Gigabit Internet requirements: Make sure you're Gigabit-ready

To make sure you are getting the fastest speed possible, let's check a couple of things before you run a speed test. It's also a great idea to complete these steps before you start troubleshooting your WiFi.

Your computer

Your computer needs a Gig Ethernet port. There are other factors on your device that can affect your speeds like the operating system, processor, memory, network adapter, the browser and the number of apps you have running.

Recommended Computer Specifications:

Operating System: Windows 10 (64 bit)
Processor: Intel® Core™ i5-3320M CPU @ 2.60GHz (4 CPUs)
Memory: 16 GB
Network adapter: 1 Gig

Your gateway (modem/router)

Your modem/router needs to be fast enough to handle your speed. Here are some CenturyLink modems that are compatible with speeds of up to 940 Mbps:

Learn more about modem compatibility

Your Ethernet cable

You need a category 6 cable or better. The Ethernet cable has been evolving since 1985. As technology changed, different categories of Ethernet cables have been developed, each with different transmission speeds. For speeds of 940 Mbps to work, Ethernet cables must use all pairs.

Your WiFi

Speed tests performed over a wireless connection don't reflect your full connection speed. Keep in mind that wired connections are faster, more secure, more dependable and should be used whenever possible. With that in mind, we can show you some tricks to improve your wireless connection.

You can get the fastest WiFi speeds possible in your environment by having a computer and modem/router both using 802.11ac* and connected at 5 Ghz.

Your Computer: 802.11ac* WiFi adapter connected at 5 Ghz
Your modem/router: 802.11ac* WiFi radio connected at 5 Ghz

*802.11ac has a theoretical speed of 1.3 Gbps. Real-world factors like interference and distance can reduce speeds dramatically.

Tips to improve your WiFi signal strength

Other devices

If you have multiple devices using your high-speed internet, your speed will be shared with those devices. Be aware of all the devices that can eat up your speeds: other computers, gaming system, web enabled camera, DVRs, TV's, routers, VoIP phones, wireless printers, smart phones, Android, iPhone, iPad, Smarthome, Roku, Apple TV or Chromecast.

Learn more about what impacts internet speeds

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