Test Your CenturyLink / Quantum Fiber Internet Speed

About CenturyLink / Quantum Fiber

How to Test Your CenturyLink Internet Speed

Visit pong.com and click Run Speed Test while connected to your CenturyLink or Quantum Fiber network. Use a wired Ethernet connection for the most accurate results. CenturyLink's fiber service (now branded as Quantum Fiber in many markets) delivers fast symmetric speeds, while legacy DSL connections are much slower and more variable.

Pong.com measures your connection across the real public internet, providing results that reflect your actual online experience. Download speed, upload speed, ping, jitter, and bufferbloat are all tested in a single run. Testing at multiple times throughout the day helps you understand peak-hour versus off-peak performance.

What Speeds Should You Expect from CenturyLink?

Quantum Fiber plans offer symmetric speeds from 100 Mbps up to an impressive 8 Gbps. On a wired connection, fiber customers typically achieve 90 to 100 percent of advertised speeds. The 8 Gig plan is one of the fastest residential plans available from any US provider.

Legacy CenturyLink DSL customers see much lower performance. DSL speeds range from 10 to 100 Mbps for download, and actual throughput depends on distance from the DSLAM. Many rural CenturyLink DSL customers report speeds under 10 Mbps, well below what modern applications require. If Quantum Fiber is available at your address, upgrading is strongly recommended.

Common CenturyLink Speed Issues and How to Fix Them

For DSL customers, the primary issue is the inherent speed limitation of copper infrastructure. Speeds degrade with distance from the central office, and wet weather can further reduce performance. If your DSL speeds are consistently under 10 Mbps, there is little that can be done without a technology upgrade.

Quantum Fiber customers may experience slow speeds if their router hardware is outdated or if the ONT has not been upgraded for newer speed tiers. Ensure your router supports Wi-Fi 6 or newer for the best wireless performance. If you recently upgraded your plan but speeds have not increased, contact support to verify the ONT and provisioning match your new tier.

Understanding Your CenturyLink Speed Test Results

On Quantum Fiber, expect symmetric download and upload speeds, low ping (5 to 15 ms), minimal jitter (under 3 ms), and an excellent bufferbloat grade. These results make Quantum Fiber suitable for any online activity, from 4K streaming to competitive gaming.

On CenturyLink DSL, results will be more modest. Download speeds depend on your plan and line quality, upload is typically 1 to 10 Mbps, and ping latency ranges from 20 to 60 ms. Bufferbloat on DSL connections is often moderate to severe, meaning your latency increases significantly when someone in the household is downloading or streaming.

CenturyLink vs Other Providers

Quantum Fiber's 8 Gig plan puts it at the forefront of US residential internet speed, rivaled only by Google Fiber's 8 Gig offering. For customers in Quantum Fiber markets, the value is strong with competitive pricing and no data caps. CenturyLink DSL, however, is one of the weaker offerings in the market and struggles to compete with cable or fixed wireless alternatives.

In markets where CenturyLink overlaps with AT&T Fiber, Xfinity, or Spectrum, the choice depends on which technology is available at your specific address. Quantum Fiber is excellent where available. CenturyLink DSL should be considered a last resort if cable, fiber, or T-Mobile Home Internet are options.

Tips to Improve Your CenturyLink Internet Speed

Quantum Fiber customers should invest in a Wi-Fi 6E or Wi-Fi 7 router to maximize wireless performance. Use Cat 6 or Cat 6a Ethernet cables for wired devices, especially if you are on a multi-gig plan. Disable the built-in Wi-Fi on the CenturyLink-provided router if you are using your own.

DSL customers should keep the modem close to the main phone jack and use DSL filters on all other phone jacks in the house. Minimize splitters and extensions on the phone line. Consider T-Mobile Home Internet or Starlink as alternatives if your CenturyLink DSL speeds are consistently under 25 Mbps.