Using your own wireless router for fiber internet

For the best Brightspeed experience, we recommend using the equipment we provide with your fiber-optic internet connection. In some areas, we provide it at no additional cost.
We understand that flexibility is important, so you do have the option to use a router of your choice. Before you decide, there are some important things to know.

What equipment do I need?

For Brightspeed Fiber customers, you only need a wireless router. This device transmits your wireless network and allows your devices to connect to the internet, as well as to each other. The router shares the internet connection to all devices as they need it, and "routes" data back and forth between devices.

Unlike other types of internet connections, you won’t need a modem for fiber internet. Instead of a modem, your Brightspeed Fiber connection uses an optical network terminal (ONT) to connect your home to the Brightspeed network. Whether or not you decide to use your own router, you will need to use the ONT that Brightspeed provides, which is included in the cost of your internet service.

For Brightspeed Internet customers, you need a combination DSL modem and WiFi router to be compatible with your phone line.

If you use a Brightspeed gateway, it functions as a modem and a router in one device. Easy!

The modem is the device that connects your home or small business to the internet. It receives signals from the internet provider (that's us!) and translates them into data that all the devices on your network can understand.

A router is what transmits your wireless network. It also allows your devices to connect to each other for things like smart home applications. The router shares the internet connection to all devices as they need it, and "routes" data back and forth between devices. In addition, routers usually offer firewalls and other security controls to help prevent malware and other baddies from getting into your home network.

Does a Wi-Fi extender work with fiber?

Wi-Fi extenders are generally compatible with fiber connections. Since the extender is placed after the router in the signal chain, it should work as it would with any other type of internet connection.

We offer Brightspeed certified Wi-Fi extenders to create a high-performance mesh network in your home. However, if you choose to use a third-party router or Wi-Fi extender, we can’t guarantee that any specific Wi-Fi extender model will work with your equipment.

What you need to know about using third-party equipment

When you order Brightspeed service, we recommend using our gateway (modem/router combo). If you opt out, you will need to provide third-party WiFi equipment to connect devices wirelessly to your fiber internet service.

When you bring your own WiFi equipment, be aware that:

Brightspeed is not able to install or troubleshoot your WiFi or Ethernet function on equipment you provide yourself.
Brightspeed can only verify the speed from our network to our provided modem when the configuration of the modem is unchanged. If you adjust modem setup to allow for your WiFi solution, we cannot perform remote diagnostics and other service troubleshooting.
You will not have access to built-in Brightspeed support and security features such as malware protection, antivirus, and content protection.
If your Brightspeed Fiber connection requires a new installation, your Brightspeed technician will use a Brightspeed gateway to set up your connection. Once this is done, you can return the Brightspeed gateway and use your own router if you wish.

Choosing the best router for fiber

Almost any router can work with a fiber internet connection. However, you’ll need a modern router that’s optimized for high-speed internet service to get the most from your fiber connection.

If you decide to use your own equipment, make sure that the router you choose follows these standards:

Minimum of WiFi 5 standards; preferably WiFi 6 or 6e
Built to support WiFi speeds up to 1 Gbps; for multi-gig speeds, equipment should be built to support 2.5 Gbps
Supports manual configuration in "access point" or AP mode; can disable DHCP
- Please note that many retail mesh solutions auto-detect and self-configure, while most combination modem-router devices or gateways do not self-configure.
- Please note that the Brightspeed C4000, C3000, and C3510 gateways cannot be configured in access point mode.
- Please note that using a router that is not in access point mode could impact performance for gaming, VPN, internet voice service, some IoT devices, and printing.

Setting up a router with your fiber connection

The steps required to set up your router will vary depending on what equipment model you’re using. These are the basic steps you’ll need to follow:

1. Verify that you’re using a Brightspeed compatible router.

Third party routers are not guaranteed to work with your Brightspeed Fiber connection. See our list of compatible routers and modems here.

2. Connect your router to the ONT.

Run an Ethernet cable from the Wide Area Network (WAN) port on your router to the Ethernet port on your ONT. Remember, your ONT may be installed on the outside of your home.

3. Follow your router’s instructions to set up your wireless network.

Follow the instructions provided with your device to create a wireless network. Make sure to set up a password on the network to prevent unauthorized users from accessing your home internet.

4. Test your internet connection.

Use our free internet speed test to verify that your network is up and running. It’s a good idea to test the router with both a wired Ethernet connection and with your Wi-Fi network.

For more information about setting up your router, check the device’s instruction manual. Don’t forget to check out Brightspeed’s lineup of router/modem combos, including devices optimized for high-performance fiber connections.