CenturyLink compatible modems

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. 

Modem options

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 CenturyLink modems

"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. 

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Find the model number on your modem sticker

Check the sticker on the back or bottom of the modem to find your model name and number.

Sticker label on tower modem
C4000 modem label

Select a modem model to see compatibility details. 

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Recommended modems table


The models shown below are our newest modems, which are recommended for optimal internet performance. Learn more >

 

  DSL
Max Tested Download Speeds
Fiber
Max Tested Download Speeds
   
Model ADSL ADSL2 VDSL GPON Ports Features
Axon C4000BG N/A 40 Mbps pair-bonded 140 Mbps pair-bonded N/A

Gig Eth (5), USB Host Port IPv6, 2.4 GHz b/g/n, 5 GHz n/ac/ax, CBRAS
Axon C4000LG 7 Mbps 20 Mbps 100 Mbps N/A Gig Eth (5), USB Host Port IPv6, 2.4 GHz b/g/n, 5 GHz n/ac/ax, CBRAS
Axon C4000XG N/A N/A N/A 940 Mbps Gig Eth (5), USB Host Port IPv6, 2.4 GHz b/g/n, 5 GHz n/ac/ax, CBRAS
Greenwave C4000 series See Axon models above 
Zyxel C3000Z 7 Mbps 20 Mbps (40 Mbps pair-bonded) 100 Mbps (140 Mbps pair-bonded) 940 Mbps Gig Eth (4); USB Host Port IPv6, Vectoring, 2.4 GHz b/g/n, 5 GHz n/ac, CBRAS
Zyxel C3510XZ N/A N/A N/A 940 Mbps Gig Eth (5), USB Host Port IPv6, 2.4 GHz b/g/n, 5 GHz n/ac/ax, CBRAS
Zyxel C4000BZ N/A 40 Mbps pair-bonded 140 Mbps pair-bonded N/A

Gig Eth (5), USB Host Port IPv6, 2.4 GHz b/g/n, 5 GHz n/ac/ax, CBRAS
Zyxel C4000LZ 7 Mbps 20 Mbps 100 Mbps N/A Gig Eth (5), USB Host Port IPv6, 2.4 GHz b/g/n, 5 GHz n/ac/ax, CBRAS

 

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.

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Certified modems table


The models shown below are still being used by some of our customers and still supported by our technicians, but will be retired in the near future. Learn more >

 

  DSL
Max Tested Download Speeds
Fiber
Max Tested Download Speeds
   
Model ADSL ADSL2 VDSL GPON Ports Features
Actiontec C1000A 7 Mbps 20 Mbps 80 Mbps N/A Gig Eth (4); USB Host Port IPv6, Vectoring, 2.4 GHz b/g/n
Actiontec C1900A 7 Mbps 20 Mbps (40 Mbps pair-bonded) 40 Mbps (100 Mbps bonded)  940 Mbps Gig Eth (4); USB Host Port IPv6, Vectoring, 2.4 GHz b/g/n
Actiontec C2000A 7 Mbps 20 Mpbs (40 Mbps bonded) 40 Mbps (100 Mbps pair-bonded)  940 Mbps Gig Eth (4); USB Host Port IPv6, Vectoring, 2.4 GHz b/g/n
Actiontec C2300A N/A 25 Mbps bonded 100 Mpbs (140 Mbps pair-bonded) 940 Mbps Gig Eth (4); USB Host Port IPv6, Vectoring, 2.4 GHz b/g/n, 5 GHz n/ac, CBRAS
Actiontec C3000A 7 Mbps 20 Mbps (40 Mbps pair-bonded) 100 Mpbs (140 Mbps pair-bonded) 940 Mbps Gig Eth (4); USB Host Port IPv6, Vectoring, 2.4 GHz b/g/n, 5 GHz n/ac
Actiontec PK5000 7 Mbps 20 Mbps N/A N/A 100 Mbps Eth (4) 2.4 GHz b/g
Actiontec PK5001A 7 Mbps 20 Mbps N/A N/A 100 Mbps Eth (4) IPv6, 2.4 GHz b/g/n
Actiontec Q1000 7 Mbps 20 Mbps 40 Mbps N/A Gig Eth (4); USB Host Port IPv6, Vectoring, 2.4 GHz b/g/n
Adtran C424G N/A N/A N/A 940 Mbps Gig Eth (4)   CenturyLink ON, IPv6, 2.4 GHz b/g/n, 5GHz n/ac
Calix C844G N/A N/A N/A 940 Mbps Gig Eth (4); USB Host Port CenturyLink ON, IPv6, 2.4 GHz b/g/n, 5GHz n/ac
Technicolor C1100T 7 Mbps 20 Mbps 40 Mbps 940 Mbps Gig Eth (4); USB Host Port IPv6, Vectoring, 2.4 GHz b/g/n, CBRAS
Technicolor C2000T 7 Mbps 20 Mbps (40 Mbps pair-bonded) 40 Mbps (100 Mbps pair-bonded)  940 Mbps Gig Eth (4); USB Host Port IPv6, Vectoring, 2.4 GHz b/g/n
Technicolor C2100T 7 Mbps 20 Mbps (40 Mbps pair-bonded) 40 Mbps (100 Mbps pair-bonded)  940 Mbps Gig Eth (4); USB Host Port IPv6, Vectoring, 2.4 GHz b/g/n, 5 GHz n/ac, CBRAS
Westell 7500 6 Mbps 10 Mbps  N/A N/A Eth (4) 2.4 GHz b/g
Zyxel C1000Z 7 Mbps 20 Mbps 40 Mbps N/A Gig Eth (4); USB Host Port IPv6, Vectoring, 2.4 GHz b/g/n, CBRAS
Zyxel C1100Z 7 Mbps 20 Mbps 100 Mbps 940 Mbps Gig Eth (4); USB Host Port IPv6, Vectoring, 2.4 GHz b/g/n, CBRAS
Zyxel C2100Z 7 Mbps 20 Mbps (40 Mbps pair-bonded) 40 Mbps (100 Mbps pair-bonded)  940 Mbps Gig Eth (4); USB Host Port IPv6, Vectoring, 2.4 GHz b/g/n, 5 GHz n/ac, CBRAS
Zyxel FR1000Z N/A N/A N/A 500 Mbps Gig Eth (4); USB Host Port C IPv6, 2.4 GHz b/g/n
Zyxel PK5000Z 7 Mbps 20 Mbps N/A N/A 1000 Mbps Eth (4) 2.4 GHz b/g
Zyxel PK5001Z 7 Mbps 20 Mbps N/A N/A Gig Eth (4); USB Host Port IPv6, 2.4 GHz b/g/n
Zyxel Q1000Z 7 Mbps 20 Mbps 40 Mbps N/A 100 Mbps Eth (4) 2.4 GHz b/g/n

 

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.

Don't see your modem listed?

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.


CenturyLink modem/router FAQs

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?
 

  • A modem connects your home network to the larger provider network. The modem is essentially what brings the internet into your home.
  • A router transmits the internet connection to multiple devices in your home or business, either over a wired Ethernet connection or over WiFi. The router also allows your devices to talk to each other and share information.
  • A gateway combines the function of both the modem and the router into one device. All CenturyLink "modems" are these 2-in-1 gateways.


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!

Secure WiFi

  • Security for your home or business network and all connected devices
  • Manage devices
  • Control content

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