The CenturyLink Debacle—need modem recommendations , please

[Quixote]

The Roku stick you recommended worked out great, and I thank you again. However, ...

The CenturyLink modem constantly drops the signal briefly, allowing watching for only a minute or so, and then it reboots which takes a couple of minutes, and then the same pattern repeats.

When my Internet speed was hiked from 20 to 40, they provided a different modem that I've had problems with since day one.They hiked the bill $10, and I was told I would never again see a rate increase. I finally got through to them on a chat line, where the agent offered to provide a different modem/router and raise my bill by only $10; by the time she was finished upselling, it was up by $23. When I said I needed to look at other options, her tone suddenly changed. She said that I can get my own modem and replace theirs.

I'm not about to spend $300 on their modem. Since 40 mbps is the maximum available on DSL, which is what we're essentially stuck with (package with phone service; we don't want only cell or VoIP), can anyone recommend what basic modem would work with CenturyLink as an ISP via DSL?

I suspect I would need a separate router which would have to be both Mac and Android compatible. Any suggestions for this? If there isn't a router that will do both, then I'd have to stick with the Apple/Mac compatible one (if this is even an issue, which I don't know).

Your thoughts and ideas, please? I know I can count on you. Thank you all once again!

[Mleeja]

The Roku stick you recommended worked out great, and I thank you again. However, ...

The CenturyLink modem constantly drops the signal briefly, allowing watching for only a minute or so, and then it reboots which takes a couple of minutes, and then the same pattern repeats.

When my Internet speed was hiked from 20 to 40, they provided a different modem that I've had problems with since day one.They hiked the bill $10, and I was told I would never again see a rate increase. I finally got through to them on a chat line, where the agent offered to provide a different modem/router and raise my bill by only $10; by the time she was finished upselling, it was up by $23. When I said I needed to look at other options, her tone suddenly changed. She said that I can get my own modem and replace theirs.

I'm not about to spend $300 on their modem. Since 40 mbps is the maximum available on DSL, which is what we're essentially stuck with (package with phone service; we don't want only cell or VoIP), can anyone recommend what basic modem would work with CenturyLink as an ISP via DSL?

I suspect I would need a separate router which would have to be both Mac and Android compatible. Any suggestions for this? If there isn't a router that will do both, then I'd have to stick with the Apple/Mac compatible one (if this is even an issue, which I don't know).

Your thoughts and ideas, please? I know I can count on you. Thank you all once again!

You might want to check with Best Buys or Amazon. They might have a modem/router combination for +/- $130.00. I don’t know exactly how much you are paying in modem rental, but your packback period should be around a year. Pretty much any router modem you purchase will be Apple and Android compatible.

Have you looked into getting just your internet and phone service from Comcast?

[SFSkol]

No need to spend 300.00. Look here for factory refurb modems. People often send things back unopened or it is the wrong color. Never had a problem with dozens of refurb electronic items.

https://computers.woot.com/plus/arris-surfboard-modems-4?utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=CJ&cjevent=6eef48265afd11ec80ba88930a82b82c&utm_source=dealnews.com

summary of modems
Arris Surfboard DOCSIS 3.0 Gigabit Cable Modem for $35 - SB6190 (https://www.dealnews.com/products/Arris/Arris-Surfboard-DOCSIS-3-0-Gigabit-Cable-Modem/37289.html)

this model should be compatible. Research model number.

ARRIS Surfboard SB6190-RB DOCSIS 3.0 Cable Modem Certified Refurbished White 612572213759 | eBay (https://www.ebay.com/itm/392245747269?mkevt=1&toolid=10001&campid=5336250274&siteid=0&mkrid=711-53200-19255-0&mkcid=1&customid=8o5t6r2cb0nvuwkdvpntT2A53wWrukCk)

[EdFNJ]

OP needs a DSL (circa 1995 :) ) Modem and a router, not a cable modem. The router doesn't matter and since your tier is so low buy the cheapest router you can find. As for the modem, find out what model they are trying to sell you and look for one on eBay for next to nothing.

I had CL temporarily for about 10 days (long story) here a number of years ago and couldn't get more than 5Mbps from their crappy DSL service because we are probably at the end of their line to far from the CO. They probably need to replace your line to the demarc (box on the side of your house) but good luck with that as I doubt they have any desire to support DSL. They did that for me and I was able to get way up to 10Mbps. :( I believe I still have their modem in a box out in the garage. if you want it I can check and you can have it but I doubt that is your problem.


No need to spend 300.00. Look here for factory refurb modems. People often send things back unopened or it is the wrong color. Never had a problem with dozens of refurb electronic items.

https://computers.woot.com/plus/arris-surfboard-modems-4?utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=CJ&cjevent=6eef48265afd11ec80ba88930a82b82c&utm_source=dealnews.com

summary of modems
Arris Surfboard DOCSIS 3.0 Gigabit Cable Modem for $35 - SB6190 (https://www.dealnews.com/products/Arris/Arris-Surfboard-DOCSIS-3-0-Gigabit-Cable-Modem/37289.html)

this model should be compatible. Research model number.

ARRIS Surfboard SB6190-RB DOCSIS 3.0 Cable Modem Certified Refurbished White 612572213759 | eBay (https://www.ebay.com/itm/392245747269?mkevt=1&toolid=10001&campid=5336250274&siteid=0&mkrid=711-53200-19255-0&mkcid=1&customid=8o5t6r2cb0nvuwkdvpntT2A53wWrukCk)

[SFSkol]

Yep, the links I posted were for cable modems. I guess I need to read more carefully. Sorry all.

[Papa_lecki]

Unfortunately, CL won’t provide much support for DSL. It’s very old technology, I’ll bet their support scripts in the call center aren’t even updated. Try searching eBay for the model you have.

[Chellybean]

OP needs a DSL (circa 1995 :) ) Modem and a router, not a cable modem. The router doesn't matter and since your tier is so low buy the cheapest router you can find. As for the modem, find out what model they are trying to sell you and look for one on eBay for next to nothing.

I had CL temporarily for about 10 days (long story) here a number of years ago and couldn't get more than 5Mbps from their crappy DSL service because we are probably at the end of their line to far from the CO. They probably need to replace your line to the demarc (box on the side of your house) but good luck with that as I doubt they have any desire to support DSL. They did that for me and I was able to get way up to 10Mbps. :( I believe I still have their modem in a box out in the garage. if you want it I can check and you can have it but I doubt that is your problem.

You NEED a 3.1 Doc, 3.0 are at end of life!

[Chellybean]

No need to spend 300.00. Look here for factory refurb modems. People often send things back unopened or it is the wrong color. Never had a problem with dozens of refurb electronic items.

https://computers.woot.com/plus/arris-surfboard-modems-4?utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=CJ&cjevent=6eef48265afd11ec80ba88930a82b82c&utm_source=dealnews.com

summary of modems
Arris Surfboard DOCSIS 3.0 Gigabit Cable Modem for $35 - SB6190 (https://www.dealnews.com/products/Arris/Arris-Surfboard-DOCSIS-3-0-Gigabit-Cable-Modem/37289.html)

this model should be compatible. Research model number.

ARRIS Surfboard SB6190-RB DOCSIS 3.0 Cable Modem Certified Refurbished White 612572213759 | eBay (https://www.ebay.com/itm/392245747269?mkevt=1&toolid=10001&campid=5336250274&siteid=0&mkrid=711-53200-19255-0&mkcid=1&customid=8o5t6r2cb0nvuwkdvpntT2A53wWrukCk)

You NEED a 3.1 Doc, 3.0 are at end of life!

[ldj1938]

The Roku stick you recommended worked out great, and I thank you again. However, ...

The CenturyLink modem constantly drops the signal briefly, allowing watching for only a minute or so, and then it reboots which takes a couple of minutes, and then the same pattern repeats.

When my Internet speed was hiked from 20 to 40, they provided a different modem that I've had problems with since day one.They hiked the bill $10, and I was told I would never again see a rate increase. I finally got through to them on a chat line, where the agent offered to provide a different modem/router and raise my bill by only $10; by the time she was finished upselling, it was up by $23. When I said I needed to look at other options, her tone suddenly changed. She said that I can get my own modem and replace theirs.

I'm not about to spend $300 on their modem. Since 40 mbps is the maximum available on DSL, which is what we're essentially stuck with (package with phone service; we don't want only cell or VoIP), can anyone recommend what basic modem would work with CenturyLink as an ISP via DSL?

I suspect I would need a separate router which would have to be both Mac and Android compatible. Any suggestions for this? If there isn't a router that will do both, then I'd have to stick with the Apple/Mac compatible one (if this is even an issue, which I don't know).

Your thoughts and ideas, please? I know I can count on you. Thank you all once again!

You can buy a cable modem router at Best Buy for $129. Bought one there yesterday. Hook it up and call them and tell them to start it up on their system.

[EdFNJ]

You NEED a 3.1 Doc, 3.0 are at end of life! Right church, wrong pew. The discussion is about DSL not CABLE. 2 different animals.

[EdFNJ]

You can buy a cable modem router at Best Buy for $129. Bought one there yesterday. Hook it up and call them and tell them to start it up on their system. PEOPLE! **READ** the OP! This thread is NOT about cable, it is about DSL. Two totally different technologies! It does not use any type of cable modem, besides, for cable DOCSIS 3.0, 3,1, 3.2 or whatever all work for lower internet speed tiers (under 200Mbps). I know many people still using 10yr old cable modems (Arris Docis 3.0 available for $20+- on eBay) with no issues on 200Mbps Comcrap system despite what anyone tries to sell you. It will never go away. In fact, most modems listed as NOT compatible on Comcrap's site also work just fine. It's all about the benjamins.

[thevillages2013]

PEOPLE! **READ** the OP! This thread is NOT about cable, it is about DSL. Two totally different technologies! It does not use any type of cable modem, besides, for cable DOCSIS 3.0, 3,1, 3.2 or whatever all work for lower internet speed tiers (under 200Mbps). I know many people still using 10yr old cable modems (Arris Docis 3.0 available for $20+- on eBay) with no issues on 200Mbps Comcrap system despite what anyone tries to sell you. It will never go away. In fact, most modems listed as NOT compatible on Comcrap's site also work just fine. It's all about the benjamins.
👍👍:bigbow:👏🏻👏🏻

[Bcardi]

You can buy used Centurylink DSL and Fiber modems at SelectChoiceTV at 354 US Hwy 27 in Fruitland Park. We had a problem getting a modem from CenturyLink and found this store and bought a used one that works great. Their phone number is 352-553-4921.

[mcwood4d]

The Roku stick you recommended worked out great, and I thank you again. However, ...

The CenturyLink modem constantly drops the signal briefly, allowing watching for only a minute or so, and then it reboots which takes a couple of minutes, and then the same pattern repeats.

When my Internet speed was hiked from 20 to 40, they provided a different modem that I've had problems with since day one.They hiked the bill $10, and I was told I would never again see a rate increase. I finally got through to them on a chat line, where the agent offered to provide a different modem/router and raise my bill by only $10; by the time she was finished upselling, it was up by $23. When I said I needed to look at other options, her tone suddenly changed. She said that I can get my own modem and replace theirs.

I'm not about to spend $300 on their modem. Since 40 mbps is the maximum available on DSL, which is what we're essentially stuck with (package with phone service; we don't want only cell or VoIP), can anyone recommend what basic modem would work with CenturyLink as an ISP via DSL?

I suspect I would need a separate router which would have to be both Mac and Android compatible. Any suggestions for this? If there isn't a router that will do both, then I'd have to stick with the Apple/Mac compatible one (if this is even an issue, which I don't know).

Your thoughts and ideas, please? I know I can count on you. Thank you all once again!

Dump them, if spectrum is available they provide modem at no additional charge and have excellent speeds. You will need a Wi-Fi router (or pay an additional monthly fee to spectrum). I recommend them and have them in both our homes. Customer service is almost OK, product is solid if set up properly. If it isn't in your wheel house; hire someone.

[Malsua]

--> The router doesn't matter <--and since your tier is so low buy the cheapest router you can find.



This is not the case. The router does matter, much more than the Modem.

The modem is a translator. It handles one stream. It connects to either the cable or the DSL line and provides a single ethernet connection to the router.

The router on the other hand may be connected to a dozen things and has to have enough of a processor in it to segment the traffic and be smart enough to provide quality of service to higher demand devices.

Cheap routers simply give a time slice to each connection. They also have really terrible radio chips. Combine the two, add in poorly optimized FiFo buffers and you get a router that needs rebooted every day.

You don't need a $300+ WiFi 6 router, but buy once cry once. You do need a router that isn't built to the lowest cost spec available and those start about $100.

One of my professional hats is commercial networking, I have designed and installed Wifi in 200,000+ sq ft manufacturing facilities in North America, Central America, Europe and China. I'm not blowing smoke. Routers do matter.

Just as an anecdote. I have a $29 router that was picked up a few years back as we needed to get an office going in a facility and our main container hadn't arrived yet. It was yanked out 2 days later.

I used that router in my other Villa that we are renovating and don't live there yet. I turned on the internet a few months ago. The garage door opener is WiFi and connects to the router, and has been running on the lowest signal possible. We are moving into the Villa this week and I bought an Asus AX6000 router and installed it last week. The signal is pegged, the router is in the same spot. The TV also now connects at 5g which has more bands available so as not to step on the neighbor's wifi either since the cheapo router was only a 2.4g.

[retiredguy123]

I have Xfinity cable internet service with a speed of 600 Mbps. No issues. Is it possible that the OP's issue is related to the 40 Mbps speed?

[Travelhunter123]

The Roku stick you recommended worked out great, and I thank you again. However, ...

The CenturyLink modem constantly drops the signal briefly, allowing watching for only a minute or so, and then it reboots which takes a couple of minutes, and then the same pattern repeats.

When my Internet speed was hiked from 20 to 40, they provided a different modem that I've had problems with since day one.They hiked the bill $10, and I was told I would never again see a rate increase. I finally got through to them on a chat line, where the agent offered to provide a different modem/router and raise my bill by only $10; by the time she was finished upselling, it was up by $23. When I said I needed to look at other options, her tone suddenly changed. She said that I can get my own modem and replace theirs.

I'm not about to spend $300 on their modem. Since 40 mbps is the maximum available on DSL, which is what we're essentially stuck with (package with phone service; we don't want only cell or VoIP), can anyone recommend what basic modem would work with CenturyLink as an ISP via DSL?

I suspect I would need a separate router which would have to be both Mac and Android compatible. Any suggestions for this? If there isn't a router that will do both, then I'd have to stick with the Apple/Mac compatible one (if this is even an issue, which I don't know).

Your thoughts and ideas, please? I know I can count on you. Thank you all once again!

I just signed up to century link but now it’s called a.com
$65 A month including all taxes and the router fee
970 mps speed.
Free installation and a $200 gift card for signing up
It’s very fast and reliable

[Villages Kahuna]

…immediately!!

[PoolBrews]

The real issue here is DSL, not CenturyLink. DSL is the oldest, slowest, and most unreliable technology for internet access. Speed and reliability are directly related to the distance you are from your nearest hub. Both cable and fiber are far superior to DSL - fiber being by far the best choice of the two.

Don't struggle with DSL - change to a service that uses either cable or fiber (Highly recommend fiber), get your own modem, and you'll have far less issues.

The other branch of CenturyLink, Quantum Fiber, is extremely reliable, and depending on the speed you get will give you a modem (not lease you one).

[Sunflower33]

The Roku stick you recommended worked out great, and I thank you again. However, ...

The CenturyLink modem constantly drops the signal briefly, allowing watching for only a minute or so, and then it reboots which takes a couple of minutes, and then the same pattern repeats.

When my Internet speed was hiked from 20 to 40, they provided a different modem that I've had problems with since day one.They hiked the bill $10, and I was told I would never again see a rate increase. I finally got through to them on a chat line, where the agent offered to provide a different modem/router and raise my bill by only $10; by the time she was finished upselling, it was up by $23. When I said I needed to look at other options, her tone suddenly changed. She said that I can get my own modem and replace theirs.

I'm not about to spend $300 on their modem. Since 40 mbps is the maximum available on DSL, which is what we're essentially stuck with (package with phone service; we don't want only cell or VoIP), can anyone recommend what basic modem would work with CenturyLink as an ISP via DSL?

I suspect I would need a separate router which would have to be both Mac and Android compatible. Any suggestions for this? If there isn't a router that will do both, then I'd have to stick with the Apple/Mac compatible one (if this is even an issue, which I don't know).

Your thoughts and ideas, please? I know I can count on you. Thank you all once again!

I have spectrum and I have 400 speed and have great reception. It’s a lower price to start but after a year it does go up but your modem and router are in led in their price. Have had for 3 years price hasn’t changed since after my first year.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

OP I get that you want to continue dial-up service in your house. So here's what I suggest: Get POTS. That stands for Plain Old Telephone Service. It's normal phone, that goes into a phone jack just like normal phones do, that you use to make and receive phone calls, and nothing else. It is NOT "magic Jack." It's the same phone service that you had before cable was invented. You can get that for around $10/month (or less if you're a low-income senior or on medicaid).

Then, get xfinity internet, the cheap package. Buy a low-end modem of your own that will be compatible. You'll want it to work with the current package PLUS at least 2 upgrades. So - you want it better than the service requires, but not the latest and greatest.

Then, get a similar-quality router.

Your initial expense will be around $300 for modem, router, the actual telephone if you don't already have one, and any wiring Xfinity has to do, in order to get cable into your house. You do NOT want an Xfinity TV package. You just want plain internet.

Then hook your roku up to the TV, configure it, and your total monthly cost will be around $20/month plus the cost of any pay TV packages you choose from Roku (such as YouTubeTV or Hulu etc).

[RoadToad]

The Roku stick you recommended worked out great, and I thank you again. However, ...

The CenturyLink modem constantly drops the signal briefly, allowing watching for only a minute or so, and then it reboots which takes a couple of minutes, and then the same pattern repeats.

When my Internet speed was hiked from 20 to 40, they provided a different modem that I've had problems with since day one.They hiked the bill $10, and I was told I would never again see a rate increase. I finally got through to them on a chat line, where the agent offered to provide a different modem/router and raise my bill by only $10; by the time she was finished upselling, it was up by $23. When I said I needed to look at other options, her tone suddenly changed. She said that I can get my own modem and replace theirs.

I'm not about to spend $300 on their modem. Since 40 mbps is the maximum available on DSL, which is what we're essentially stuck with (package with phone service; we don't want only cell or VoIP), can anyone recommend what basic modem would work with CenturyLink as an ISP via DSL?

I suspect I would need a separate router which would have to be both Mac and Android compatible. Any suggestions for this? If there isn't a router that will do both, then I'd have to stick with the Apple/Mac compatible one (if this is even an issue, which I don't know).

Your thoughts and ideas, please? I know I can count on you. Thank you all once again!

PM me .... We had CL DSL and went to Xfinity when it became available
our DSL Modem is available

[TNLAKEPANDA]

The Roku stick you recommended worked out great, and I thank you again. However, ...

The CenturyLink modem constantly drops the signal briefly, allowing watching for only a minute or so, and then it reboots which takes a couple of minutes, and then the same pattern repeats.

When my Internet speed was hiked from 20 to 40, they provided a different modem that I've had problems with since day one.They hiked the bill $10, and I was told I would never again see a rate increase. I finally got through to them on a chat line, where the agent offered to provide a different modem/router and raise my bill by only $10; by the time she was finished upselling, it was up by $23. When I said I needed to look at other options, her tone suddenly changed. She said that I can get my own modem and replace theirs.

I'm not about to spend $300 on their modem. Since 40 mbps is the maximum available on DSL, which is what we're essentially stuck with (package with phone service; we don't want only cell or VoIP), can anyone recommend what basic modem would work with CenturyLink as an ISP via DSL?

I suspect I would need a separate router which would have to be both Mac and Android compatible. Any suggestions for this? If there isn't a router that will do both, then I'd have to stick with the Apple/Mac compatible one (if this is even an issue, which I don't know).

Your thoughts and ideas, please? I know I can count on you. Thank you all once again!

Generally when you are getting drops it is not the Modem… It is your wireless router. I am guessing the Century Link uses an all in one Modem/Router. Those are never the best option. One other thing the Roku Stick does not have as strong an antenna as the Roku Box. We use Roku and have gotten away from using the Stick because of dropped signals. No problem with the Box.

On a side note I have never heard anything good about Century Link Cable.

[PoolBrews]

Generally when you are getting drops it is not the Modem… It is your wireless router. I am guessing the Century Link uses an all in one Modem/Router. Those are never the best option. One other thing the Roku Stick does not have as strong an antenna as the Roku Box. We use Roku and have gotten away from using the Stick because of dropped signals. No problem with the Box.

On a side note I have never heard anything good about Century Link Cable.

I don't believe there is a cable offering from CenturyLink, so not sure how you could have heard anything good or bad about it. CenturyLink offers DSL and Fiber. DSL is old and is slowly being phased out. I would never recommend anyone to get DSL.

Their fiber, on the other hand, works extremely well. I've had both Comcast cable and CenturyLink Fiber for several years (at different times of course), and both have performed very well. I was able to work remote with either - no issues. I'm on CL fiber now because it's faster, cheaper, and fiber is far more reliable speed wise than cable.

[jfkilduff]

Seem all the internet providers are pulsing the signal to discourage streaming. I travel during the summer months and experience pulsing internet signals daily.

[Carla B]

[QUOTE=PoolBrews;2039234]I don't believe there is a cable offering from CenturyLink, so not sure how you could have heard anything good or bad about it. CenturyLink offers DSL and Fiber. DSL is old and is slowly being phased out. I would never recommend anyone to get DSL.

Their fiber, on the other hand, works extremely well. I've had both Comcast cable and CenturyLink Fiber for several years (at different times of course), and both have performed very well. I was able to work remote with either - no issues. I'm on CL fiber now because it's faster, cheaper, and fiber is far more reliable speed wise than cable.[/QUOTE

There are many suggestions here, such as "get fiber," "get Spectrum." But the truth is you are limited by your address in The Villages. Our house can only receive CenturyLink DSL @10 mbs, Xfinity cable, and maybe T-Mobile.

Consider yourself lucky if you live where there are other options.

[EdFNJ]

This is not the case. The router does matter, much more than the Modem.

The modem is a translator. It handles one stream. It connects to either the cable or the DSL line and provides a single ethernet connection to the router.

The router on the other hand may be connected to a dozen things and has to have enough of a processor in it to segment the traffic and be smart enough to provide quality of service to higher demand devices.

Cheap routers simply give a time slice to each connection. They also have really terrible radio chips. Combine the two, add in poorly optimized FiFo buffers and you get a router that needs rebooted every day.

You don't need a $300+ WiFi 6 router, but buy once cry once. You do need a router that isn't built to the lowest cost spec available and those start about $100.

One of my professional hats is commercial networking, I have designed and installed Wifi in 200,000+ sq ft manufacturing facilities in North America, Central America, Europe and China. I'm not blowing smoke. Routers do matter.

Just as an anecdote. I have a $29 router that was picked up a few years back as we needed to get an office going in a facility and our main container hadn't arrived yet. It was yanked out 2 days later.

I used that router in my other Villa that we are renovating and don't live there yet. I turned on the internet a few months ago. The garage door opener is WiFi and connects to the router, and has been running on the lowest signal possible. We are moving into the Villa this week and I bought an Asus AX6000 router and installed it last week. The signal is pegged, the router is in the same spot. The TV also now connects at 5g which has more bands available so as not to step on the neighbor's wifi either since the cheapo router was only a 2.4g.

When you run a 10Mbps or 20Mbps or 40Mbps DSL tier the router makes no difference to someone using 1 or 2 devices. Like putting premium gas in a car that doesn't need it. On a 100Mbps+ tier I'd agree in most cases. You don't need 16 channel router capable of over a gig to run on a 20Mbps pipe to watch Netflix or YoutubeTV and text the kiddies on your phone. We're talking about a 20Mbps DSL service in this thread.

10 years of my life (20 yrs ago) was configuring and installing IBM AIX servers and office networks for the wholesale fashion industry in NYC. That being said, my opinion on a 10-20Mbps DSL connection remains the same wrt a router. :D

[kathyspear]

We had DSL in the house we bought in 1996. That tells you how antiquated the technology is. Please listen to the previous posters who are urging you to switch providers and join us in this century. You won't regret it.

Good luck.

kathy

[New Englander]

I have Xfinity cable internet service with a speed of 600 Mbps. No issues. Is it possible that the OP's issue is related to the 40 Mbps speed?

To get 600 mbps are you using a docsis 3.0 or docsis 3.1 modem?

[EdFNJ]

/// Never mind, wrong info.

[retiredguy123]

To get 600 mbps are you using a docsis 3.0 or docsis 3.1 modem?
I have the Arris Model TG3482G modem. The specs don't mention what the docsis rating is.

[EdFNJ]

I have the Arris Model TG3482G modem. The specs don't mention what the docsis rating is. If that's the correct number it's the Xfinity XB6 Gateway Docsis 3.1 modem/router. Originally released as Docsis 3.0 then later 3.1 and now replaced with the 3rd gen XB7 (white box).
XFINITY XB6 xFi Gateway Modem TG3482G Reviews (https://approvedmodems.com/cable-modems/xfinity-xb6-xfi-advanced-gateway/)

Overview of Xfinity Gateways - Xfinity Support (https://www.xfinity.com/support/articles/broadband-gateways-userguides)

[Malsua]

When you run a 10Mbps or 20Mbps or 40Mbps DSL tier the router makes no difference to someone using 1 or 2 devices. Like putting premium gas in a car that doesn't need it. On a 100Mbps+ tier I'd agree in most cases. You don't need 16 channel router capable of over a gig to run on a 20Mbps pipe to watch Netflix or YoutubeTV and text the kiddies on your phone. We're talking about a 20Mbps DSL service in this thread.

10 years of my life (20 yrs ago) was configuring and installing IBM AIX servers and office networks for the wholesale fashion industry in NYC. That being said, my opinion on a 10-20Mbps DSL connection remains the same wrt a router. :D

I agree if you've got one or two devices. Who has that? You've got two phones. Probably a TV. Maybe a Kindle or two. Maybe a tablet, maybe a laptop. Possibly a garage door opener, possibly a nest/Ring or a dozen other IOT devices. Even if you are only using one stream at a time, these devices are chatty. Park that in TV where houses are on top of each other and a crappy radio in your router turns into a less than ideal experience. It starts seeing network traffic on the same channels but it's the neighbor's routers. Sure, it just drops the traffic, it still hits the antennae. It still has to be ignored.

It's not always about the quantity of bandwidth. Certainly you don't need a Wifi 6 router on a 20mbit connection for throughput. What it will do is figuratively file it's nails while handling _your_ traffic and may need an annual reboot. There is an advantage to good equipment even on a straw of pipe.

Cabin in the woods, one TV. Knock yourself out with your el cheapo router.

[Quixote]

For those who predicted that there is not an issue with the modem, you're exactly right....

I finally reached a CenturyLink service person on a chat line—the first one I'd ever come across who seemed to know what he or she was talking about. Asked me questions in a step-by-step manner—and I suddenly realized what the problem was.

Yes, only one DSL light was on; the other was dark. I looked more closely and noticed a crack in the insulation at the point where the jack connects to the modem. That was enough for the 'Aha!' light to go on.

Thinking that one of the wires might also have broken, I replaced the cable with a different one. A 'WOW!" moment: It works perfectly! Streaming using the Roku stick works perfectly! And this with the miserably low speed of 40 mbps—or close to it. Spouse is not ready to give up a conventional 'phone company land line,' and we just don't do anything elaborate that would require significant speed.

It serves our needs. Will that change in the future? Perhaps. Meantime it's working, and once again I thank my fellow ToTVers for your support, for the information and suggestions, and perhaps most of all, for your patience!