Installing new modem

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If you are providing your own modem, you need to call TDS at to activate your Internet service. When set-up is complete, the top three lights will appear steady.

The farther your devices are from your wireless modem, the slower your Wi-Fi connection will be. For optimal performance, place your modem in a central location in your home. To ensure your Wi-Fi signal is as strong as it can be, consider moving household items like microwaves, cordless phones, Bluetooth devices, baby monitors, wireless controllers, etc.

Some older devices two years or older are based on older wireless technology If you are using older devices on your network, you will likely notice range and performance issues.

Dial-up , DSL digital subscriber line , and Cable modem. The following tips help you purchase and install a computer modem. Today, the majority of modems no longer require that jumpers be set. Most computer modems support plug and play , which automatically detects and configures hardware devices.

If your modem has jumpers, ensure they are set properly. In most cases, your identity will be verified automatically. If the system can't do this, you will be asked for additional information. If the automatic verification isn't successful, you will be prompted to enter the account number shown on your bill or order confirmation email from CenturyLink.

Enter that number and your billing zip code, then click "Continue. Wait as the modem is configured to connect to the CenturyLink network. Do not close your browser window while this is in progress. If the system is unable to configure your modem automatically, you will be guided to do this manually through the modem's online settings portal.

You will see this screen, asking which modem you have. Choose the correct option and click "Next. The next screen will give you the link and information you need to go into the modem's online settings portal and run Quick Setup :.

You will be given the option to turn on the modem's wireless router , so that you can connect multiple devices to your own WiFi network. Most customers will want to do this. Select "Yes, activate wireless" or "No" if you don't want WiFi turned on; you can change this later in your modem settings if you choose. Click "Next. They will look similar to the sample shown below. You can choose to keep the default network name SSID and password security key , or to customize them.

For security, we recommend changing these to something that will be easy for you to remember, but impossible for others to guess. You can decide if you'd like detailed instructions on connecting your devices to your modem through WiFi. Click "Yes" or "No," then click "Next.

When you are finished with this step, click "Next. You can opt in or opt out of alerts regarding order status , billing , repair and promotions. For your convenience, these can be different from the contact information associated with your account. On this next screen, we strongly recommend you save a record of your key account information. Once you're finished, click "Next.

The basic installation is now complete, and you can surf the web. You can exit the installation process now, or continue on to some additional services. This will not impact your internet service. In other cases, the router's antennas will be built in, and only need to be extended and positioned. Once it is unpacked and assembled, you'll need to find a place to install the router. The ideal router position will be in a central location, rather than at one end of the home.

Since routers broadcast in all directions, you'll want to put it roughly in the middle of your home to get the best coverage and signal strength. A higher position -- such as up on a shelf -- is preferred, since radio waves move out and down as they propagate through your home.

You'll also want to avoid potential interference from metal objects, brick or concrete walls. And stay away from the microwave, since it puts out the same frequencies that your wireless signal uses. Once it is powered on, you should see the router's indicator lights activate. Some will blink or change color during the setup process, indicating certain functions and changes, but there should be a light that shows when the router is properly plugged in and turned on.

Wait a minute or two after plugging in the router, as it may take a few moments for it to get up and running. For this, you'll use a basic Ethernet cable, plugged into the router's WAN or internet port. This port is usually distinguished from others on the device with a different color, or it may be physically separated from the rest of the ports with a space.