How fiber internet is installed

 Here’s a quick, step-by-step overview of the process of getting fiber internet installed at your home.

Find a fiber-optic internet provider in your area

The first thing you’ll need to do is find a fiber internet service provider in your area. There are a few ways you can do this — the fastest way is just to search “fiber internet near me.” This search should return a list of providers near you who offer fiber internet service. Next, choose a provider you’d like to work with. CenturyLink offers Fiber Internet plans in many of our service areas nationwide, and we are continuously expanding.

Schedule a fiber internet installation appointment

Once you’ve chosen a fiber-optic internet provider and signed up for fiber internet service, you’ll need to schedule the installation. You must be home for this appointment, as the installer will need access to both the outside and inside of your home.

During the appointment, the technician will install a small utility box called an optical network terminal (or ONT) outside or inside your home. The tech will then run a cable from a nearby equipment box to the ONT, which will carry the fiber-optic connection from the larger network to your premises. Once the terminal box is hooked up to the network, it will be linked to your router through an Ethernet connection.

Purchase or lease a fiber internet router

You will need a fiber-ready router (often called a “residential gateway” by internet providers like CenturyLink) in order to accommodate fiber-optic speeds. We strongly recommend getting a new gateway directly from your internet service provider to make sure all components of your service are compatible and will work with your new service. Most providers offer the option of leasing or buying a router designed to optimize your fiber connection.

Connect your devices to your home fiber network

After the technician completes the fiber internet installation, he or she will help set up your WiFi-enabled router and connect your devices to the new network. You will find the assigned wireless network name (SSID) and password (security key) on the label attached to your router. Or, you can access the router’s user interface site and create your own customized network name and password to make login easier and more secure. Then locate the correct WiFi network on all your devices and enter the password. As an alternative, you can connect your devices using WPS. Once each device has been reconnected to your new network, you are all set!