Spectrum’s diverse range of internet speed tiers enables you to select a package that best meets your requirements. The WiFi service has a plan for you whether you want an Internet-only package or a bundled one – Spectrum Triple Play Select, Silver, or Gold. However, you might be wondering about the type of modem you can use with Spectrum.
You can use your modem with the Spectrum router. However, it would help if you first determined whether your current modem or the one you intend to purchase is compatible with the router. To communicate with Spectrum’s network, you must use an authorized modem.
A lot of users found the process of using an existing or new modem with the Spectrum router quite technical and undoable.
So we took the time to write a comprehensive article that will guide you from start to finish until you are done with the task. Before buying a new modem, read the helpful information below to find out why you want to consider using your modem to access Spectrum’s network and how you can do it effortlessly.
Why Should I Prefer Using My Own Modem With Spectrum Router?
Spectrum charges you a monthly subscription fee to use their internet service. If you don’t have a modem of your own, Spectrum provides you with a compatible one with a built-in router. However, you have to pay additional monthly fees to rent that equipment.
So if you want to avoid rental costs, choose features that you want from a modem, or keep it as locked and safe as possible, either buy a new modem or use your existing one to access Spectrum’s WiFi.
Using Own Modem With Spectrum
The process might seem daunting if you already have a modem and want to use it with Spectrum’s router. However, our step-by-step guide will be helpful for you and guide you through the whole procedure with great ease.
So without any delay, here is how you can use your own modem with Spectrum.
Step #1: Check Modem Compatibility
In the first step, ensure that your modem is compatible with the Spectrum router; otherwise, you will face many issues, resulting in quitting the whole activation process.
Also, the modem should work with the cable internet and use 802.11n and 802.11ac protocols to support all devices on your network.
Spectrum does not offer support for third-party modems.
Step #2: Disable Spectrum Modem
If you are already using a Spectrum modem with a built-in router, you have to call Spectrum support and let them disable the wireless features on the device.
Connect your own modem to the PC Ethernet port to do this manually. Next, open a browser and type in 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 in the address bar. After inputting the login credential, turn off Wireless, DHCP, Routing, and Firewall from the dashboard menu.
Next, go back to the main dashboard and select “LAN settings” in the left pane. Scroll and select the network mode options. Here, switch “NAT” to “Bridge” mode, and reboot your modem.
If both modems are enabled, you will face a lot of data traffic congestion and connectivity issues. You can start setting up your own modem after the WiFi is disabled on Spectrum’s modem.
Step #3: Preparing Modem and Router
The next step is to set up your new or existing modem with the Spectrum router.
Choose the coax cable included in your kit; that is the best length based on the location of your modem.
Next, connect one end to the cable wall outlet and the other end to the modem. If you are using the same cable outlet to connect the modem and a Spectrum router, use the coax splitter and extra coax cables provided in your kit.
Now, connect one end of the power cord to the modem and the other to an electrical outlet. Turn on the modem and wait for the online status light to turn from flashing to solid blue.
Next, connect one end of the Ethernet cable to the modem and the other end to the internet port of the Spectrum router. Now grab the Spectrum power cord, connect one end to the router, and plug the other into an electrical outlet. Turn on the router and wait for the indicator light to turn from flashing to solid blue.
Step #4: Configuring Modem Settings
Next, you will configure your new or existing modem with the Spectrum router and make it your own.
After turning on the modem, go to your PC and click on the “Start” menu. Afterward, search for Command prompt and run it with administrative privileges. Now type in ipconfig /all to know the modem’s IP address. Launch a browser on your PC, type in the IP address, and hit Enter.
Type your username and password printed on the back of the modem, to access the dashboard. Once inside, change your login information and set up security and personalization features on the modem to make it your own on the Spectrum network. Finally, reboot the modem to let the changes take effect.
The default modem username and password is usually “admin”.
Summary
In this guide, we’ve discussed why you don’t need to pay an extra monthly fee to use Spectrum WiFi through their modem and router combo. We’ve also explored a complete tutorial that showed you the process of disabling the Spectrum modem, checking your own modem compatibility with the service, connecting it to the Spectrum router, and configuring necessary modem settings.
Hopefully, you don’t need to worry anymore. Now you can get the most benefit from the Spectrum network without breaking the piggy bank.
Frequently Asked Questions
The entire procedure usually takes 5 to 10 minutes to complete. However, since the modem’s status light may require over 20 minutes to convert from blinking to still mode due to firmware upgrades, the total duration will be increased to 30 minutes in this scenario.
