Brightspeed tower modem setup

This page provides instructions to install internet with any tower or box-style Brightspeed modem/router.

For all following models:
Actiontec * Adtran * Calix * Technicolor * Zyxel

Not the right kind of modem? Try the C4000 setup page instead.

Have you ordered a new modem or new internet service with installation from Brightspeed? Before finishing the installation procedure, there are a few things you should be aware of. Before you start, make sure to read the complete instructions below for the best results.

On or before the day your service is supposed to commence, your modem will be delivered by mail. Search for an email containing information about your order confirmation and a link to follow its status. On your start date, your line will be operational by 7 p.m. If your service has already been activated, you might get a message earlier in the day. At that point, you can begin the installation process. If in doubt, you might wish to put off connecting your modem until after 7 o'clock.

Please note that the modem shown below may look slightly different from yours, but the steps will be the same. The one exception is the round, white C4000 (view the C4000 setup instructions instead).

Start by unpacking the box and identifying the modem, cables, and instruction card. If needed, you can download the same instructions below.

Download the installation guide

We recommend downloading and installing the Brightspeed Internet app on your iOS or Android device to complete installation. It not only makes the setup process a breeze, but is also great for managing your Brightspeed services, billing and support going forward.

Download the Brightspeed Internet app

If you prefer to use your computer for installation, just follow the QuickConnect process when you get to step 4 to finish setup.

The next task is to find the best spot for your modem. Where it is placed can have a huge impact on your wireless performance.

Find a central location in your house, avoiding closets or other closed-off areas to ensure that all devices in your home get a strong wireless signal from the router.
Choose a spot with good air circulation that doesn't get hot, as excessive heat can cause electronics to perform poorly.

Now it's time to get your modem hooked up.

Plug the black power cord into a wall outlet and into the power port on the back of the modem.
Plug one end of the green cord into the green DSL port on back of the modem, and the other end into a working phone jack.
Finally, plug one end of the yellow Ethernet cord into one of the Ethernet ports on the modem, and the other end into your computer's Ethernet port.

Back of modem showing DSL ports, Ethernet ports, power port

Note: Your modem may look different from the one in the image, but the ports on any tower or box-style modem will be similar.

Note: If you are using a tablet or newer laptop, you may not have an Ethernet port on your device. That's okay. If your device doesn't have Ethernet, you can instead connect to WiFi using the SSID and security key on the bottom of the modem.

Do you have both internet and home phone service from Brightspeed?

If NO, proceed to step 3.

If you have the C4000BG or LG/LZ model and you have both landline phone service (not VOIP) and high-speed internet, you will need to install DSL filters on all of your phone cords. These are essential to make sure you get the best phone and internet connection. See the detailed instructions and diagrams below.

Filters are not needed if you use the C4000XG.

Plug the phone cord into a filter and then into the wall jack

Note: If you have cordless phones, you only need to install a filter on the phone base that plugs in to the wall jack; no filters are needed on the cordless units that only plug into an electrical outlet.

Do not install a filter between the modem and the wall jack.

Modem plugging in with no filter (diagram)

The DSL cord from the modem to the jack should not have a filter

As an alternative, use a splitter to plug both a phone and a DSL modem into one wall jack.

Phone and modem plugging into DSL splitter (diagram)

Use a DSL splitter to plug a phone and a modem into one wall jack

Have a home security system? Chat with customer service to get a technician to install a whole-home filter on the line outside your home (there is an installation fee for this.)

Filters are not included in your modem kit. If you have a landline phone and internet with Brightspeed, filters should have been included at the time of your order and will arrive in a separate package. If you did not receive filters, please chat with us.

At this point, you are ready to activate your service! You can proceed using the mobile app or the QuickConnect site on a browser — either one will walk you through the steps to finish installing service.

Option 1: In the Brightspeed Internet app, go into the Install my New Modem section.

Option 2: Open a browser on your computer and go to http://connect.brightspeed.com (not "https"). Follow the steps to complete the installation process using QuickConnect. And don't worry — if your computer is connected to the modem, you will be able to access this site even before your internet service is fully activated.

Instructions using QuickConnect

While completing the installation process, the lights on your modem will tell you its connection status. Your modem may look different from the one in the images below, but the lights will function in the same way.

Look at the row of status lights on your modem. What color is the INTERNET light?

If it's GREEN

You're finished!

Once the internet light is green, you're connected to the internet and you can get online!

If it's AMBER

You need to finish setup online

If the internet light is amber/orange, this means the setup process is not yet complete or you have not yet accepted the user agreement. Use the Brightspeed Internet mobile app or browse to http://connect.brightspeed.com and follow the prompts to finish setup.

If it's RED

An error has occurred

If the internet light is red, this means a connection failure has occurred. Try disconnecting everything (DSL and power cords), waiting a few minutes, and repeating steps 2 and 3. If you still get a red light, you will need to chat with an agent to get further troubleshooting help.

Have questions about the other lights on your modem? Visit our detailed guide on how to read the lights on your modem to troubleshoot your internet connection.

Below are some of the most common questions and issues that customers ask as they install a modem.

What if all the lights on the modem are off?

It may sound obvious, but if none of the lights are coming on, it most often means something isn't fully plugged in.
Try this:

Make sure the power cord is fully and firmly plugged in on both ends: into the power port on the modem and into the wall outlet.
Make sure the outlet is live. You can test this by plugging in another electrical device, and/or try another outlet.

What if the DSL light is red?

Only the C4000BG and LG/LZ models have a DSL light. The red light indicates the modem isn't connecting to the Brightspeed network. This can be either because the service hasn't been activated yet, you're using an inactive jack, or there's an issue with the modem's authentication process.
Try this:

Check your order confirmation to make sure you've got the right date that your service is scheduled to start.
Wait until after 7 p.m. on the service start date to attempt setup.
Try another phone jack if one is available.
Try rebooting the modem. Unplug everything, wait a few minutes, and plug in again. This can often resolve a connection issue.
As a last resort, you can try using the reset button.

How long should the setup process take?

This can depend on a number of factors. The initial boot-up process can take up to 15 minutes as the modem updates firmware and syncs with the network. The remaining setup will depend on your installation method (using the Brightspeed Fiber app or the QuickConnect site) and how quickly you go through the steps.

Can I use any jack in my home?

This can depend on the age of your home. In an older home, there may be multiple jacks, and they may have been installed by different providers over the years. It may be that only one of the jacks is hooked up to Brightspeed's network, or all of them may be active.

CAUTION! Do not remove or lose your modem sticker, which includes your default admin username and password. These preset credentials cannot be retrieved, and your modem could become unusable without them.

If you have questions we haven't answered, or if you need any additional support with setting up your modem, chat with us. We're here to help!

Setting up new service? Please note that a phone jack is required to set up Brightspeed internet service in your home. If you don't have a jack, chat with us to have one installed.

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Brightspeed tower modem setup

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