CenturyLink self-installation guide

How to self-install your own CenturyLink internet

A CenturyLink self-install is available in the 36 states the internet service provider (ISP) offers service in. Depending on your area, you may have the option of DSL or fiber service. Depending on what you choose, the CenturyLink internet setup may be different. Here are three steps to follow to successfully complete a CenturyLink self-installation:

Purchase CenturyLink internet

To purchase an internet plan, look into what type of service the ISP offers for your area. You can order a plan through Allconnect from up to five options including plans with speeds of:

• 940 Mbps
• 100 Mbps
• 40 Mbps
• 20 Mbps
• 10 Mbps

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Setting up your CenturyLink compatible modem

Find your Coax cable connection for modem setup

Once you’ve ordered service, it’s time to start the CenturyLink modem setup. The most common setup is a coaxial cable connection. Coax outlets are commonly found in most modern homes. They’re typically used for cable TV connections and are usually located on a lower wall. Coax outlets look like a wall outlet with a small, round connector.

Once you find the location of your coax outlet, take a quick look for blockages that could affect your home’s Wi-Fi connection and speed. The ideal place to install a modem is on a small table around three feet from the ground.

CenturyLink modem set up or your own modem

A modem will deliver the internet from the provider to your home. There’s a difference between a modem and a router. A modem receives the signal and a router broadcasts your home network wirelessly. You’ll find that today’s equipment usually features a two-in-one device that’s both modem and router.

You can typically rent a modem from the ISP or use your own. CenturyLink has a tool that can help you determine whether you’re existing modem is compatible. There are two types of CenturyLink modems — a tower-like rectangular style or the cone-shaped C4000. Here are the steps you can take to complete a CenturyLink modem setup:

• Save the confirmation for details about the activation.
• Wait for the confirmation that your service is activated before you start the CenturyLink modem set up. If you don’t receive it, you can connect your modem after 7 p.m. on your start date.
• Download the My CenturyLink app to help you complete the process without having to use a web browser.
• Connect the black power cord to the power port of the modem and to a wall outlet. 
• If a green cable is supplied, plug it into the green DSL port on the modem and the other end into a working wall outlet phone jack. 
• If you don’t plan on using the My CenturyLink app to set up the modem, you can connect the yellow Ethernet cord into one of the Ethernet ports on the back of the modem and your computer’s Ethernet port. 
• Give the device a few minutes to configure. The status light ring will change colors. Once it’s ready, you’ll see a solid blue or green light.  

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CenturyLink router setup and connection to modem 

There are no additional steps to complete a CenturyLink router set up since the ISP’s modem and router are integrated as one device. However, if you choose to use your own router, it’s entirely possible to do so. However, you’ll need to be comfortable with doing a CenturyLink router set up on your own without customer support. Follow these steps:

• Power off and disconnect the cables to all the devices.
• Connect the modem to the DSL phone jack.
• Connect the CenturyLink modem to your own router using an ethernet cable. 
• Connect a computer or other devices you’d like hard wired using extra ethernet cables. This step is optional if you prefer to connect wirelessly.
• Review your router’s instructions on how to connect to a modem. 
• Verify that the router’s Local (LAN) IP is not 192.168.1.1. CenturyLink suggests 192.168.3.1.
• Test the connection.

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Connect your devices to your wireless network

Once the CenturyLink router setup is complete, you can connect to the wireless network. iPhones make it easy by allowing you to share passwords with select iOS devices. Otherwise, you can connect to the new home network by finding the network name (SSID) and password displayed on the label underneath or behind the device.

You can always change the network’s name and/or password. Log in to your router to change the settings. Once you set the new SSID, search for the network, select it, enter the password and you should be connected and ready to go.

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CenturyLink activate your internet connection

CenturyLink often activates your service first and then notifies you to install the equipment. Activation typically completes by 7 p.m. That’s why the ISP recommends waiting until 7 p.m. to install the modem. If you’ve completed the modem setup and still don’t have internet connectivity, the following steps can be followed for a CenturyLink activate:

• Use the mobile app or the QuickConnect site on a browser, both of which will walk you through a CenturyLink activate.
• Visit the “Install my New Modem” section in the app. 
• Follow the steps and your activation should complete in minutes.

The bottom line

CenturyLink provides DSL or fiber optic internet. The ISP offers customers a modem/router combo for ultimate simplicity when self-installing. Downloading the mobile app further simplifies the process by walking you through activation. Best of all, CenturyLink does not lock customers in with an annual contract. You can cancel service at any time if you’re not happy with the internet service.

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