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Bring your own fiber equipment
For the best Brightspeed experience, we recommend using the equipment we provide. For some areas, we provide it at no additional cost.
We understand 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, which acts as a gateway to the fiber connection in your home.
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.
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.
WiFi equipment specifications and setup:
- Minimum of WiFi 5 standards; preferred 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.
- Please note that many retail mesh solutions auto-detect and self-configure, while most combination modem-router devices or gateways do not self-configure.
Using your own WiFi equipment won't allow you to access these Brightspeed support features:
- Security features such as malware protection, antivirus, and content protection
- Technical support and troubleshooting help from our team
- Mobile apps to manage your home network
Need more help? Our troubleshooting team is standing by. Find contact options in the Support tab of the app, or by signing in to your account.
Manage your account preferences and billing information through our app
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