CenturyLink Modems & Routers
Overwhelmed by the seemingly endless amount of modems and routers on the market? Don’t worry—we’ve compiled a list of CenturyLink-compatible modems and routers to help you find the right equipment for your internet plan.
What Modems Are Compatible with CenturyLink
Modems compatible with CenturyLink include brands like 2Wire, Actiontec, Cisco, XyZEL, and Westell. Each has one or more CenturyLink-compatible models with multiple ports. Some modems can accommodate speeds up to 100 Mbps while others are built to channel up to 1 Gig Internet, so the best CenturyLink modem for you depends on which internet speed plan you have.
Why do you need a modem to begin with? Modems modulate the internet signal between the wider net and your home’s network, so without one, you can’t connect to the internet. Finding the right fiber or DSL modem for your internet speed and plan will maximize your internet experience and help keep your internet connection strong and steady.
| Make | ADSL | ADSL2+ | VDSL2 | GPON | PORTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Actiontec PK5000 | 7 Mbps | 20 Mbps | N/A | N/A | 100 Mbps Eth (4) |
Actiontec PK5001A | 7 Mbps | 20 Mbps | N/A | N/A | 100 Mbps Eth (4) |
Actiontec Q1000 | 7 Mbps | 20 Mbps | 40 Mbps | N/A | Gig Eth (4), 1 USB |
Actiontec C1000A-D | 7 Mbps | 20 Mbps | 80 Mbps | N/A | Gig Eth (4), 1 USB |
Actiontec C2000A | N/A | N/A | 80 Mbps | 800 Mbps | Gig Eth (4), 1 USB |
Actiontec C2000A-D | N/A | N/A | 80 Mbps | 1 Gb | Gig Eth (4), 1 USB |
Actiontec C1000A | 7 Mbps | 20 Mbps | 80 Mbps | N/A | Gig Eth (4), 1 USB |
Actiontec Q2000 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | |
Adtran C424G | N/A | N/A | N/A | 1 Gb | Gig Eth (4), 1 USB |
Calix C844g | N/A | N/A | N/A | 1 Gb | Gig Eth (4), 1 USB |
Cisco 2200DDR | N/A | 10 Mbps | N/A | 40 Mbps | 100 Mbps Eth (4), 1 USB |
D-Link 850L | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | Gig Eth (4), 1 USB |
Technicolor C1100T | 7 Mbps | 20 Mbps | 80 Mbps | 1 Gb | Gig Eth (4) |
Technicolor C2000T | 7 Mbps | 20 Mbps | 80 Mbps | 1 Gb | Gig Eth (4) |
Technicolor C2100T | 7 Mbps | 20 Mbps | 80 Mbps | 1 Gb | Gig Eth (4) |
Westell 7500 | 6 Mbps | 10 Mbps | N/A | N/A | Eth (4) |
ZyXEL PK5000Z | 7 Mbps | 20 Mbps | N/A | N/A | 100 Mbps Eth (4) |
ZyXEL 3000 | NGB-419N | N/A | N/A | 40 Mbps | Eth (4) |
ZyXEL Q1000Z | 7 Mbps | 20 Mbps | 40 Mbps | N/A | 100 Mbps Eth (4) |
ZyXEL P-870N | N/A | N/A | 50 Mbps | N/A | Eth (4) |
ZyXEL PK5001Z | 7 Mbps | 20 Mbps | N/A | N/A | 100 Mbps Eth (4) |
ZyXEL C3000Z | 7 Mbps | 20 Mbps | 100 Mbps | 1 Gb | Gig Eth (4) |
ZyXEL FR1000Z | N/A | N/A | N/A | 500 Mbps | Gig Eth (4) |
ZyXEL C1000Z | 7 Mbps | 20 Mbps | 80 Mbps | N/A | 1000 Mbps Eth (4) |
ZyXEL C2100Z | 7 Mbps | 20 Mbps | 80 Mbps | 1 Gb | Gig Eth (4) |
ZyXEL C1100Z | 7 Mbps | 20 Mbps | 80 Mbps | 1 Gb | Gig Eth (4) |
Actiontec C2300A | TBD | TBD | 100 Mbps | 1 Gb | Gib Eth (4), 1 USB |
Go Wireless with a CenturyLink Modem/Router
In the past, you had to connect your computer to the modem via an ethernet cord to access the internet. Now, devices called routers connect to the modem and broadcast a Wi-Fi signal throughout your home so you can get online anywhere, anytime. And when you sign up for CenturyLink, you can purchase or lease a CenturyLink-approved router that sends out a strong, fast in-home Wi-Fi signal so you can make the most of your high-speed internet plan.
Most of today’s brands consolidate their routers and modems into a single device. Your CenturyLink rental could include a separate modem and router, or it could include a single device that connects to the internet and broadcasts a wireless network simultaneously.
- Purchase or lease a modem or router from CenturyLink to ensure you get a compatible model
- Get a combined modem/router device to streamline your equipment
- Enjoy a fast, steady in-home wireless network from CenturyLink
Setting Up My Modem
Your modem’s setup may differ depending on its age, make, and model, so always read your device’s instruction manual thoroughly when setting up your modem or modem/router combination. If you have a newer DSL modem/router combo that you ordered directly from CenturyLink, your CenturyLink modem setup will likely correspond to the following instructions:
- Plug the DSL filters that came with the modem into your phone outled. The DSL filters separate your phone signal from your internet signal, keeping both signals as strong as possible. Plug a DSL filter into any phone jack that connects to a landline-based device, including a home phone, DVR, or fax machine.
- Determine where you'll install your modem. Choose a place with cool air flow near an easy-to-access telephone jack and electrical outlet. If your modem also serves as your wireless router, place the modem higher up on a shelf instead of near the ground to get a better signal.
- Use the power cord to plug your modem or modem/router combo into the electrical outlet.
- Plug the phone line you received with your modem into the port marked "DSL" or "LINE" on the back of your modem (do not plug the cable into the port labeled "Phone"). Connect the other end of the cord into the phone outlet nearest where you plan to place your modem.
- Plug the ethernet cord you received with your modem into one of the ports labeled “ethernet” on the back of the modem. Plug the cord’s other end into your computer’s ethernet port. Alternatively, connect wirelessly by finding the service set identifier (SSID) number and passphrase or key located at the bottom of your modem. Find the modem’s SSID on your list of available wireless networks and enter the key or passphrase to connect.
- Open a web browser. When you do, your computer should automatically redirect to the CenturyLink welcome page. If it doesn’t, go to connect.centurylink.com to reach the page
- Follow the steps on the page to compete your modem setup and high-speed internet activation
Bear in mind that setting up a CenturyLink DSL modem may differ from setting up a CenturyLink fiber modem. Again, always check your instruction manual to set up the device correctly, and call CenturyLink customer service for tech support if you run into trouble.
Connect Additional Devices
Once you’ve connected your computer to the modem and activated the internet, you can connect additional web-enabled devices. Each device follows a slightly different set of instructions, so check your device’s instruction manual to get more specific advice on connecting to the internet. In general, you can connect additional devices by following these steps:
- Once the modem is on and the internet activated, open the device you want to connect to the internet.
- Open the device’s settings tab or app and select the network or internet setting (for instance, on a PlayStation 4, you should go to the network tab. On an iPhone, go to the Wi-Fi tab on the settings app).
- Choose “connect to the internet” or a similar setting on systems like gaming consoles or smart TVs, or scroll directly through the list of available Wi-Fi connections on devices like smartphones. You should see the network with your modem’s SSID number in the list.
- Click on your modem’s network, then enter the passphrase or key on the bottom of the bottom to connect.
On devices like gaming consoles or smart TVs, you’ll likely go through additional processes like testing the internet connection during setup. Again, always consult your device’s instruction manual for more specific information on connecting devices other than laptops to your new CenturyLink network.
Get Technical Support
If you’re not sure how to set up your modem and router or you’ve encountered a problem along the way (for instance, your modem’s lights keep flashing or the wireless won’t work), don’t give up! You’re not on your own—you have the entire CenturyLink customer service team on your side.
To get 24/7 CenturyLink customer support, call the following numbers:
- Internet Tech Support: 1-877-348-9005
- Home Phone Support: 1-877-348-9007
For general customer service, call 1-800-244-1111 during regular business hours, 8:00 am to 6:00 pm Monday through Friday.
Visit our customer service page for more phone numbers, contact options for technical support, answers to frequently asked questions, and resources.
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