Best CenturyLink Compatible Modems & Routers In 2023 – Round-Up Review

Life without a high-speed internet does not seem as exciting, right?

This is why people are looking for newer and faster internet connections all the time. There are many service providers, but they can hardly beat CenturyLink. 

CenturyLink compatible modems and routers are very easily available. Here's everything you need to know about them.

Is it Better to Rent or Buy a CenturyLink Router and Modem?

CenturyLink has a variety of affordable internet packages that come with equipment you can rent. On average, their routers cost $15 to $20 a month if you rent them. This makes it about $180 to $240 annually. That is much higher than the price of a new modem or router. 

So, it would be wiser to invest in a modem and router once and then enjoy their functioning for years. This way, you will save so much that you will thank yourself for making this decision. Still, it depends on whether you are ready for this investment. 

Review of the Best CenturyLink Compatible Modems and Routers

The internet by CenturyLink is so fast and smooth that there is hardly anyone who wouldn't want it. But it will work well only if you have a compatible modem and router. So, let's look at the best CenturyLink compatible modems and routers. 

CenturyLink Internet Tiers

As with other products, CenturyLink internet tiers are the levels of service they offer. Each has its own specifications and functions to meet the requirements of different users. There are basically three ISP-approved internet tiers that CenturyLink sticks to. Here are those three with all the information you need.

Tier 1

Tier 1 network providers have an extensive global reach. They help establish connections between countries and even continents. The internet on this tier is smooth and has high speeds, along with greater area coverage. There is no purchase of transit services in tier 1, so it has to compete with other tier 1 networks only.

Tier 2

The tier 2 CenturyLink internet is more widely used. It has transit purchases, so it provides a higher range of internet data. It doesn't have the data based solely on tier 1 but gets some of it from tier 3 service providers.

Tier 3

Tier 3 service providers are the trickiest of all tiers, as they have no transit or peering relationships. Rather, they rely on tier 2 service providers to provide them transit services. They even get connection services from tier 1 service providers.

People Also Ask

CenturyLink Internet is DSL-based, so it is not like most other internet providers. The connection is now widely available and market trends are shifting towards it. Still, people have many queries regarding the functioning of this type of connection and its equipment. Also, modems and routers have to be CenturyLink-compatible with the network to work. So, there are more questions, some of which we answer here.

Can I Use My Own Router With CenturyLink?

It's possible to use your own router with CenturyLink if it has VLAN tagging. The ONT fiber needs specific modems that work with CenturyLink, but not routers. So, using your own previous router is okay too, as long as it is fully functional. Just check for speed compatibility and range of area coverage, and you are good to go.

Can I Use My Own Modem For CenturyLink?

It may or may not be possible to use your own modem for CenturyLink, as it depends on the modem itself. CenturyLink allows the operation of third party modems on its network, but they have to be DSL. A DSL modem is a must for catching and converting data from CenturyLink to reach your devices. So, you can use your own DSL modem, but no other modem type with CenturyLink.

Do NETGEAR Routers Work With CenturyLink?

Yes, NETGEAR routers work with CenturyLink internet service. The only kind of internet service NETGEAR doesn't support is a bonded DSL which has two DSL lines synced together. As CenturyLink uses single DSL technology, NETGEAR routers are fine with it.

How Do I Update My CenturyLink Router?

In order to update your CenturyLink router, you have to do the following.

1. Connect a device with the router and type https://192.168.0.1. into your browser
2. Log in to your modem and select “utilities”
3. Then select “upgrade firmware” and select “download”
4. Select “Save as” from the “Save” dropdown menu
5. Now, select “Desktop” and “Save” then “Browse”
6. Then, again, click on “Save” and click on the firmware update that you saved to your desktop

How to Change CenturyLink Wi-Fi Password?

Changing the CenturyLink Wi-Fi password is quite easy, you just have to follow these steps.

1. Connect your laptop or computer with your modem
2. Open a browser and enter https://192.168.0.1/ Enter your admin Username and admin Password
3. Select the option of "Wireless Setup"
4. Select your frequency and go to "Wireless Security"
5. Then click on the required SSID and then on "Select the Security Type" 
6. Choose the "Both" option for encryption and select "Custom Key" or "Default"
7. Type in the new password and click on "Apply"

How to Change Password on CenturyLink Modem?

In order to change the password on your CenturyLink modem, you have to do the following.

1. Connect your computer to your modem and type https://192.168.0.1. in your browser
2. Put in the admin username and password and then select "Wireless Setup"
3. Select the frequency and go to "Wireless Security"
4. Select SSID and the 'Security Type" you want and then click on "Both" for encryption
5. Select custom paraphrase and enter the new password

How to Make CenturyLink Internet Faster?

It is quite easy to make your CenturyLink internet faster without any technical help. Begin with relocating your modem, as certain positions are not favorable for spreading the signal. If this doesn't work out, you can try changing the frequency of the channels you use, too. This will help you increase your CenturyLink internet speed for sure.

How to Reset CenturyLink Modem?

Here is how you can reset your CenturyLink modem safely:

1. Do not turn off the modem as it needs power for resetting
2. Press the "RESET" button and hold it
3. When the lights on the modem start to flicker, release the Reset button
4. Now you have to wait for 3-5 minutes for the light to turn green
5. Now, connect to the internet and you are good to go
6. You might have to input your details again after resetting

How to Access CenturyLink Router Settings?

To access the CenturyLink router settings, you simply have to connect your device with the modem. Then type https://192.168.0.1. into your browser and enter your admin username and admin password. Now select "Advanced Setup", and you will be able to access the settings.

How to Log Into CenturyLink Router?

Logging into a CenturyLink router is not hard at all. Connect your laptop or computer with the router and type https://192.168.0.1. in your browser. There, you will get a new page asking for admin username and admin password. 

How to Log Into CenturyLink Modem?

To log into CenturyLink modem, go to your browser and type the link https://192.168.0.1. There will be a modem sticker on the page that opens. Click on it, and you'll be asked for admin username and admin password. Fill in these details, and you will log into your CenturyLink modem.

How Do I Set Up My CenturyLink Modem?

Here is a video to help you set up your CenturyLink modem. 

Conclusion

Wrapping it up, CenturyLink internet is one of the quickest spreading internet service providers at the moment. It is just wise to get a new CenturyLink modem and router set to get a steadier internet connection. So, go for it when you choose to increase your connection and internet speed.

List of CenturyLink Approved Modems and Routers

The market is full of modems and routers, which promise high-speed internet but not all of them are compatible with CenturyLink internet. This makes users regret spending so much when they need a DSL modem. CenturyLink uses DSL, unlike most other internet services in the country. So, we have brought you a list of CenturyLink approved modems and routers. It is sure to help you invest your money in quality, compatible equipment.

Table Key

R = Router, M = Modem, C = Modem Router Combo