getting to know your century link modem

Getting to know your CenturyLink Modem Powering super-fast Internet speeds up to 40 Mbps

1. DSL or LINE

On newer CenturyLink modems the DSL or LINE port is color coded GREEN and it looks just like a phone jack. Older modem models may not be color coded.Use the GREEN phone cord to connect the DSL port directly to the phone jack in your wall. This phone line carries both a voice and data signal into the modem. However, the modem has a built in filter and will split the signal between voice and data. Therefore, this phone line does not need a filter. In fact, putting a filter on this line would prevent the data signal from reaching the modem and consequently preventing a connection to the Internet.Although a GREEN phone cord is typically provided with your modem kit, any standard phone cord will work just as well.Call CenturyTelNet at 888-338-4053 for today's specials.

2. PHONE

The port labeled PHONE is typically black and is the size of a standard phone jack. The PHONE port lets you run a phone line to a nearby telephone. There is no need to put a filter on the phone line between the modem and the telephone. Because the modem has an internal filter, the data signal will already be filtered out.

A common mistake is to run a phone cord between the PHONE port on the modem and the phone jack in your wall. Remember, the phone cord from the wall should go directly into the DSL or LINE port in the back of the modem.Older modems may not have a phone port at all. If your modem does not have a phone port, and you want to run a traditional phone from the same wall jack as modem, then you will need to use a dual inline filter.

Call CenturyTelNet at 888-338-4053 for today's specials.

3. ETHERNETThe yellow Ethernet ports on the back of the modem allow you to connect directly to the modem's network using a basic Ethernet cable. If you received your modem from CenturyLink, then your kit probably contained a yellow Ethernet cable. Something to be aware of, the Ethernet cable may look like a phone cord, but if you look closer you'll see it's slightly bigger.

Newer CenturyLink modems typically have four Ethernet ports. Older modems may only have one Ethernet port and the port may be labeled DATA.

If your modem has more than one yellow Ethernet port, you can safely use any one of the yellow ports. The additional ports allow you to connect additional computers or peripheral equipment, like say a printer.


4. USB

There are actually two types of USB ports that you may find on a CenturyLink modem.

Newer modems typically have a Type A USB (4 pin rectangular slot) port. Although this type of USB port is shown in the example above the port is currently non-functioning. It may be enabled in a future firmware release.

Older modems typically have a Type B USB (4 pin square) port. This type of USB port is not shown in the example above. It is intended to connect the modem directly to a device that does not have an Ethernet port. This type of connection is not ideal, but is a viable alternative for some older devices. If by chance you are using the Type B USB port to connect a device, it's suggested to not also use the modem's Ethernet port(s).


5. RESET

The small red circle on the back of the modem labeled RESET allows you to either reboot the modem or to restore the modem to all of its default settings. This includes the wireless settings. If you forget your customized wireless credentials, you can use the RESET button to restore the modem's default Network Name (SSID) and the Network KEY or PASSPHRASE.The button is recessed so you need to use the tip of a pen or the end of a paperclip to press the button. Pressing and holding for less than 10 seconds will only reboot the modem.Pressing and holding for more than 10 seconds will reset the modem defaults.After resetting the modem, the power light will turn amber and you will need to run through the modem activation process again just as if it was a brand new modem being installed.Something to keep in mind when you use RESET, any devices previously connected will no longer be able to connect until you enter the most current KEY or PASSPHRASE into the device's wireless connection.


6. POWER

To work, the modem requires a source of electrical power. A power adapter typically is provided with the modem. After you connect the power adapter to the modem and an electrical outlet, give the modem a minute or two to boot up and you'll see the POWER indicator light up on the front of the modem.

Newer CenturyLink modems do not have a power switch. If your modem does not have a "power" switch, then it is automatically turned on when you plug it in. Older CenturyLink modems may still also have a power ON/OFF switch. In addition to plugging in the power, make sure the switch is turned to the ON position.


getting to know your century link modem

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