Can I Use My Centurylink Modem With Service Electric

This is a listing of the all-time compatible modem for Windstream net in 2022.

Finding Windstream canonical modems is hard, the specifications are not clear and few resource are correct.

As a Network Engineer, I have been in contact with Windstream and performed extensive inquiry to figure out the best Windstream compatible modems for your home.

And I constitute that CenturyLink Prism C2100T is the best overall choice.

But everyone has different internet needs. Then, therefore, I have put together this listing of the all-time modems for your home'south Windstream internet.

Permit's go started.

Best Windstream Uniform Modems

CenturyLink Prism C2100T (Editors Choice)
CenturyLink C3000A (Best Performer
Actiontec C2000A (Budget Selection)
Actiontec CenturyLink C1900A (Best Value)
ZyXEL C3000Z CenturyLink (Strongest Signal)

Top 5 Approved Windstream Modems

Here are the top v best modems that piece of work with Windstream Internet.

#1 CenturyLink Prism C2100T (Editors Choice)

Type: Modem/router combo
Advertised speed: 300 Mbps
Recommended for speed: 200 Mbps or beneath
GHz Options: Both 2.4 & 5GHz
Warranty: 30 days return policy
Called as: Best Overall

As the model name suggests this is a Centurylink modem, only it will still work slap-up for Windstream internet. As the 2 providers take the same type of network infrastructure.

The router in the modem uses 802.11n internet protocol which allows a maximum download speed of 300 Mbps. This, nevertheless, is not the existent speed, which instead will be around 200 Mbits. The speed is practiced and volition be enough for most Windstream customers. [1]

Information technology also has the option of switching between 2.4 & 5GHz. This is good because 2.4GHz is a better option for a longer point range. While 5GHz gets less interference, faster speed, but shorter range. Yous tin pick the i that'due south all-time for your home.

The simply con with this modem is that it begins to approach the end-of-life stage, which ways it'southward getting old. Still, information technology volition near probable work years to come.

#two CenturyLink C3000A (All-time Performer)

Type: Modem/router combo
Advertised speed: 1300 Mbps
Recommended for speed: 1000 Mbps or below
GHz Options: Both 2.4 & 5GHZ
Warranty: 30 days money-back guarantee
Chosen as: Best Performer

This is the modem that the Windstream support recommends. Except, the one they recommend has a Windstream logo. Otherwise, it's the same modem.

The router uses the 802.11ac which is an internet protocol that supports and a max speed of 1300 Mbps. This translates to a real speed of around 1000 Mbps. So this modem is for people with fast internet or someone who wants to future proof their router.

Information technology also has a long-range and thus works great for larger homes. This modem is perfect for any gamer out at that place.

The router also has both ii.4GHz and 5GHz. This is good because 5GHz provides faster net just shorter range, while two.4GHz has longer-range but slower speed. Allowing you lot to option the best for your home.

The biggest con is that it is more pricey, only if you have fast cyberspace I would say it'due south worth the money.

#3 Actiontec C2000A (Budget Choice)

Type: Modem/router philharmonic
Advertised speed: 54 Mbp
Recommended for speed: 40 Mbps or below
GHz Options: two.4GHz
Warranty: 30 days return policy
Chosen as: Budget Option

This is the best budget choice for Windstream compatible modems for people who don't need a fast modem.

The router uses 802.11bgn which supports a maximum speed of 54 Mbits, which in practice becomes around xl Mbits. It also has a decent range of effectually 110 to 130 anxiety (depending on the surrounding).

It only supports two.4GHz which can be a trouble if it is surrounded by a lot of interference. Such as household electronics and other modems and routers.

Some people too have reported problems with it emitting a high-pitched whine. Then it'southward non recommended to proceed it in your bedchamber.

#4 Actiontec CenturyLink C1900A (All-time Value)

Type: Modem/router combo
Advertised speed: 300 Mbps
Recommended for speed: 200 Mbps or beneath
GHz Options: ii.4GHz
Warranty: thirty days render policy
Chosen equally: All-time Value for Money

The C1900A modem is very much like the first modem on this list. Except it'south cheaper but does not support 5GHz.

This is a loss because 5GHz is great if you are in a signal noisy surroundings. Because 2.4GHz is the standard frequency for nearly all electrical devices. Thus, the router signal tin go interfered with and weakened. [2]

The router uses 802.11n internet protocol which supports skilful max speeds of effectually 300 Mbits, which in reality is around 200 Mbits. Which is a speed that is enough for most.

Overall it's a cheaper pick that provides a lot of value for the money spent.

#5 ZyXEL C3000Z CenturyLink (Strongest Signal)

Type: Modem/router combo
Advertised speed: 300 Mbps
Recommended for speed: 200 Mbps or below
GHz Options: Both two.iv & 5GHz
Warranty: 30 days render policy
Chosen as: Strongest Signal

This Windstream modem has a stiff wi-fi point, then information technology's perfect for someone with a large dwelling house.

It also supports a max speed of 300 Mbps, which translates to a existent speed of around 200 Mbps. Thus, the speed of it is plenty for most.

Too, the router besides provides both 2.4 and 5GHz. Which allows you to pick the almost fitting frequency for your habitation. ii.4GHz has a longer range simply gets more than interference. And 5GHz has faster speed only a shorter range.

One bad thing about this modem is that it'south hard to change the configuration for MAC filtering and USB devices. Simply nearly people will not desire to do this anyway, equally it'due south not necessary.

What to Consider Before Buying a Windstream Modem

When selecting the all-time Windstream compatible modems, you demand to consider several things.

Modem or a Router/Modem Combo

A modem/router combo (gateway) is a modem with an inbuilt router. While a separate setup uses two devices. A modem to receive the internet and a router to distribute the internet.

In full general, I recommend about to get separate devices, but when it comes to Windstream canonical modems it only exists modem router combos.

This still does non finish you if y'all want a specific router. Because you tin can do something called bridging. This disables the router in the device and makes information technology work exactly similar a standalone modem. Allowing you to connect the router of your choice to it. [3]

This is not necessary for almost, but if you lot have a large dwelling house and need a stiff Wi-Fi signal it tin be an option.

Home Size & Devices Connected

The 2nd thing to consider before you choose your modem for Windstream is how large your home is and many devices with internet access you have.

This is not necessary if you plan to span your modem. But if yous are going to buy a modem-router combo so you demand to consider this.

The larger home you lot have and the more than devices the stronger the Wi-Fi indicate is necessary. Thus you need a more powerful modem/router.

Internet Plan

Some other thing to consider is your internet program. Go something that supports your plan'due south speed.

Otherwise, it will get a bottleneck for your cyberspace connection. Also, note that the advertised speed is not the real-world speed. Then yous demand a device that is a bit college than your internet program speed.

Compatible with Windstream

This is nothing you need to think almost if you lot cull any of the gateways listed above. But if you want another one you need to brand sure it is a Windstream compatible modem, otherwise it volition not work. Most Internet Service Providers take a list of devices that work on their internet, simply not Windstream.

For a modem to exist a Windstream uniform modem information technology needs to be a bonded DSL modem. This ways that information technology has 2 DSL connections that intertwine with each other. To see that it is bonded look at ii lights that either say DLS 1 and DSL ii or Tel ane and Tel 2 on it. [4]

Few modems are made for Windstream. But since Centurylink has such a similar network infrastructure they have plenty of modems that work with Windstream. Therefore, I take recommended some of Centurylink'due south devices.

Buy Vs. Rent a Windstream Modem

The toll to hire a modem and router philharmonic from Windstream is $9.99 for the standard device. And $11.99 if you desire an enhanced selection. This adds up to either $119.88 per year for the standard option or $143.88 per year for the enhanced option. Easily enough to buy yourself a new device every year. [5]

Thus, in the example of Windstream, I recommend people to buy their own devices. But at that place should be said that there are some cons to this. Like the lack of tech support or gratis replacements.

If y'all heisted on what to do, then bank check out Buying vs Renting Your Modem & Router. This goes into more than item nearly the pros and cons of each selection. Just keep in mind that I'yard somewhat biased towards buying since I brand a committee if you lot buy information technology.

But with all honestly, I recollect the benefits overshadow the potential downsides for most people. Below you can acquire most some of the main benefits.

The Benefit of Getting a Windstream Compatible Modem

There are many benefits to getting a 3rd-political party modem to your net, here are the main ones.

Eliminate Rental Fees

Like mentioned earlier, you lot save between $119.88 and $143.88 per year in rental fees if you terminate renting. This ways that a third-political party modem will pay-off itself in everything from a couple of months to a year (depending on what you buy).

Faster Cyberspace Speed

Windstream does offer an enhanced option for people renting their modem which is improve than well-nigh other ISPs. But even their improve pick is still not as good as many out there. Getting a modem volition allow for faster internet speeds in your dwelling house.

More than Network Control

Renting from Windstream comes with many restrictions. Buying a 3rd-political party modem will allow for more control over your network. Like adding parenting controls, a guest network, or a VPN. Things that your rented device sometimes doesn't allow.

Increased Security

To compete with rented modem and router, third-political party hardware always tries to keep an edge. Therefore, they are in general more than secure than rented options. Considering the firmware is constantly updated to proceed up with cyber threats.

How to install a Windstream Modem

This is how you lot prepare your Windstream uniform modem.

Beginning, make certain your Internet access provider has activated your cyberspace program. Otherwise, you will not know if your internet works or not.
Second, check so yous have all the internet equipment. This depends on what you accept bought. But for a separate modem and router, you lot need a ability cord, an ethernet cable, and perchance a DLS filter or two, as well equally the two devices of course.
Pick a expert location. As centralized and high upwards as possible, as well try to proceed the surrounding gratuitous from obstacles.
And so follow the instruction manual which comes with your device. If you don't have one, and so cheque out my guide on how to install a modem.

Windstream also has a video of their own which shows how to set their modem. Others can exist gear up up nearly exactly like that equally well. Bank check information technology out beneath.

FAQ

Here are some common questions nearly buying a modem for Windstream that many people have.

Tin I buy Modems and Routers from Windstream?

No, you can't. They but offer you to hire their devices.

How to Reset a Windstream Modem?

Like any other, printing the piffling push on the back with a needle or a toothpick for five seconds. This will manufacturing plant reset your device. For a more than detailed guide, click here.

My Windstream cyberspace feels wearisome. Am I getting what I'm paying for?

There could be many things slowing down your internet so it'southward hard to tell. I would recommend checking out this guide on how to increase your internet speed. If you follow it and zippo works, call Windstream and ask.

What is Windstream DSL net?

DLS internet uses your phone line to provide y'all with cyberspace admission. It is more often than not slower than cable and fiber but is readily available in nigh areas since it uses the phone infrastructure. This is the cyberspace that most Windstream customers accept.

What is Windstream Cobweb Internet?

Cobweb internet uses fiber optic cables to provide you lot with net admission. It is the fastest type of cyberspace simply is more expensive and isn't available in most areas. Windstream has in the last couple of years invested in Fiber, calling information technology Kinetic internet. Windstream fiber does non require a modem. [half-dozen]

What is Windstream Cable cyberspace?

Cablevision net uses your coax cables as its means of providing internet access. Using the same infrastructure equally your television receiver uses. It's generally faster than DLS but slower than fiber. Windstream does not offering this kind of internet then make certain you don't get a cable modem.

My Verdict

Finding Windstream uniform modems was difficult. Most ISPs have a table on their site with hardware that works with their internet, just not Windstream.

But after all-encompassing research and past talking to Windstream, I plant that CenturyLink Prism C2100T is the best overall option for your home network.

As it provides your home with a reliable net connectedness and fast net speed for a good toll.

Source: https://networkshardware.com/modems/approved/windstream/

Posted by: martinezwasight.blogspot.com