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CenturyLink compatible modems

Which modems are recommended for best performance with CenturyLink service? Find compatibility details and information below.

Top recommended modems

CenturyLink modem look-up

FAQs

What does compatible mean?

 

CenturyLink uses different modems that work with different speeds and internet technologies, like fiber or DSL. For a modem to work for your internet service, it must be compatible with both the connection type and the speed of your service.

Recommended CenturyLink modems

A CenturyLink gateway, or all-in-one modem/router, connects you to our service and creates a personal WiFi network. The latest gateways that we provide with new service are shown here. When you order or upgrade internet service, the best gateway for your specific service will be selected based on the technology and speed of your internet plan. 

CenturyLink modem look-up

All certified CenturyLink modems have been tested on our network to make sure they perform as expected and work at the specified speeds. You can use the drop-down below to see all CenturyLink-certified modems currently in use. 

Find your model number on the modem sticker
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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 model number
  • C4000
  • C3510XZ
  • C3000
  • C2300A
  • C5500XK Fiber SmartNID
  • PK5000Z
  • C424G - C844G
  • Other models

C4000 specifications

Features:  

The C4000 comes in multiple versions, depending on your internet connection type. The models are tested and certified to run at these speeds* on the CenturyLink® High-Speed Internet network:

Model Technology Type Tested speed
C4000LG/LZ ADSL up to 7 Mbps
ADSL2+ up to 20 Mbps
VDSL up to 100 Mbps
C4000BG/BZ   ADSL2+ pair up to 40 Mbps
VDSL pair up to 140 Mbps
C4000XG Fiber up to 940 Mbps

*Customer speed experiences will vary, particularly when accessing the internet wirelessly from different devices. Maximum download/upload speeds given are via a wired connection. Internet speeds are not guaranteed due to conditions outside of network control, including customer location, devices, equipment, and access over a wired or wireless connection; see centurylink.com/internetpolicy for more information.

C3510XZ specifications

WiFi supported:

  • 4 x 4 wireless radio
  • 2.4 GHz: 802.11 b/g/n/ax
  • 5 GHz: WiFi 6 (802.11 ax)


Other features: 

  • Up to 4 wireless networks (SSIDs)
  • WPS / WPS 2.0 compatible

The C3510XZ gateway modem is tested and certified to run at these speeds* on the CenturyLink® Fiber Internet network:

Technology Type Tested speed
Fiber up to 940 Mbps

*Customer speed experiences will vary, particularly when accessing the internet wirelessly from different devices. Maximum download/upload speeds given are via a wired connection. Internet speeds are not guaranteed due to conditions outside of network control, including customer location, devices, equipment, and access over a wired or wireless connection; see centurylink.com/internetpolicy for more information.

C3000 specifications

WiFi supported:

  • 2.4 GHz: 802.11 b/g/n
  • 5 GHz: WiFi 5 (802.11 ac)


Other features: Secure WiFi compatible (with leased modem)

The C3000A and C3000Z gateway modems are tested and certified to run at these speeds* on the CenturyLink® High-Speed Internet network:

Technology Type Tested speed
ADSL up to 7 Mbps
ADSL2+ up to 20 Mbps (40 Mbps pair bond)
VDSL up to 100 (140 Mbps pair bond)
Fiber up to 940 Mbps

*Customer speed experiences will vary, particularly when accessing the internet wirelessly from different devices. Maximum download/upload speeds given are via a wired connection. Internet speeds are not guaranteed due to conditions outside of network control, including customer location, devices, equipment, and access over a wired or wireless connection; see centurylink.com/internetpolicy for more information.

C2300A specifications

WiFi supported:

  • 2.4 GHz: 802.11 b/g/n
  • 5 GHz: 802.11 ac (WiFi 5)

The C2300A gateway modem is tested and certified to run at these speeds* on the CenturyLink® High-Speed Internet network:

Technology Type Tested speed
ADSL up to 25 Mbps pair bond
ADSL2+ up to 100 Mbps (140 pair bond)
G.Fast up to 100 Mbps single line
Fiber up to 940 Mbps

*Customer speed experiences will vary, particularly when accessing the internet wirelessly from different devices. Maximum download/upload speeds given are via a wired connection. Internet speeds are not guaranteed due to conditions outside of network control, including customer location, devices, equipment, and access over a wired or wireless connection; see centurylink.com/internetpolicy for more information.

C5500XK SmartNID specifications

Features:

  • Two gigabit Ethernet ports – 1 WAN/LAN; 1 LAN
  • Pairs with CenturyLink Premium WiFi pods for fiber internet (no wireless on its own)
  • Mounted to wall; does not move with customer

The C5500XK SmartNID is tested and certified to run at these speeds* on the CenturyLink® Fiber Internet network:

Technology Type Tested speed
Fiber up to 940 Mbps

*Customer speed experiences will vary, particularly when accessing the internet wirelessly from different devices. Maximum download/upload speeds given are via a wired connection. Internet speeds are not guaranteed due to conditions outside of network control, including customer location, devices, equipment, and access over a wired or wireless connection; see centurylink.com/internetpolicy for more information.

PK5000Z specifications

WiFi supported:

  • 2.4 GHz: 802.11 b/g/n

The PK5000Z gateway modem is tested and certified to run at these speeds* on the CenturyLink® High-Speed Internet network:

Technology Type Tested speed
ADSL up to 7 Mbps
ADSL2+ up to 20 Mbps

*Customer speed experiences will vary, particularly when accessing the internet wirelessly from different devices. Maximum download/upload speeds given are via a wired connection. Internet speeds are not guaranteed due to conditions outside of network control, including customer location, devices, equipment, and access over a wired or wireless connection; see centurylink.com/internetpolicy for more information.

C424G and C844G specifications

WiFi supported:

  • 2.4 GHz 802.11 b/g/n
  • 5 GHz 802.11 ac (WiFi 5)

The C424G and C844G gateway modems are tested and certified to run at these speeds* on the CenturyLink® Fiber Internet network:

Technology Type Tested speed
Fiber up to 940 Mbps

*Customer speed experiences will vary, particularly when accessing the internet wirelessly from different devices. Maximum download/upload speeds given are via a wired connection. Internet speeds are not guaranteed due to conditions outside of network control, including customer location, devices, equipment, and access over a wired or wireless connection; see centurylink.com/internetpolicy for more information.

Looking for an older CenturyLink modem?

Internet technology changes rapidly. Modems are retired over time and replaced with newer, faster equipment. If you have a CenturyLink modem that is more than five years old, it may be on our list of modems that are being replaced. Visit our retired modems page for details.

Retired modem details

Recommended modems info
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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 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 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 2.4 GHz b/g/n, 5 GHz n/ac/ax, CBRAS
Axon C5500XK SmartNID N/A N/A N/A 940 Mbps GigE WAN, GigE LAN, USB3 SFP GPON
Zyxel C3000Z 7 Mbps 20 Mbps (40 Mbps pair-bonded) 100 Mbps (140 Mbps pair-bonded) 940 Mbps Gig Eth (4); USB Host Port 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 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 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 2.4 GHz b/g/n, 5 GHz n/ac/ax, CBRAS

 

*Customer speed experiences will vary, particularly when accessing the internet wirelessly from different devices. Maximum download/upload speeds given are via a wired connection. Internet speeds are not guaranteed due to conditions outside of network control, including customer location, devices, equipment, and access over a wired or wireless connection; see centurylink.com/internetpolicy for more information.

Certified modems info
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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 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 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 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 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 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) 2.4 GHz b/g/n
Actiontec Q1000 7 Mbps 20 Mbps 40 Mbps N/A Gig Eth (4); USB Host Port Vectoring, 2.4 GHz b/g/n
Adtran C424G N/A N/A N/A 940 Mbps Gig Eth (4)   CenturyLink ON, 2.4 GHz b/g/n, 5 GHz n/ac
Calix C844G N/A N/A N/A 940 Mbps Gig Eth (4); USB Host Port CenturyLink ON, 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 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 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 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 Vectoring, 2.4 GHz b/g/n, CBRAS
Zyxel C1100Z 7 Mbps 20 Mbps 100 Mbps 940 Mbps Gig Eth (4); USB Host Port 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 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 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 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

 

*Customer speed experiences will vary, particularly when accessing the internet wirelessly from different devices. Maximum download/upload speeds given are via a wired connection. Internet speeds are not guaranteed due to conditions outside of network control, including customer location, devices, equipment, and access over a wired or wireless connection; see centurylink.com/internetpolicy for more information.

Don't see your modem listed?

If your modem isn't in either of the drop-down lists or tables above, then it is likely a retired model or a non-CenturyLink modem.

Blog: Tips for replacing a router

CenturyLink modem and 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 equipment that can be used with CenturyLink Fiber Internet includes:

If you feel you need a new modem because yours is several years old or not working well, our representatives can help you order a new one. Or, if you're ordering new service, you will be guided to purchase or lease the best CenturyLink modem for your service to get optimal performance. 

Modem cost 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.
* With some exceptions.

How to upgrade or replace your modem

You will get the best experience and performance by using certified CenturyLink equipment. Why? Our modems are tested and guaranteed to be optimized for maximum performance and easy setup. Our modems also come with free 24/7 tech support, whether you purchase or lease your modem from CenturyLink. If bringing your own modem is an option for your service, you will see a note during the online order process. However, not all modems are able to connect to CenturyLink internet service. 

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 best CenturyLink modem for your service to get optimal performance. 

  • A modem connects you to the provider network. The modem is what brings your internet connection to your home.
  • A router transmits that internet connection to multiple devices in your home or business, either over Ethernet connection or over WiFi. The router also allows your devices to share information with each other.
  • A gateway combines the modem and router into one device. Most* CenturyLink "modems" (as we often call them for shorthand) are actually 2-in-1 gateways.

    *    The SmartNID for fiber service is not a gateway, as it does not provide wireless service.


The bottom line: Since most internet users today use the term modem, we tend to use this term on our Support Center. We may call it a router when talking about WiFi. If you contact tech support, agents will often refer to it as a gateway, its official name.

Learn more

Some customers can order a new modem online


Sign in to My CenturyLink, click on the Services tab in the top menu and look for a button to Upgrade Modem. If you don't see the button, you can call or chat and an agent will help you.

 

Sign in to get started

My CenturyLink Services page showing button to upgrade modem

Modem Recycling Program

Send us your old CenturyLink modem at no cost and we'll recycle it!

Recycle Your Modem
Recycle Your Modem

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