Centurylink router

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Level 1

19 points

Centurylink router

Ok this might be in the wrong forum or even the wrong site but Ill ask anyway. I am using the wireless router/modem combo that I got from Centurylink when I signed up for my internet service. I have no idea what kind of security settings it has or any kind of settings it has for that matter. I know that this is probably too broad a question but is there any way to find out what kind of settings it has and if I can do any tweaking to make the signal stronger? I have been allergic to routers and modems for as long as I can remember because Im scared to death of messing something up and then calling for help and getting connected to Achmed over in camel land. For what its worth my combo is a Westell Model A90-750022-07. I have had this thing for years and if I need to upgrade will someone be honest and tell me if this thing is a piece of #### or not? And if so, do I have to use one of their routers or can I buy my own to get my internet? Also, last question, if I honestly do need to upgrade can I get some suggestions and is it worth the extra money to get an Apple product? As you can tell I dont know beans about routers and modems so if I do need to get a new one, ease of setup would be one major selling point for me. If anyone could help me I would GREATLY appreciate it!

Posted on Jan 31, 2015 9:12 PM

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Answer 1

Best reply

LaPastenague

Level 9

67,208 points

Jan 31, 2015 10:27 PM in response to Tommy Bahama

The Modem you have is ADSL.

It is rather ancient.. but probably as far as the adsl side and router side is concerned perfectly adequate for the job.

If the wireless is failing.. and that is highly likely you have a couple of choices.. Stick with the Westell and simply turn off its wireless.

http://setuprouter.com/router/westell/a90-750022-07/screenshots.htm

That will help you find what you are looking for.. go to the wireless tab, and the basic setup and simply disable wireless.

Here is the blown up picture of that setting.

http://setuprouter.com/router/westell/a90-750022-07/wifi-setup-33933-large.htm

Now plug a router into the Westell.. it can be any wireless router but lets say you go out and buy a second hand Apple Airport Extreme Gen5 A1408 which is around $50-80 on ebay.. a very good buy at the lower end of that range at least.

Now run the setup utility and allow it automatically choose settings it should become your wireless access point for the network.. a huge improvement over the existing wireless and will help because apple routers do work particularly well with apple client device.. computers and ipads and iphones etc.. If you actually own PC's and android phones.. don't buy a Apple Router.. buy a cheap one from TP-Link for example.. Like C7 which is above the standard of the Gen5 AE and closer to the latest one.

Your other choice is completely replace the Westell with your own modem router. For example we recommend the TP-Link D7 archer as a good model. You will however need to know a couple of things.. your login name and password for your connection to adsl. Unlike other connections like cable you need a login. And you cannot always get that info from old equipment if you have lost it or were never provided it.

Alternatively ring CenturyLink and just ask them for a new modem router.. they might give you one free if you extend your contract.. or at least ask if you can use your own and if so request they email you the username and password if that is lost.

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Answer 2

Tommy Bahama Author

Level 1

19 points

Jan 31, 2015 10:43 PM in response to LaPastenague

Thank you very much for the quick reply and from the next question I am going to ask you will really understand that I dont know a lot about routers. But the one I have now is an all in one, it is the modem and the router all in one. Does Apple make such a thing as that as well? Is the extreme or whatever its called a combo unit meaning a modem and a router combined in one unit? Im sorry if I sound like an idiot but I have always had my routers and modems set up for me. I can tell this router is rather old and I was wondering if I got a newer Apple version if my Netflix and Amazon streaming performance would improve as well. Again, thank you for the quick answer and this is what else Im wondering as well.

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Answer 3

Feb 1, 2015 1:29 AM in response to Tommy Bahama

Does Apple make such a thing as that as well?

Apple do not make any modems.. They have never made broadband modems.. only dialup.

You must use the modem.. If you want an all in one.. I think ring your ISP and ask.. and see if they have a technician available to install it as well.

ISP will sometimes do amazing amount to keep your monthly debits going.

Otherwise you can buy your own all in one and get a tech to install it.. but better getting the tech first.. and ask if he wants to supply a reasonable priced modem router he is used to using.

It is possible to DIY but if you are not confident that is fine. there is no reason you should be. Buy the help. Think of it as a broken washing machine.. just call the repairer.

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Answer 4

Tommy Bahama Author

Level 1

19 points

Feb 1, 2015 2:04 AM in response to Tommy Bahama

Ok I have another question about my Westell modem/router. I provided the model number which was A90-750022-07 and was told that was a pretty old combo and Centurylink should have a newer product. Does anyone know how old that router/modem combo is so I can tell them that this combo is however old it is and the amount of money Im paying them a month for service I think I deserve a newer piece of equipment. I dont want to sound like a #### but I dont think that is asking too much of them is it? But if anyone knows the approximate age of this combo I would appreciate finding out. Thanks in advance.

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