buy one for themselves anyway.
After all, they would still be dishing out cash monthly.
For them, they would rather spend a one-time-big-time purchase but be free of any additional monthly obligations.
On the other hand, getting one direct from CenturyLink would save you all the trouble of researching if the product is compatible or not.
Would you Need both a Modem and a Router?
In case you are not very familiar with it, there is a huge difference between a modem and a router.
In order for you to use your subscription and enjoy your DLS line, you need a working modem.
A router, on the other hand, is used for you to enjoy your internet connection wirelessly through Wi-Fi.
Most people need this, seeing that mobile devices and laptops are usually connected via Wi-Fi.
However, nowadays, most modems are also routers, meaning you only need one device to make everything work.
What to Look for in Modems Compatible with CenturyLink
If you are wondering, how to use my own router with CenturyLink, here are some of the things that you need to consider before buying just any router.
It is usually confusing with all the tech jargon, but here is a simple way you can understand it better.
DSL Technology
There are several DSL technologies out there, and usually, the more recent it has been released, the faster and the better the connection would be.
While this is true, you also have to know which specific DSL tech is used in your line and in your area.
Depending on the maximum speed capability of your line, here are the following DSL technologies you may fall into:
- ADSL – up to 7 Mbps
- ADSL2+ – up to 20 Mbps
- Bonded ADSL2+ – up to 25 Mbps
- VDSL2 – up to 80 Mbps
- Bonded VDSL2 – up to 100 Mbps
- GPON – up to 1,000 Mbps
Wireless Capability
Back in the day DSL devices and wireless routers are two separate products.
However, as time went by and more advanced systems get developed, DSL modems and wireless routers are made as one device.
Nowadays, most wireless routers are classified into two categories–2.4Ghz and 5GHhz Wi-Fi speeds.
In the simplest of terms, 2.4GHz is slower in speeds but is more stable and has a wider range of connection.
On the other hand, 5GHZ connections, or 5G Wi-Fi, has faster speeds but a shorter connection range.
As an example, a modem with 802.11ac support is better suited for a larger area, while 802.11n is perfect for smaller homes.
Is it Possible to Boost CenturyLink Wi-Fi Signal?
While you cannot increase your maximum internet speed without upgrading your plan–as it is virtually impossible–you can increase the efficiency of the Wi-Fi signal that you have right now.
To do this, simply get a router that has at least 802.11ac capability.
A router with this compatibility is able to broadcast internet signal in a longer range with fewer data and speed lost in distance.
If you live in a big house and usually stay in separate rooms, even a good router might not be enough and would probably not be able to do the job of connecting everyone on its own.
For this, it is recommended that you buy an extra router or a Wi-Fi extender.
How Fast Should my CenturyLink Internet Speed be?
The maximum speed of your internet connection would depend, of course, on your plan.
For households with no heavy users and only a few devices in need of connection, the most basic plan of 15Mpbs or 20Mpbs should be enough.
On the other hand, CenturyLink’s Price for Life plan with max speeds of 100Mbps is ideal for a family of more than five, and with devices of more than ten.
This is usually the best plan for a family where everyone is working at home.
Lastly, if you wish to have blazing speeds for streaming, uploading, downloading, or any other data-demanding internet tasks, there is a CenturyLink Fiber Internet that has speeds of up to 940Mpbs.
Compared to other providers, CenturyLink’s plans can be considered more affordable.
Conclusion
Now that you know how to use your own router just by configuring it, you would no longer as the question: “Can I use my own router with CenturyLink?”
Rather, the better question now would be, is your router of the same technology as that of CenturyLink’s network connection?
Overall, it is easier and faster to obtain a modem direct from CenturyLink.
However, if you prefer to have the ability to choose exactly what you want, taking the time to order online and wait for it to arrive at your doorstep might not be a very bad idea after all.
Read Next: Learn how to make CenturyLink faster.
Kevin has over five years of experience working in various Tech startups and providing Technical solutions. He has contributed to many Tech publications and websites.