Do you have questions about using a personally bought router at home? Wondering how to minimize the immense expense on renting a modem/ router with every new provider especially when you are moving too often? You are in for a treat then!

Can I Use My Own Router With Optimum?

Yes! The answer to your question is simple. However, you can only use your own router if it is compatible with Optimum services and the right steps to setting it up for use.

The information to set up your router is given below and you can get started right away. However,  if you are going to buy a modem/router, it is paramount to go for compatible devices with Optimum services. You can also go for the one personally recommended by

Read ahead about some of the compatible and reliable cable modems that work well with

Overall, you will need to buy a modem and router if you need to connect multiple devices at home, while it is likely your ISP will replace the equipment if it breaks down or becomes outdated. Also, Optimum has launched its new equipment with great specs, read about it below.

Top Compatible Modems/Routers with Optimum

Some of the best compatible modems/routers are given below with listed prices on Amazon as of February 2023 (which are subject to change):

Product Price Device Recommended Speed Optimum Recommended Defining Features
Optimum Gateway 6 Free Modem/router 940 Mbps Yes Best overall
NETGEAR ORBI (RBRE960) $584.00 Modem/router 940 Mbps Yes Great for one-time investment
NETGEAR ORBI (CBK40) $230.00 Modem/router 940 Mbps Yes Fastest overall
Motorola MB8600 (Modem) $135.98 Modem 940 Mbps Yes Best for gigabit speeds
NETGEARAX 5400 $169.97  Cable Modem 940 Mbps Yes Reliable and smooth
ARRIS® SURFboard® SB618 $54.00 Cable  Modem 940 Mbps Yes Budget-friendly

However, if you’re going for expensive options like NETGEAR ORBI (RBRE960), it is better to rent a modem/router service with Optimum on charges much lesser than buying all your equipment and not having to replace it every 3 to 5 years.  On a bright side Optimum also offers 24/7

Call Optimum For Support: 1-844-448-0623

How Do I Set Up My Own Modem & Router With Optimum?

Read on to learn what you can do to self-install a modem/router if you already have the equipment on hand or if you need to buy it, you can refer back to this guideline once your do.

How to Set Up Your Own Modem or an Optimum Modem?

To set up the Optimum router, you must follow a few simple steps but first, read below on how to self-install or set up your own modem for Optimum internet or a modem by Optimum.

However, you need to know that internet connectivity happens at your home through a coaxial cable outlet. Before setting up the modem you need to find a coax wall jack with a round connector. While, you need to know that a coax cable connects from the wall outlet or jack to the cable modem.

The very first step is to locate the coax wall jack to start the Optimum modem setup. The rest are given below.

  1. Connect the coax cable to the jack in the wall jack and the other end to the back of the modem.
  2. Plug the power cord into the back of the modem.
  3. Move onto plugging the cord into the electrical wall outlet.
  4. Plug the Ethernet cable from the port at the back of the modem into a device such as a laptop.
  5. Power on this device.
  6. Wait a few minutes for the device to start back up, the process called a power cycle used to refresh a device.
  7. Know the modem is ready when the four lights on it turn solid green and the fifth light begins to blink red.
  8. You now have access to a wired connection using an Ethernet cable. For wireless connectivity, refer to the next section.

How to Set Up Your Own Router with Optimum?

You need to understand that you may be able to use your own wireless router with Optimum’s modem but the ISP does not provide support or troubleshooting for third-party devices. Now, on to setting up the router with the modem and accessing a wireless internet connection.

First, you need to make sure the modem is set up correctly and working. To check how to set up your own modem for Optimum Internet or Optimum’s modem, read the steps mentioned above.

To set up your router with a connection to the modem for wireless connectivity around the house, you can follow the steps below.

  1. You need to see the four lights on the modem are solid green and the fifth is amber in color.
  2. Connect the yellow Ethernet cable from the back of the modem to the back of the router.
  3. Connect the router’s power cord and plug it into the wall outlet.
  4. If the front power light does not automatically turn on, press the power button on the back of the device.
  5. Wait a few minutes for the two router lights to flash green collectively, giving the signal that the router is ready for use.

Now, you can connect your devices wirelessly. The network has a default name and password on the back of the router. You could always change the information by logging in to your Optimum router with the steps below. While you need to choose a strong password to enable a secure connection.

To login to your router and change its credentials, follow the simple steps below:

  1. You will need your router login and IP address (mentioned on the back or under the device connection settings).
  2. Launch a web browser like Google Chrome. Edge, or Safari.
  3. Type your IP address into the search bar and hit the Enter key.
  4. Your router's login page will appear.
  5. Type your default username and password.
  6. Change to a unique password and forget the hassle of signing in for Wi-Fi on your different devices at home.

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Closing Thoughts

Now that you have the answer to “Can I use my own router with Optimum” and about the compatible devices that work well with Optimum services, you can enjoy a seamless internet connection at home and mesh network.

You can call Optimum customer support, which is available 24/7 to help you with anything you require. We have the best agents online and on calls to handle your queries as effectively as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I set up my own modem with Optimum?

To set up an Optimum modem or your own, follow these simple steps:

  1. Connect the coax cable to the jack in the wall jack and the other end to the back of the modem.
  2. Plug the power cord into the back of the modem.
  3. Plug the cord into the electrical wall outlet.
  4. Plug the Ethernet cable from the port at the back of the modem into a device such as a laptop.
  5. Power on this device.
  6. Wait for a few minutes for the device to start back up, the process is called a power cycle that refreshes a device.
  7. The modem is ready when the four lights on it turn solid green and the fifth light begins to blink red.
  8. You now have access to a wired connection using an Ethernet cable. To get immediate assistance for set up, call 1-844-448-0623 and get 24/7 help.
  9. For wireless connectivity, refer to the next FAQ.

How do I set up my own router with Optimum?

You need to understand that you may be able to use your own wireless router with Optimum’s modem but the ISP does not provide support or troubleshooting for third-party devices. To set up the Optimum router, follow the steps below.

  • Make sure the modem is set up and working.
  • To check if your modem is working, you need to check the four lights on the modem, which should be solid green and the fifth, amber.
  • You need to see the four lights on the modem should be solid green and the fifth should be amber in color.
  • Connect the yellow Ethernet cable from the back of the modem to the back of the router.
  • Connect the router’s power cord and plug it into the wall outlet.
  • If the front power light does not automatically turn on, press the power button on the back of the device.
  • Wait a few minutes for the two router lights to flash green collectively, giving the signal that the router is ready for use.

Can I replace Optimum Router with my own?

Yes, you can. However, you will need to do some research and find the best compatible modem with Optimum. Some of them are given below with their Amazon listed prices as of, February 2023, (note that prices are subject to change).

  • NETGEAR ORBI (RBRE960)—Best and fastest overall ($584.00)
  • Motorola MB8600—Best for gigabit speeds ($135.98)
  • ARRIS® SURFboard® SB6183—Best for budget ($54.00)

Do you have to pay for an Optimum modem and router?

You have to lease a modem for up to $10/mo. rental fee but a Wi-Fi router is included when you lease a modem from Optimum.

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