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<h2 dir="ltr" style="text-align:center" id="tag-2"><strong>Can I use my own router with CenturyLink Internet?</strong></h2>

<p dir="ltr">You can use your own router with your CenturyLink connection if you'd like, but first you need to decide whether you should.</p>

<p dir="ltr">A new modem and router are often included with your new subscription from the majority of ISPs, including CenturyLink.</p>

<p dir="ltr">This router and modem - or an all-in-one router - is often free as part of your plan or is paid through the installation cost, which you either pay ahead or in installments on top of your monthly subscription.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Besides, you will need to run a <a href="https://gospeedcheck.com/article/wifi-speed-test-1060"><strong>Wifi speed test</strong></a> to check if your connectivity is good or not.</p>

<p dir="ltr"><img alt="Can I use my own router with CenturyLink?" src="http://gospeedcheck.com/filemanager/data-images/imgs/20240527/can-i-use-my-own-router-with-centurylink/can-i-use-my-own-router-with-centurylink2.jpg" style="display:block; height:395px; margin-left:auto; margin-right:auto; width:720px"></p>

<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:center"><em>Can I use my own router with CenturyLink?</em></p>

<p dir="ltr">Why would someone still want to use their own router if one is available for free?</p>

<p dir="ltr">There are numerous reasons, but a few of them can be that they require or want a 5Ghz connection for speed or that they want a connection with an improved firewall.</p>

<h2 dir="ltr" style="text-align:center" id="tag-16"><strong>Use your own router with CenturyLink</strong></h2>

<p dir="ltr">Well, you know the answer is YES to the question of “Can I use my own modem and router with CenturyLink?”</p>

<p dir="ltr">However, it’s crucial to look at the pros and cons of connecting your own router to the CenturyLink equipment included in your Internet service if you're wondering whether you can do so.</p>

<p> </p>

<p dir="ltr"><img alt="Pros and cons when using your own router with CenturyLink" src="http://gospeedcheck.com/filemanager/data-images/imgs/20240527/can-i-use-my-own-router-with-centurylink/can-i-use-my-own-router-with-centurylink3.jpg" style="display:block; height:405px; margin-left:auto; margin-right:auto; width:720px"></p>

<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:center"><em>Pros and cons when using your own router with CenturyLink</em></p>

<h3 dir="ltr" id="tag-25">Pros</h3>

<ul>
<li dir="ltr">
	<p dir="ltr">Your own router will mostly rely on your individual requirements. For improved coverage, those with big houses might wish to add an additional router rather than a WiFi booster.</p>
	</li>
	<li dir="ltr">
	<p dir="ltr">A router with more and better capabilities, such as the capacity to concurrently serve many users at top speeds (<a href="https://www.techtarget.com/searchmobilecomputing/definition/MIMO">MIMO feature</a>), higher WiFi standards, or directional antennas for stronger signal, can be required by gamers and other users who depend on high-quality WiFi.</p>
	</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li dir="ltr">
	<p dir="ltr">If you purchase another router and attach it with an ethernet connection to the CenturyLink combination box, you will effectively establish a new wireless network. The area that previously had poor WiFi reception can then be covered by that new network.</p>
	</li>
</ul>
<p dir="ltr">Note: Remember that this may result in the addition of another NAT, which may cause issues for NAT-type sensitive apps, such as contemporary gaming consoles or gaming in general.</p>

<p dir="ltr"><img alt="The capacity to concurrently serve many users at top speeds" src="http://gospeedcheck.com/filemanager/data-images/imgs/20240527/can-i-use-my-own-router-with-centurylink/can-i-use-my-own-router-with-centurylink4.jpg" style="display:block; height:540px; margin-left:auto; margin-right:auto; width:720px"></p>

<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:center"><em>The capacity to concurrently serve many users at top speeds</em></p>

<ul>
<li dir="ltr">
	<p dir="ltr">You can disable the router in a combination unit by configuring it to only transmit data through and use your router (if it is a high-quality router) to handle all the data and devices if you don't have a coverage issue but still want a better user experience.</p>
	</li>
</ul>
<p dir="ltr">Tip: The router that has two or three bands or has particular functions that you want but are not frequently available in popular household versions will be most useful to you.</p>

<h3 dir="ltr" id="tag-44">Cons</h3>

<ul>
<li dir="ltr">
	<p dir="ltr">Unless you already have a router that you want to utilize with CenturyLink, you will need to purchase one. This will, by definition, raise the cost of your network configuration.</p>
	</li>
	<li dir="ltr">
	<p dir="ltr">If you have an old router laying around and wish to utilize it for nostalgic reasons, you may encounter compatibility concerns. It is unlikely, yet it is conceivable.</p>
	</li>
	<li dir="ltr">
	<p dir="ltr">Adding another device to your network complicates matters and necessitates some fiddling with the settings. Furthermore, it introduces another point of failure and a device that must be investigated anytime something goes wrong with your connection. </p>
	</li>
</ul>
<p dir="ltr">Considering <a href="https://gospeedcheck.com/article/should-i-buy-my-own-router-for-spectrum-1115">should I buy my own router for Spectrum</a>? </p>

<p dir="ltr">If you don't feel comfortable navigating through the admin panel and router choices (or hiring someone to do it for you), you should reconsider your need for a router.</p>

<p dir="ltr">After that, let's go over what you need to do to make this work.</p>

<h2 dir="ltr" style="text-align:center" id="tag-56"><strong>What free Fiber Internet modem routers does CenturyLink give?</strong></h2>

<p dir="ltr">Can I use my own router with CenturyLink fiber? Yes, you can.</p>

<p dir="ltr">But first, you need to understand the type of router that they normally provide as part of their Internet package.</p>

<p dir="ltr">You will most likely require one of two types of routers, depending on the type of connection you have - either DSL or fiber router.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Both can be requested and supplied for free in any case. </p>

<p dir="ltr">However, you would have to pay an additional fee a month to lease an extra WiFi router.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Unless you primarily use your Internet over a wired connection, this is a must-have addition to your plan.</p>

<p dir="ltr"><img alt="What free Fiber Internet modem routers does CenturyLink give?" src="http://gospeedcheck.com/filemanager/data-images/imgs/20240527/can-i-use-my-own-router-with-centurylink/can-i-use-my-own-router-with-centurylink5.jpg" style="display:block; height:395px; margin-left:auto; margin-right:auto; width:720px"></p>

<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:center"><em>What free Fiber Internet modem routers does CenturyLink give?</em></p>

<p dir="ltr">This is one of the reasons why many people choose to get one for themselves.</p>

<p dir="ltr">After all, they would still be handing out cash on a regular basis.</p>

<p dir="ltr">They would rather make a one-time large purchase but be free of any ongoing monthly responsibilities.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Getting one directly from CenturyLink, on the other hand, will save you the hassle of determining if the product is compatible or not.</p>

<h2 dir="ltr" style="text-align:center" id="tag-72"><strong>Do you need both a router and a modem?</strong></h2>

<p dir="ltr">In case you are not very familiar with it, a modem and a router are pretty different from one another.</p>

<p dir="ltr">You must use a functional modem in order to use your subscription and benefit from your DLS connection.</p>

<p dir="ltr"><img alt="Do you need both a router and a modem?" src="http://gospeedcheck.com/filemanager/data-images/imgs/20240527/can-i-use-my-own-router-with-centurylink/can-i-use-my-own-router-with-centurylink6.jpg" style="display:block; height:307px; margin-left:auto; margin-right:auto; width:720px"></p>

<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:center"><em>Do you need both a router and a modem?</em></p>

<p dir="ltr">On the other side, a router is required if you want to utilize WiFi to access the Internet wirelessly.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Given that most people use laptops and mobile devices to access the Internet through WiFi, most people require this.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Nowadays, the majority of modems double as routers, so all your connectivity needs are met by a single device.</p>

<h2 dir="ltr" style="text-align:center" id="tag-83"><strong>What to consider when choosing a router with CenturyLink?</strong></h2>

<p dir="ltr">Do you plan to use CenturyLink with your router? </p>

<p dir="ltr">Try it out. </p>

<p dir="ltr">However, buying your own router is far more complicated than getting one from CenturyLink, so unless you have a fundamental understanding of networking technology, we don't recommend it. </p>

<p dir="ltr">Now that you know for sure that you can use your router with your CenturyLink connection, you should search for the following features before you buy a router to use with CenturyLink Internet.</p>

<p dir="ltr"><img alt="What to consider when choosing a router with CenturyLink?" src="http://gospeedcheck.com/filemanager/data-images/imgs/20240527/can-i-use-my-own-router-with-centurylink/can-i-use-my-own-router-with-centurylink7.jpg" style="display:block; height:353px; margin-left:auto; margin-right:auto; width:628px"></p>

<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:center"><em>What to consider when choosing a router with CenturyLink?</em></p>

<h3 dir="ltr" id="tag-93">Wireless capability</h3>

<p dir="ltr">DSL equipment and wireless routers used to be two different items.</p>

<p dir="ltr">However, as time passed and more sophisticated systems were created, DSL modems and wireless routers were combined into a single unit.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Nowadays, 2.4GHz and 5GHz WiFi speeds are used to categorize most wireless routers.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Simply said, 2.4GHz offers slower speeds but is more reliable and has a broader connection range.</p>

<p dir="ltr">The speed of 5GHZ connections, or 5G WiFi, is quicker, but the connection range is limited.</p>

<p dir="ltr">For instance, a modem that supports 802. 11ac is better suited for a bigger space, whereas 802.11n is ideal for smaller households.</p>

<p dir="ltr"><img alt="Wireless capability" src="http://gospeedcheck.com/filemanager/data-images/imgs/20240527/can-i-use-my-own-router-with-centurylink/can-i-use-my-own-router-with-centurylink8.jpg" style="display:block; height:720px; margin-left:auto; margin-right:auto; width:720px"></p>

<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:center"><em>Wireless capability</em></p>

<h3 dir="ltr" id="tag-104">DSL technology </h3>

<p dir="ltr">The more recently a DSL technology has been launched, generally speaking, the quicker and better the connection will be.</p>

<p dir="ltr">You also need to be aware of the particular DSL technology being utilized in your region and on your connection.</p>

<p dir="ltr">The following DSL technologies may apply to you, depending on the highest speed your line can support:</p>

<ul>
<li dir="ltr">
	<p dir="ltr">Up to 7 Mbps for ADSL</p>
	</li>
	<li dir="ltr">
	<p dir="ltr">20 Mbps for ADSL2+</p>
	</li>
	<li dir="ltr">
	<p dir="ltr">25 Mbps for Bonded ADSL2+</p>
	</li>
	<li dir="ltr">
	<p dir="ltr">80 Mbps for VDSL2</p>
	</li>
	<li dir="ltr">
	<p dir="ltr">100 Mbps for Bonded VDSL2</p>
	</li>
	<li dir="ltr">
	<p dir="ltr">1,000 Mbps for GPON</p>
	</li>
</ul>
<p dir="ltr"><img alt="DSL technology " src="http://gospeedcheck.com/filemanager/data-images/imgs/20240527/can-i-use-my-own-router-with-centurylink/can-i-use-my-own-router-with-centurylink9.jpg" style="display:block; height:480px; margin-left:auto; margin-right:auto; width:720px"></p>

<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:center"><em>DSL technology </em></p>

<h3 dir="ltr" id="tag-125">DOCSIS </h3>

<p dir="ltr">The Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification, or DOCSIS, enables high-bandwidth data transport over existing coaxial cable infrastructure. </p>

<p dir="ltr">The best devices often have a 3.0 or 3.1 cable modem DOCSIS rating, with the standard range being 1.0 to 3.1.</p>

<h3 dir="ltr" id="tag-128">Speed compatibility </h3>

<p dir="ltr">Finding Internet-connected devices that work with your Internet plan requires some research on your part. </p>

<p dir="ltr">Make sure to look around for devices that support at least 200 Mbps speeds, for instance, if your Internet plan allows for download rates of up to 200 Mbps. </p>

<p dir="ltr">You can't get the most out of the Internet service you're paying for if you use a device with slower speeds.</p>

<h3 dir="ltr" id="tag-132">Security</h3>

<p dir="ltr">A protected and secure Internet connection is required. </p>

<p dir="ltr">After all, a secure Internet connection aids in the protection of your private data. </p>

<p dir="ltr">Your devices should have password encryption that is at least WPA2 or WPA3 according to good practice.</p>

<p dir="ltr"><img alt="Security" src="http://gospeedcheck.com/filemanager/data-images/imgs/20240527/can-i-use-my-own-router-with-centurylink/can-i-use-my-own-router-with-centurylink10.jpg" style="display:block; height:353px; margin-left:auto; margin-right:auto; width:628px"></p>

<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:center"><em>Security</em></p>

<h3 dir="ltr" id="tag-140">Channel bonding</h3>

<p dir="ltr">By merging two Internet channels at once, channel bonding can increase Internet speed. </p>

<p dir="ltr">The more traffic and speed your channel can carry, the greater the channel bonding.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Devices frequently support 32 downloading channels and 8 uploading channels, or 328 channel bonding.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Read also: <a href="https://gospeedcheck.com/article/can-someone-hack-into-my-phone-through-wifi-1113" target="_blank"><strong>Can someone hack into my phone through wifi</strong></a>?</p>

<h2 dir="ltr" style="text-align:center" id="tag-147"><strong>How fast should my CenturyLink Internet speed be?</strong></h2>

<p dir="ltr">Obviously, your plan will determine the maximum speed of your Internet connection.</p>

<p dir="ltr">The most basic plan of 15Mpbs or 20Mpbs should be adequate for homes without high users and with only a few devices in need of connectivity.</p>

<p dir="ltr">The Price for Life plan from CenturyLink, on the other hand, is best for families with more than five members and more than ten devices because it has a 100Mbps maximum download speed.</p>

<p dir="ltr"><img alt="How fast should my CenturyLink Internet speed be?" src="http://gospeedcheck.com/filemanager/data-images/imgs/20240527/can-i-use-my-own-router-with-centurylink/can-i-use-my-own-router-with-centurylink11.jpg" style="display:block; height:324px; margin-left:auto; margin-right:auto; width:720px"></p>

<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:center"><em>How fast should my CenturyLink Internet speed be?</em></p>

<p dir="ltr">In most cases, this is the best option for a family when everyone works from home.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Finally, CenturyLink Fiber Online, which offers rates of up to 940 Mbps, is available if you want to have lightning-fast connections for streaming, uploading, downloading, or any other Internet chores that need a lot of data.</p>

<p dir="ltr">The plans offered by CenturyLink are more reasonably priced when compared to those of other providers.</p>

<h2 dir="ltr" style="text-align:center" id="tag-159"><strong>Can I improve CenturyLink's Wifi signal?</strong></h2>

<p dir="ltr">Although it is nearly difficult to improve your maximum Internet speed without updating your plan, you may boost the effectiveness of the WiFi signal you currently have.</p>

<p dir="ltr"><img alt="Can I improve CenturyLink's Wifi signal?" src="http://gospeedcheck.com/filemanager/data-images/imgs/20240527/can-i-use-my-own-router-with-centurylink/can-i-use-my-own-router-with-centurylink12.jpg" style="display:block; height:430px; margin-left:auto; margin-right:auto; width:568px"></p>

<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:center"><em>Can I improve CenturyLink's Wifi signal?</em></p>

<p dir="ltr">Simply get a router with at least 802.11ac capabilities to accomplish this.</p>

<p dir="ltr">With less data and speed lost over distance, a router with this compatibility may transmit Internet signals over a greater distance.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Even if you get a great router, you still can have poor wifi speed test results if you live in a large home and often remain in various areas. </p>

<p dir="ltr">It also definitely wouldn't be able to connect everyone on its own.</p>

<p dir="ltr">You should purchase an additional router or a WiFi extender for this.</p>
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