CenturyLink is a key Internet service provider (ISP) based in the United States of America. To be a user of an internet service provider from CenturyLink you will require a modem to enable you access their network. Selecting the appropriate modem guarantees the required internet connection and enables the modem. The article below focuses on the various modems that can be used with CenturyLink services.
CenturyLink Modem Compatibility List
CenturyLink also has a list of modems that they recommend for use since they have been known to be compatible with the network. This comprises modems that you can buy on your own or modems that CenturyLink can provide for rental. Some of the Certified modems in their compatibility list include:
- Technicolor C1100T
- Greenwave C4000LG
- Zyxel C1100Z
- Actiontec C1000A
- Motorola MB7621
- Netgear C6300BD
- Netgear CM500
- Netgear CM600
- Netgear CM700
What consumers should understand is that their modem not being on this list does not necessarily mean it will not work. However, the modems on the list have been subjected to tests concerning their high performance and compatibility. Therefore it is safer to select a certified modem from the known list of certified modems.
What Factors Should Be Considered When Selecting A CenturyLink Modem?
When selecting your own modem for CenturyLink fiber or DSL internet, there are a few key factors to consider:
- Internet Plan Speeds: You require a modem that is capable of handling the internet speeds of the plan that you subscribe to or even a higher one. Hence, the entry-level plans may only need a typical modem. It is important to note that to get the key benefits from the higher speed plans one may require a modem that would support the set speeds.
- DSL vs Fiber: CenturyLink provides its customers with two types of internet connection: DSL and Fiber-optic. Fiber plans provide higher Internet speed through fiber optic connection rather than on a telephone line. We also notice that modems manufactured specifically for fiber internet are generally of higher quality to cater to the higher speeds.
- Wired vs Wireless: Are you in need of a modem with a built-in router or one that offers wireless connectivity that is commonly referred to as WiFi? As for the wired modems, these are connected directly to a computer. Wireless models enable a home WiFi network for more than one device.
- Voice/Phone: Some modems include RJ11 jacks for telephone connection to enable the provision of landline phone service through the modem. This results in bundles with internet and home phone service.
It is therefore important to choose a suitable modem with specified capabilities that match your chosen CenturyLink package.
Is It Compulsory To Use CenturyLink’s Modem?
Another thing that CenturyLink lets you do is to bring your own modem home instead of leasing one from them. However, there are a few reasons why renting their modem can be beneficial:
1. No Upfront Cost: Regarding the modem, you do not have to spend a lot of money to buy your own since you can lease one from CenturyLink.
2. Automatic Firmware Updates: CenturyLink can send firmware updates to their leased modems via a cloud connection to enhance their functionality and protection. You would have to manually update the purchased modems.
3. Easy Setup: Meaning when you acquire a leased modem from CenturyLink they are well aware that it is compatible and set to work upon being plugged into their network. Doing it yourself means that there is a lot more that can go wrong and that will need fixing.
4. No Return Hassle: With leased equipment, you must return the modem if you cancel a service. Do not need to sell or store modems that one owns after canceling.
While leasing a modem from CenturyLink costs a few dollars per month, this takes a lot of the potential issues with owning your equipment out of the equation. Just make sure you return the modem they provided once you have canceled to avoid any additional charges.
Top consumer-owned modem for CenturyLink
If you prefer to buy your own modem for CenturyLink rather than pay rental fees, these are some of the top recommended modems:
1. Motorola MB7621: This modem is compatible with VDSL as well as Fiber and can deliver up to 600 Mbps. It comes with a 4 Gigabit Ethernet port for wired connectivity.
2. Netgear Nighthawk C7000: This powerful modem is DOCSIS 3.0 compatible and has AC1900 WiFi capability, enabling download speeds of up to 800Mbps. It also works as a WiFi router with a USB slot.
3. Zoom 5370: Cheap but effective, this modem supports both ADSL2+ and VDSL2 for DSL with networks of 300 Mbps. This is especially true for simple Internet connection offers.
4. ARRIS SURFboard S33: Great for multi-gigabit fiber up to 2.5 Gbps, it is a fiber modem and router, perfect for large homes and high-speed plans.
5. TP-Link TC-7620: Enabling both VDSL2 and ADSL2 modes, it offers reliable performance with a moderate price for users of all levels.
Key Takeaways
- Always use the recommended modems by CenturyLink to ensure compatibility with the service provider.
- This brings us to the element of matching the modem specifications and the features to the internet plan.
- Fiber plans require fiber-ready modems, which have high performance.
- Leasing through CenturyLink may be less complicated but comes with monthly charges.
- Customers can purchase their modem and this proves to be cheaper in the long run.
It is also important to contact CenturyLink to check the update of modem firmware and modem compatibility during connection. The approved modems may be updated as their network progresses in the future with time. Therefore, by choosing the right modern for your century link internet service, you will have the benefit of enjoying the internet services without any interruption.
Call (844) 340-6002 to get a new CenturyLink connection now!
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