Which modems are recommended for best performance with CenturyLink service?
Understanding modem compatibility
Every modem is built to work with a specific internet technology and in a specific speed range. CenturyLink uses different technologies (fiber or different types of DSL) depending on your location and the speed you selected.
Why does this matter? Even if you have a CenturyLink modem, it will only work if it is compatible with the specific technology and speed of your service.
CenturyLink's all-in-one modem/router, referred to as a gateway, allows you to connect your WiFi-enabled devices to the internet without additional equipment. The latest, premium WiFi gateways that we offer are the models pictured here.
When ordering internet service, the right gateway will automatically be selected for you based on the internet technology and speed available at your address.
Lease | $15/month | Newer models include Secure WiFi |
Purchase | $150 - $200 | Includes 12-month warranty for repair or replacement |
Rates subject to change. Taxes may apply.
Internet-only customers, you may be able to order a new modem online.
Here's how to check: Sign in to My CenturyLink and find "My Internet" under the Home tab or the Services tab. Then look for an "Upgrade Modem" link to go to online ordering. If you don't see the link, you can't order online at this time, but you may still be eligible for an upgrade. Call or chat and an agent will help walk you through the process.
"Certified" means our modems have been tested on the CenturyLink network to make sure they perform as expected and work with our internet technology. The drop-down below includes all the CenturyLink-certified modems that are currently in use.
Select a modem model to see compatibility details.
WiFi supported:
IP compatibility: IPv4, IPv6
Other features: Secure WiFi compatible
Compatibility details
The Axon C4000BG works with these CenturyLink internet services:
Type of Technology | Tested Speed |
ADSL2 | up to 40 Mbps (pair-bonded only) |
VDSL | up to 140 Mbps (pair-bonded only) |
Notes:
WiFi supported:
IP compatibility: IPv4, IPv6
Other features: Secure WiFi compatible
Compatibility details
The Axon C4000LG works with these CenturyLink internet services:
Type of Technology | Tested Speed |
ADSL | up to 7 Mbps |
ADSL2 | up to 20 Mbps |
VDSL | up to 100 Mbps |
Notes:
WiFi supported:
IP compatibility: IPv4, IPv6
Other features: Secure WiFi compatible
Compatibility details
The C4000XG works with these CenturyLink internet services:
Type of Technology | Tested Speed |
Fiber (GPON) | up to 940 Mbps |
Notes:
WiFi supported:
IP compatibility: IPv4, IPv6
Other features: Secure WiFi compatible
Compatibility details
The Zyxel C4000BZ works with these CenturyLink internet services:
Type of Technology | Tested Speed |
ADSL2 | up to 40 Mbps (pair-bonded only) |
VDSL | up to 140 Mbps (pair-bonded only) |
Note:
WiFi supported:
IP compatibility: IPv4, IPv6
Other features: Secure WiFi compatible
Compatibility details
The Zyxel C4000LZ works with these CenturyLink internet services:
Type of Technology | Tested Speed |
ADSL | up to 7 Mbps |
ADSL2 | up to 20 Mbps |
VDSL | up to 100 Mbps |
Note:
This modem will be retired soon. Learn how to upgrade >
WiFi supported:
IP compatibility: IPv4, IPv6
The Actiontec C3000A works with these CenturyLink internet services:
Type of Technology | Tested Speed |
ADSL | up to 7 Mbps |
ADSL2 | up to 20 Mbps (40 Mbps pair-bonded) |
VDSL | up to 100 Mbps (140 Mbps pair-bonded) |
Fiber (GPON) | up to 940 Mbps |
Note: Listed speeds reflect the maximum download speed the technology can deliver on CenturyLink services. In-home speeds may differ based on router setup, devices and other factors.
WiFi supported:
IP compatibility: IPv4, IPv6
Compatibility details
The Zyxel C3000Z works with these CenturyLink internet services:
Type of Technology | Tested Speed |
ADSL1 | up to 7 Mbps |
ADSL2 | up to 20 Mbps (40 Mbps pair-bonded) |
VDSL | up to 100 Mbps (140 Mbps pair-bonded) |
Fiber (GPON) | up to 940 Mbps |
Note: Listed speeds reflect the maximum download speed the technology can deliver on CenturyLink services. In-home speeds may differ based on router setup, devices and other factors.
WiFi supported:
IP compatibility: IPv4, IPv6
Other features:
Compatibility details
The Zyxel C3510XZ works with these CenturyLink internet services:
Type of Technology | Tested Speed |
Fiber (GPON) | up to 940 Mbps |
Notes:
This modem will be retired soon. Learn how to upgrade >
The Actiontec C1000A works with these CenturyLink internet services:
Type of Technology | Tested Speed |
ADSL1 | up to 7 Mbps |
ADSL2 | up to 20 Mbps |
VDSL | up to 80 Mbps |
Note: Listed speeds reflect the maximum download speed the technology can deliver on CenturyLink services. In-home speeds may differ based on router setup, devices and other factors.
This modem will be retired soon. Learn how to upgrade >
Compatibility details
The Actiontec C1900A works with these CenturyLink internet services:
Type of Technology | Tested Speed |
ADSL | up to 7 Mbps |
ADSL2 | up to 20 Mbps (40 Mbps pair-bonded) |
VDSL | up to 40 Mbps (100 Mbps pair-bonded) |
Fiber (GPON) | up to 940 Mbps |
Note: Listed speeds reflect the maximum download speed the technology can deliver on CenturyLink services. In-home speeds may differ based on router setup, devices and other factors.
This modem will be retired soon. Learn how to upgrade >
Compatibility details
The Actiontec C2000A works with these CenturyLink internet services:
Type of Technology | Tested Speed |
ADSL | up to 7 Mbps |
ADSL2 | up to 20 Mbps (40 Mbps pair-bonded) |
VDSL | up to 40 Mbps (100 Mbps pair-bonded) |
Fiber (GPON) | up to 940 Mbps |
Note: Listed speeds reflect the maximum download speed the technology can deliver on CenturyLink services. In-home speeds may differ based on router setup, devices and other factors.
This modem will be retired soon. Learn how to upgrade >
WiFi supported:
IP compatibility: IPv4, IPv6
Compatibility details
The Actiontec C2300A works with these CenturyLink internet services:
Type of Technology | Tested Speed |
ADSL2 | up to 25 Mbps pair-bonded |
VDSL | up to 100 Mbps (140 Mbps pair-bonded) |
G.Fast | up to 100 Mbps |
Fiber (GPON) | up to 940 Mbps |
Note: Listed speeds reflect the maximum download speed the technology can deliver on CenturyLink services. In-home speeds may differ based on router setup, devices and other factors.
This modem will be retired soon. Learn how to upgrade >
Compatibility details
The Actiontec PK5000 works with these CenturyLink internet services:
Type of Technology | Tested Speed |
ADSL | up to 7 Mbps |
ADSL2 | up to 20 Mbps |
Note: Listed speeds reflect the maximum download speed the technology can deliver on CenturyLink services. In-home speeds may differ based on router setup, devices and other factors.
This modem will be retired soon. Learn how to upgrade >
Compatibility details
The Actiontec PK5001A works with these CenturyLink internet services:
Type of Technology | Tested Speed |
ADSL | up to 7 Mbps |
ADSL2+ | up to 20 Mbps |
Note: Listed speeds reflect the maximum download speed the technology can deliver on CenturyLink services. In-home speeds may differ based on router setup, devices and other factors.
This modem will be retired soon. Learn how to upgrade >
Compatibility details
The Actiontec Q1000 works with these CenturyLink internet services:
Type of Technology | Tested Speed |
ADSL | up to 7 Mbps |
ADSL2 | up to 20 Mbps |
VDSL | up to 40 Mbps |
Note: Listed speeds reflect the maximum download speed the technology can deliver on CenturyLink services. In-home speeds may differ based on router setup, devices and other factors.
This modem will be retired soon. Learn how to upgrade >
Compatibility details
The Zyxel C1000Z works with these CenturyLink internet services:
Type of Technology | Tested Speed |
ADSL | up to 7 Mbps |
ADSL2 | up to 20 Mbps |
VDSL | up to 40 Mbps |
Note: Listed speeds reflect the maximum download speed the technology can deliver on CenturyLink services. In-home speeds may differ based on router setup, devices and other factors.
This modem will be retired soon. Learn how to upgrade >
WiFi supported: 2.4 GHz 802.11 b/g/n
IP compatibility: IPv4, IPv6
Other features: Secure WiFi compatible
Compatibility details
The Zyxel C1100Z works with these CenturyLink internet services:
Type of Technology | Tested Speed |
ADSL | up to 7 Mbps |
ADSL2 | up to 20 Mbps |
VDSL | up to 100 Mbps |
Fiber (GPON) | up to 940 Mbps |
Note: Listed speeds reflect the maximum download speed the technology can deliver on CenturyLink services. In-home speeds may differ based on router setup, devices and other factors.
This modem will be retired soon. Learn how to upgrade >
Compatibility details
The Zyxel C2100Z works with these CenturyLink internet services:
Type of Technology | Tested Speed |
ADSL | up to 7 Mbps |
ADSL2 | up to 20 Mbps (40 Mbps pair-bonded) |
VDSL | up to 40 Mbps (100 Mbps pair-bonded) |
Fiber (GPON) | up to 940 Mbps |
Note: Listed speeds reflect the maximum download speed the technology can deliver on CenturyLink services. In-home speeds may differ based on router setup, devices and other factors.
This modem will be retired soon. Learn how to upgrade >
Compatibility details
The Zyxel FR1000Z works with these CenturyLink internet services:
Type of Technology | Tested Speed |
Fiber (GPON) | up to 500 Mbps |
Note: Listed speeds reflect the maximum download speed the technology can deliver on CenturyLink services. In-home speeds may differ based on router setup, devices and other factors.
This modem will be retired soon. Learn how to upgrade >
Compatibility details
The Zyxel PK5000Z works with these CenturyLink internet services:
Type of Technology | Tested Speed |
ADSL | up to 7 Mbps |
ADSL2 | up to 20 Mbps |
Note: Listed speeds reflect the maximum download speed the technology can deliver on CenturyLink services. In-home speeds may differ based on router setup, devices and other factors.
This modem will be retired soon. Learn how to upgrade >
Compatibility details
The Actiontec PK5001Z works with these CenturyLink internet services:
Type of Technology | Tested Speed |
ADSL | up to 7 Mbps |
ADSL2 | up to 20 Mbps |
Note: Listed speeds reflect the maximum download speed the technology can deliver on CenturyLink services. In-home speeds may differ based on router setup, devices and other factors.
This modem will be retired soon. Learn how to upgrade >
Compatibility details
The Zyxel Q1000Z works with these CenturyLink internet services:
Type of Technology | Tested Speed |
ADSL | up to 7 Mbps |
ADSL2 | up to 20 Mbps |
VDSL | up to 40 Mbps |
Note: Listed speeds reflect the maximum download speed the technology can deliver on CenturyLink services. In-home speeds may differ based on router setup, devices and other factors.
This modem will be retired soon. Learn how to upgrade >
WiFi supported:
IP compatibility: IPv4, IPv6
Compatibility details
The Adtran C424G works with these CenturyLink internet services:
Type of Technology | Tested Speed |
Fiber (GPON) | up to 940 Mbps |
Note: Listed speeds reflect the maximum download speed the technology can deliver on CenturyLink services. In-home speeds may differ based on router setup, devices and other factors.
Features:
IP compatibility: IPv4, IPv6
Compatibility details
The Axon C5500XK works with these CenturyLink internet services:
Type of Technology | Tested Speed |
Fiber (GPON) | up to 940 Mbps |
Note: Listed speeds reflect the maximum download speed the technology can deliver on CenturyLink services. In-home speeds may differ based on router setup, devices and other factors.
This modem will be retired soon. Learn how to upgrade >
WiFi supported:
IP compatibility: IPv4, IPv6
Compatibility details
The Calix C844G works with these CenturyLink internet services:
Type of Technology | Tested Speed |
Fiber (GPON) | up to 940 Mbps |
Note: Listed speeds reflect the maximum download speed the technology can deliver on CenturyLink services. In-home speeds may differ based on router setup, devices and other factors.
This modem will be retired soon. Learn how to upgrade >
WiFi supported: 2.4 GHz 802.11 b/g/n
IP compatibility: IPv4, IPv6
Other features: Secure WiFi compatible
Compatibility details
The Technicolor C1100T works with these CenturyLink internet services:
Type of Technology | Tested Speed |
ADSL | up to 7 Mbps |
ADSL2 | up to 20 Mbps |
VDSL | up to 40 Mbps |
Fiber (GPON) | up to 940 Mbps |
Note: Listed speeds reflect the maximum download speed the technology can deliver on CenturyLink services. In-home speeds may differ based on router setup, devices and other factors.
This modem will be retired soon. Learn how to upgrade >
Compatibility details
The Technicolor C2000T works with these CenturyLink internet services:
Type of Technology | Tested Speed |
ADSL1 | up to 7 Mbps |
ADSL2 | up to 20 Mbps (40 Mbps pair-bonded) |
VDSL2 | up to 40 Mbps (100 Mbps pair-bonded |
Fiber (GPON) | up to 940 Mbps |
Note: Listed speeds reflect the maximum download speed the technology can deliver on CenturyLink services. In-home speeds may differ based on router setup, devices and other factors.
This modem will be retired soon. Learn how to upgrade >
WiFi supported:
IP compatibility: IPv4, IPv6
Compatibility details
The Technicolor C2100T works with these CenturyLink internet services:
Type of Technology | Tested Speed |
ADSL1 | up to 7 Mbps |
ADSL2 | up to 20 Mbps (40 Mbps pair-bonded) |
VDSL | up to 40 Mbps (100 Mbps pair-bonded |
Fiber (GPON) | up to 940 Mbps |
Note: Listed speeds reflect the maximum download speed the technology can deliver on CenturyLink services. In-home speeds may differ based on router setup, devices and other factors.
This modem will be retired soon. Learn how to upgrade >
Compatibility details
The Westell 7500 works with these CenturyLink internet services:
Type of Technology | Tested Speed |
ADSL1 | up to 6 Mbps |
ADSL2+ | up to 10 Mbps |
Note: Listed speeds reflect the maximum download speed the technology can deliver on CenturyLink services. In-home speeds may differ based on router setup, devices and other factors.
If your modem is not on the CenturyLink certified or recommended modem list, it’s either a retired CenturyLink device or what’s called a third-party modem (from another provider).
CenturyLink highly recommends using one of our certified or recommended WiFi modems (gateways), which have been tested and approved to work optimally with our high-speed internet technology. Retired and third-party devices are more likely to cause performance issues and may not connect to your internet service correctly.
If you're ready for an upgrade, contact us to purchase or lease a new modem.
Have more questions about CenturyLink modems? Check out the most common questions and answers below.
For optimal performance, the preferred models for CenturyLink DSL internet service are:
The compatible models for CenturyLink Fiber service are:
You will get the best experience and performance by using certified CenturyLink equipment. Why? Our modem/router combo (gateway) is tested and guaranteed to be optimized for maximum performance and easy setup. Our modems also come with free 24/7 tech support. You can purchase or lease a compatible modem from CenturyLink to use with your service. If bringing your own modem is an option, you will see a note during the online order process. However, not all modems are able to connect to CenturyLink internet service. Check the drop-down above to learn more about each model of gateway offered.
Read more about using third-party modems.
"Certified" means our modems have been tested on the CenturyLink network to ensure they are compatible with our internet technology and that they perform as expected. Our technical experts determine the modem's maximum speed and check IP compatibility. All CenturyLink-certified modems include 24/7 technical support and free McAfee security protection.
If you are looking to use a different modem with your existing service, our representatives can help you determine compatibility. If you are ordering new service, you will be guided to purchase or lease the correct CenturyLink modem to get the best connection and performance.
What's the difference between a modem and a router? And what's a gateway?
The bottom line: For many customers, these three words are interchangeable. Since most internet users today prefer the term modem, we use it across our Support Center. We do sometimes call it a router when talking about WiFi. And, if you contact tech support, agents will often refer to it as a gateway.
Learn more >
Modem Recycling Program
Send us your old CenturyLink modem at no cost and we'll recycle it!
Top Tools
Was this page helpful?
Support for: