Do you have to use the router your ISP provides?

I currently have the router my ISP (Verizon) provided us connected to our own router. I did this because the ISPs router only had WEP wireless encryption.

So instead of having to troubleshoot 2 routers each time there is a problem with the internet connection is it possible to just buy your own router with an RJ11 input? Or do their routers also decode the signal in some way that other routers would not do?

router isp router-with-rj11-input

asked Jul 15 '11 at 21:06

Lestat611
2.1k●94●111●133

8 Answers:

oldest newest most voted

My ISP never gave me a router and I bought my own and am currently using it so no.

answered Jul 15 '11 at 21:11

zman
3.5k●15●26●82

Different ISPs have different ways of doing things. So unless your ISP is also Verizon ...

(Jul 15 '11 at 21:20) Lestat611

I have SBCglobal but I guarantee you, no matter what type of router your ISP gave you, there is one of the same type available for purchase elsewhere. Just do a web search and you'll find one for sale.

(Jul 15 '11 at 21:27) zman

0	here in canada, it's hard to find a router that will accept the DSL signals coming through the phone lines. in almost all case's it's not economically viable answered Jul 15 '11 at 21:43 cal920c 221●2●3●7

0	No I don't. My ISP offers them for rent or purchase, but I just used my Linksys. Currently, I'm whiteboxing a netgear. answered Jul 15 '11 at 22:02 Sozo 3.9k●20●35●68

I am using the pre configured DSL modem that my ISP provided (it also only has WEP encryption and is 802.11g standard) and ran an Ethernet cable out to a Netgear Wireless N access point and it seems to work just fine. A friend suggested doing this instead of using a Modem/Access point combo unit as it spreads the workload and heat between the two devices making them a little more stable and possibly allowing them to last longer due to running a little cooler. Saved a little money only getting an access point instead of a combo unit too.

answered Jul 15 '11 at 22:21

Lamethrower
311●3●5●10

0	The best idea, is to disable wireless and other non-required features on the Verizon Router and pretty much turn it into a modem. answered Jul 16 '11 at 01:13 Jim 465●6●8●18 That is what I have done. (Jul 16 '11 at 13:12) Lestat611

0	yes, my ISP (MWEB) gives great routers to their clients, they are the best South-Africa! answered Jul 16 '11 at 05:57 Saakeman 841●42●47●64

I always find it better, performance, range and quality to use your own router. I have the Road Runner Lightning Ubee modem/router and according to them they "took out the wireless code remotely, the code that activates the Wi-Fi use" out of the modem. So in short, you can always check with your provider to see what options they have for you. Hope it helps.

answered Jul 16 '11 at 14:51

dannyzx
16●1●1●4

0	No you don't have to use the router provided, in some cases you could buy a router that could be more reliable than the one provided by your ISP. answered Jul 16 '11 at 15:52 wizzard 1

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