To install a new modem and router using an Ethernet cable, you need the following items.
Before installing your new modem, you need to disconnect your old modem from your cable wall outlet and computer first.
1
2
3
4
5
6
Check the modem and router lights to confirm they have power, and connect to the network and your computer. To learn more about which lights should be on for your specific devices, refer to the user guides
Equipment check
Before you get started, check that you have all the proper equipment. If you purchased or leased your modem through CenturyLink, then you have a kit that includes:
You also need your computer turned on and ready to go.
Note: Even if you received your modem kit early, your service probably isn't active yet. It's best to wait until after 8:00 pm on your scheduled service day. If you try to activate your modem sooner, you may run into problems.
Connecting your modem
Step 1: Find a good place for your modem
Where you decide to place your modem can affect its performance. As with most electronic equipment, pick a place that has good air circulation and that won't get too hot. If electronic components get excessively hot, they don't typically work as well and may break.
If you're using a wireless modem, ideally, place it in a high, central location that allows for better range of coverage. Also, you can get the the best speed and performance from your modem by not placing it near:
Step 2: Power up your modem
Once you have found the perfect place for your modem, it's time to give it some power. Start by connecting the power cord to the modem and plugging it in.
You might notice that there is no power switch on the modem. Although some modems have a power switch, some don't.
Give the modem 1 to 2 minutes to boot up. When it's ready, you'll see the POWER indicator light up ON the front of the modem. This is a good time to make sure your computer is ON and ready to go.
Modem? Router? Which is it?
It can be both! Although modems and routers are different, for ease and convenience, most CenturyLink modems have a built-in router. Additionally, depending on the model, your device may be wireless capable.
Step 4: Connecting cords and cables
Now, let's move on to connecting the cords and cables.Your kit comes with a green phone cord and a yellow Ethernet cable. Let's work with the phone cord first.
Plug one end of the green phone cord into the green port in the back of the modem, labeled either DSL or LINE.Plug the other end into the phone jack in your wall. When you hear it click, you know you've inserted it correctly.
A couple of important things to avoid:
IMPORTANT: The modem has a built in filter, so there's no need to use a filter on the line that connects your modem to the wall jack. In fact, if you do, you'll have problems.
Ok, now on to the yellow Ethernet cable. The Ethernet cable may look like a phone cord, but if you examine it closely, you'll see it's slightly bigger. To keep things simple during the setup, even if your modem and computer are wireless capable, we recommend that you use the Ethernet cable to connect your computer to the modem.
If your modem has multiple yellow Ethernet ports, you can safely use any them. The additional ports allow you to connect additional computers or peripheral equipment like a printer.
Plug the other end of the yellow Ethernet cable into the Ethernet port on your computer. The location varies by computer model. Examine your computer for a port. It looks sort of like a phone jack except it's slightly bigger.
If you've correctly connected the Ethernet cable, then the lights around the Ethernet port on your computer will light up.
What does a PC Ethernet port look like?
If you are using a PC, the port might show a symbol that looks like 3 or 5 squares branching off a single line.
What does a Mac Ethernet port look like?
If you are using a Mac, the port symbol looks like 3 dots between 2 brackets.
Step 5: Double check your modem
At this point, before starting your service activation, it's a good idea to double check your modem.
If the lights aren't lit up properly, then double check all of your connections and give it a couple of minutes. If after a few minutes the lights still aren't correct, then it's probably best to contact CenturyLink Tech Support.
Ever wonder what the color and behavior of the lights on your modem mean? Learn more about your modem.
Modem and service activation
Once you've set up your modem, you won't be able to surf the Internet until you go through the activation steps. This process authorizes your modem to access your CenturyLink High-Speed Internet service. It's a fairly easy, step-by-step process that usually takes about 15 minutes to complete.
To get started, go to your computer and open a web browser, such as Internet Explorer or Firefox.
When you open the browser, you'll immediately see the welcome screen. You'll know that you're in the right place when you see the CenturyLink logo and a message that reads "welcome. let's get started."
Click the green Next button to begin!
If you don't see this screen, then you might want to try manually navigating to "connect.centurylink.com" by typing it into the address bar of your browser.
About the Author
