What routers work with centurylink? Centurylink is a great internet service provider, but their customer service can be frustrating and their routers aren’t always compatible with certain devices.
If you’re like most people, you probably don’t have the time to research which routers are compatible with Centurylink and then go out and buy one. Then, if your router isn’t compatible with Centurylink, you have to call customer service and spend hours on the phone trying to get it fixed.
Edon Lazaj have done the research for you and found the best routers that work with Centurylink. Plus, we offer easy-to-follow installation instructions so you can get up and running in no time.
What are modems compatible with CenturyLink?
CenturyLink is a major American ISP (Internet Service Provider). They offer service in 37 states and their coverage is continuing to expand. As of 2017, CenturyLink is the third largest telecommunications company in the United States in terms of lines served, behind AT&T and Verizon.
While CenturyLink offers a variety of services, they are perhaps most well-known for their high-speed Internet service. CenturyLink Internet plans offer speeds up to 100 Mbps in select areas, making it a great option for homes and businesses that need fast and reliable service.
If you’re looking to get CenturyLink Internet service, one of the first things you’ll need to do is find a compatible modem. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the best modems for CenturyLink and help you choose the right one for your needs.
CenturyLink modems recommend
We highly recommend that you use a modem recommended by CenturyLink. While other modems may work with their service, the compatibility is not guaranteed and you may experience issues such as slower speeds or connection problems.
The good news is that CenturyLink offers a wide variety of both wired and wireless modems that are specifically designed to work with their service. In this section, we’ll take a look at some of the best modems for CenturyLink.
Wired Modems
If you’re looking for a wired modem that is compatible with CenturyLink, we recommend the TP-Link Archer CR700. This modem is specifically designed to work with CenturyLink’s high-speed Internet service and offers speeds up to 100 Mbps.
The TP-Link Archer CR700 features four Ethernet ports, so you can connect multiple devices directly to the modem. It also includes a USB port, so you can easily share files and printers with other devices on your network.
Wireless Modems
If you’re looking for a wireless modem that is compatible with CenturyLink, we recommend the Netgear Nighthawk AC1900. This modem offers speeds up to 100 Mbps and includes four Ethernet ports for wired connections.
The Netgear Nighthawk AC1900 also features dual-band WiFi, so you can connect both 2.4GHz and 5GHz devices to your network. It includes a USB 3.0 port for fast file and printer sharing, and it supports beamforming for improved WiFi range and performance.
What are CenturyLink modems Certified?
We’ve compiled a list of all of the CenturyLink modems that are certified to work with their service. This list includes both wired and wireless modems, so you can choose the right one for your needs.
Wired Modems:
• TP-Link Archer CR700
• Netgear CM500
• Motorola MB7420
• Actiontec C1000A
Wireless Modems:
• Netgear Nighthawk AC1900
• TP-Link Archer C7 AC1750
• Linksys EA7500 Max-Stream™ AC1750
• Asus RT-AC66U B1 AC1750
What routers work with centurylink?
A router is not the same as a modem. A modem allows your devices to connect to the Internet, while a router manages the connections between your devices and the Internet.
While most routers will work with any ISP, we recommend using a router that is specifically designed to work with CenturyLink.
- Asus RT-AC66U B1 AC1750
- Linksys EA7500 Max-Stream™ AC1750
- TP-Link Archer C7 AC1750
- Netgear Nighthawk AC1900
- Actiontec C1000A
- Motorola MB7420
- Netgear CM500 TP-Link Archer CR700
The TP-Link Archer CR700 is our top pick for the best modem for CenturyLink. It’s a wired modem that offers speeds up to 100 Mbps and includes four Ethernet ports for wired connections. It also has a USB port, so you can easily share files and printers with other devices on your network.
What to look for in CenturyLink compatible modems?
When choosing a modem for CenturyLink, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, you’ll want to make sure that the modem is compatible with CenturyLink’s service.
You’ll also want to consider the speed of your Internet connection. If you have a high-speed Internet plan, you’ll need a modem that can support those speeds.
Finally, you’ll want to consider the number of devices you’ll be connecting to the Internet. If you have multiple devices, you’ll need a modem with enough Ethernet ports to support them all.
Wireless protocol
To get Wi-Fi in your home, you’ll need a router. Fortunately, most DSL modems include one.But if yours doesn’t, you have a few different options when it comes to choosing the best one for you.
The two most common types of Wi-Fi are 802.11ac and 802.11n. 802.11ac is the latest and fastest protocol, but it only works with devices that also support 802.11ac. 802.11n is older and slower, but it’s compatible with more devices.
If you have a lot of devices that need Wi-Fi, or if you have a lot of devices that use bandwidth-heavy applications like streaming video or online gaming, you’ll want to get a router that supports 802.11ac.
If you only have a few devices that need Wi-Fi, or if you don’t use bandwidth-heavy applications, you can get away with a router that supports 802.11n.
DSL (Digital subscriber line) technology
DSL uses your home’s existing phone line to deliver high-speed Internet. And because it uses your home’s existing wiring, it’s one of the easiest types of Internet to set up.
To get DSL Internet, you’ll need a DSL modem. Most DSL providers will give you a modem when you sign up for service. But if you’re looking to buy your own modem, make sure it’s compatible with your provider and your Internet plan.
Not all DSL modems are created equal. Some modems are faster than others. And some modems have more features than others.
Here are a few things to keep in mind when you’re shopping for a DSL modem:
- Compatibility: Make sure the modem you’re considering is compatible with your DSL provider and your Internet plan.
- Speed: The faster the modem, the faster your Internet will be. If you have a high-speed Internet plan, you’ll need a fast modem to take advantage of it.
- Features: Some modems have more features than others. If you need specific features like Wi-Fi or VoIP, make sure the modem you’re considering has them.
- Price: Modems range in price from around $40 to $200. The more expensive modems are usually faster and have more features. But unless you have a high-speed Internet plan, you probably don’t need a top-of-the-line modem.
Rent vs. Purchase CenturyLink Modems
You have the option of renting or purchasing a modem from CenturyLink. If you choose to rent, you’ll pay a monthly fee.
If you purchase your own modem, you’ll need to pay for it upfront. But after that, you won’t have any monthly fees. And if you ever cancel your service, you can take your modem with you.
The type of modem you need depends on the speed of your Internet connection. If you have a high-speed Internet plan, you’ll need a higher-end modem. But if you have a lower-speed Internet plan, a lower-end modem will suffice.
Here are a few things to keep in mind when deciding whether to rent or purchase a modem from CenturyLink:
Renting
- Convenience: When you rent a modem from CenturyLink, they’ll set it up for you. And if there are any problems with the modem, they’ll take care of it.
- Cost: You’ll pay a monthly fee to rent a modem from CenturyLink. The exact amount depends on the type of modem you rent.
- Flexibility: If you decide to cancel your service, you can return the modem to CenturyLink.
Purchasing
- Upfront cost: You’ll need to pay for the modem upfront. The exact cost depends on the type of modem you purchase.
- Long-term savings: You won’t have any monthly fees when you own your modem. And if you keep the same Internet service for a few years, you’ll save money in the long run.
- Ownership: If you decide to cancel your service, you can take your modem with you.
- Compatibility: Not all modems are compatible with all Internet providers. So if you switch providers, you may need to get a new modem.
And next Edon Lazaj instructs you guide you Top 6 Best CenturyLink Routers In 2022.
Top 6 Best CenturyLink Routers In 2022
If you’re a CenturyLink customer, you know that finding a compatible router can be a challenge. That’s because CenturyLink uses a technology called VDSL2 (Very-high-bit-rate digital subscriber line 2). And not all routers are compatible with VDSL2.
To make things even more complicated, CenturyLink offers two different Internet speeds: 25 Mbps and 40 Mbps. And you’ll need a different router depending on which speed you have.
If you’re not sure which router to get, don’t worry. We’ve done the research for you. After rigorous and meticulous testing processes, I have selected 6 Best CenturyLink Routers In 2022 for users. Here are the 6 best routers for CenturyLink in 2022:
TP-Link AC4000 (Archer A20): Best choice
Overview
We think thatTP-Link AC4000 Archer A20 router is at the top of its class. According to my experience, The router has fast speeds, robust security, and easy-to-navigate features. It also has plenty of ports, including 4 gigabit Ethernet, so it’s perfect for large homes or offices.
One thing to note is that The AC4000 has MU-MIMO technology, which lets it handle multiple simultaneous Internet data requests without slowing them down. MU-MIMO is one major reason this router is at the top of the class.
MU-MIMO solves this problem by creating 3 simultaneous connections to serve several users with 3 data streams at the same time. With technological development MU-MIMO can provide more spatial streams and serve more users simultaneously.
Source: https://www.tp-link.com/
However, MU-MIMO isn’t the only reason this router is at the top of the class. TP-Link’s proprietary Tri-Band technology enables this router to reach speeds of up to 1625Mbps, which is one of the fastest speeds we’ve seen on a router.
This is a router that is suitable for everyone from casual gamers to hard-core video streamers, and it offers plenty of features to ensure smooth streaming and gaming. Overall, TP-Link’s AC4000 Archer A20 router is a great router, especially for large homes.
Why we choose
The speeds we saw in testing with the Archer A20 were some of the fastest we’ve seen from any router. It also balances that speed with solid range and coverage, thanks to its four external antennas.The Archer A20 uses TP-Link’s Smart Connect feature to intelligently assign devices to different bands based on their needs.
That means that you won’t have to manually connect your devices to the 2.4GHz or 5GHz bands — the router will do it for you.In addition to its speed and range, the Archer A20 is packed with features.
It has MU-MIMO support for simultaneous streaming on multiple devices, as well as Beamforming+ for more targeted Wi-Fi delivery. It also has built-in malware protection and parental controls.
If you’re looking for the fastest possible speeds on your home network, the TP-Link Archer A20 is the best router for the job. The Archer A20 is our pick for the best router because it offers some of the fastest speeds we’ve seen, thanks to its four external antennas.
Specifications
| Connectivity Technology | Wi-Fi, Ethernet |
| Brand | TP-Link |
| Compatible Devices | Gaming Console, Personal Computer, Smart Television |
| Control Method | Voice |
| Frequency Band Class | Tri-Band |
| Operating System | Internet Explorer 11+, Firefox 12.0+, Chrome 20.0+, Safari 4.0+, or other JavaScript-enabled browserCable or DSL Modem (if needed)Subscription with an internet service provider (for internet access) |
Pros
- The user interface is well done and the advanced view strikes a balance between usability and depth.
- Performance is superlative
- Wireless coverage for ~2k sqft
- Parental Controls: mainly setting up profiles and bedtimes
- The abilty to setup a guest network
- The webportal was easy to navigate and has a link for getting the phone app (Tether) as well
- Coverage is fantastic
- The router’s internal speedtest was very accurate
Cons
- The device is low profile
- Sometimes, it will randomly change the router password. So, you should make a backup of your settings so after a reset you can restore your settings the way you had it.
Rating: 4.8/5
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Netgear Nighthawk R7000: Best Overall Best
Overview
In our experience, The NETGEAR Nighthawk R7000 is one of the fastest routers we’ve tested, and it’s the only router that met our criteria for our fastest router category (the NETGEAR Nighthawk X6, which has the fastest theoretical Wi-Fi speed, had issues connecting multiple devices to the Internet for multiplayer gaming).
The router is also packed with features, including the Netgear Armor cybersecurity suite, which has parental controls, a firewall, and VPN.
It also has four LAN Ethernet ports and two USB ports, as well as several advanced wireless features, including Beamforming+, Dynamic QoS, Smart Connect, and Amazon Alexa voice controls.
The router also has eight physical antennas, which helps it deliver a strong Wi-Fi signal throughout a large home or apartment. The user interface is user-friendly, and the Netgear app provides clear instructions for setting up the client app, the Wi-Fi, and the router.
The router’s firmware updates are painless, and the router’s performance is solid. The only drawbacks are that the router’s performance doesn’t live up to its advertised speeds, and that it isn’t compatible with iOS.
Specifications
| Connectivity Technology | Wi-Fi |
| Brand | NETGEAR |
| Compatible Devices | PC, Mac, Unix |
| Control Method | Voice |
| Frequency Band Class | Dual-Band |
| Operating System | Microsoft Windows 7, 8, 8.1, Vista, XP, 2000, Mac OS, UNIX, or Linux.Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.0, Firefox 2.0, Safari 1.4, or Google Chrome 11.0 browsers |
Pros
- Super easy to set up
- The web interface is one of the best we’ve seen, and the mobile apps are excellent
- The performance is great
- It has a lot of features
- Good range
Cons
- It’s not the fastest router we’ve tested
- It isn’t compatible with iOS devices
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Asus RT-AC68U AC1900: Best for speed for home
Overview
As we see, The ASUS RT-AC68U is one of the fastest wireless routers we’ve tested, is a well-rounded, moderately priced router that offers excellent dependability and performance. It’s versatile enough for all but the most ambitious home networks, and it supports just about every Wi-Fi standard you’ll run across.
It also does an excellent job of routing, which no router can ever do perfectly. We’ve tested a lot of routers, and the RT-AC68U proved itself to be one of the fastest we’ve tested.
Our tests showed that it managed a throughput of 1.59 megabits per second on our 2.4 GHz test network, which was faster than every other router we’ve tested except for our top pick.
The performance on our 5 GHz network was even more impressive: The RT-AC68U managed a throughput of 3.15 megabits per second, which was faster than the RT-AC68L.
While it doesn’t remain the fastest router we’ve tested for long, the RT-AC68U is the fastest of all that we’ve tested in 2017 and thus gets our highest recommendation.
Specifications
| Connectivity Technology | Wireless |
| Brand | ASUS |
| Control Method | Voice |
| Frequency Band Class | Dual-Band |
| Operating System | Windows 10, 8.1, 8, 7, Vista, 2000, ME, XP, Server 2003, Server 2008, Mac OS X 10.1, OS X 10.4, 10.5, 10.6, 10.7, 10.8, Linux Kernel (Support Ubuntu only), Linux |
Pros
- Nice build quality
- Removable antenna just like a real AP pro class
- Signal strength is stronger
- Build quality, stability, feature set, and pairs very nicely with a Arris SB6141 DOCSIS 3.0 cable modem
- Consistent data processing and movement in the network
- Easy setup for the beginner
- Cool and adjustable LED lighting
Cons
- ASUSWRT interface not as user-friendly as some others
- The mobile app is a bit basic
- Not the absolute fastest router we’ve tested
Rating: 4.4/5
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Zyxel PK5001Z: Best Budget-Friendly
Overview
The CenturyLink ZyXEL PK5001z modem was easy to set up and gave us consistent speeds we tested. It handles the 10/100/1000Mbps connection, and the 300Mbps wireless transfer rate seems fast.
The modem was easy to set up and gave us consistent speeds. It handles the 10/100/1000Mbps connection, and the 300Mbps wireless transfer rate seems fast. The modem was easy to set up and gave us consistent speeds.
It handles the 10/100/1000Mbps connection, and the 300Mbps wireless transfer rate seems fast. The modem was easy to set up and gave us consistent speeds. It handles the 10/100/1000Mbps connection, and the 300Mbps wireless transfer rate seems fast.
The modem was easy to set up and gave us consistent speeds. It handles the 10/100/1000Mbps connection, and the 300Mbps wireless transfer rate seems fast. The modem was easy to set up and gave us consistent speeds. It handles the 10/100/1000Mbps connection, and the 300Mbps wireless transfer rate seems fast.
The modem was easy to set up and gave us consistent speeds. It handles the 10/100/1000Mbps connection, and the 300Mbps wireless transfer rate seems fast. The modem was easy to set up and gave us consistent speeds.
It handles the 10/100/1000Mbps connection, and the 300Mbps wireless transfer rate seems fast.
Specifications
| Brand | ZyXEL |
| Internet service provider | Centurylink |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 10 x 8.3 x 2.4 inches |
| Maximum Downstream Data Transfer Rate | 300 Megabits Per Second |
| Modem Type | DSL |
Pros
- Easy to set up
- Consistent speeds
- Handles the 10/100/1000Mbps connection
- 300Mbps wireless transfer rate
Cons
- Occasionally, the connection is interrupted
Rating: 3.8/5
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ASUS AX6000 (RT-AX-88U): Best For Gaming
Overview
The ASUS AX6000 is a well-designed router with a lot of great features, and it’s a fine pick for homes with multiple computers that need to stay connected. Its main selling points are the blazing-fast throughput (6,000 Mbps) and its support for 802.11Ax, which promises better efficiency than 802.11AC.
We measured the AX6000’s effective throughput at 4,090 Mbps, which is higher than the 3,000 Mbps throughput we measured for 802.11AC routers like the RT-AC88U, which costs about twice as much as the AX6000.
We also liked the AX6000’s support for MU-MIMO, as well as the included lifetime subscription to Trend Micro’s AiProtection service, which provides basic protection against adware, spyware, and other malicious programs.
The router’s setup is pretty easy, though its local storage is limited, and features like AiMesh, which let you control a mesh network using one router, aren’t available yet.
We also didn’t like how long it takes for the router’s firmware and software to update. But these are minor quibbles—the AX6000 is an excellent router that we recommend.
Specifications
| Connectivity Technology | Wireless, Wired, Wi-Fi, USB |
| Brand | ASUS |
| Compatible Devices | Laptop, Smartphone |
| Control Method | Voice |
| Frequency Band Class | Dual-Band |
| Operating System | Microsoft Windows, Apple iOS |
| Wireless Communication Standard | 802.11n, 802.11b, 802.11ax, 802.11a, 802.11ac |
| Number of Ports | 4 |
| Data Transfer Rate | 6000 Megabits Per Second |
| Voltage | 19 Volts |
Pros
- Well-designed
- Blazing-fast throughput
- Includes lifetime subscription to Trend Micro’s AiProtection service
Cons
- Local storage is limited
- Features like AiMesh not available yet
- Takes a long time for firmware and software to update
Rating: 4.5/5
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Linksys Tri-Band AC2200: Best tri-band router for CenturyLink
Overview
The Linksys EA8300 is a solid, well-rounded wireless router. It offers good range, strong wireless speeds, and a decent feature set.
It lacks some of the fancy features offered by some of its competitors, including 8-stream support and MU-MIMO, but the router’s straightforward design makes it easy to set up and use. It does have a few weaknesses, though.
The router has just one 1.3-amp USB-A port, which means you can’t connect a printer or hard drive to your computer. It also doesn’t have an Ethernet port, so you can’t connect a computer directly, and the router only supports routers with WPA2 encryption, which is a problem for iPhones and iPads.
But overall, the EA8300 is a good choice for a (relatively) simple wireless router.
We connected a 4K 60-inch TV to the router, and the router automatically configured itself to the TV. We also easily connected a game console to the router, and we were streaming high-def 4K content without a hitch.
The router is easy to load, and the WPS button, which lets you quickly set up a secured wireless network, is a nice touch.
Specifications
| Connectivity Technology | Wireless |
| Brand | Linksys |
| Compatible Devices | Phones, Tablets, Wireless Enabled Devices, Gaming Consoles, Laptops, Computers, |
| Control Method | App |
| Frequency Band Class | Single-Band |
| Operating System | Linksys Operating System |
| Wireless Type | 5 GHz Radio Frequency, 2.4 GHz Radio Frequency |
| Security Protocol | WPA2-PSK |
| Number of Ports | 5 |
| Data Transfer Rate | 2.2 Gigabits Per Second |
Pros
- Good range
- Strong wireless speeds
- Decent feature set
Cons
- Only one 1.3-amp USB-A port
- Only supports routers with WPA2 encryption
Rating: 4.2/5
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Buying Guide: What to Consider Before Purchasing a CenturyLink Approved Modem?
Now that you know the different types of CenturyLink modems, it’s time to choose the right one for your needs. Here are a few things to keep in mind when making your decision:
CenturyLink-compatible
Buying a modem for CenturyLink’s internet is harder than for most other ISPs since they have a very specific list of requirements.
This means that when you buy a compatible modem, it must support the DSL technology used by your region and plan.
As a result, before purchasing an approved modem, you should contact their support and inquire about the sort of DSL technology used in your home.
You can then select the correct modem from the list of permitted modems.
The speed of your plan might also tell you what type of DSL you have. The internet and the download speed it supports are shown below.
Modem/Router Combination vs. Separate
A combined modem and router is generally easier to set up since it’s a single unit. But a separate modem and router gives you more flexibility.
For example, if you want to upgrade your router in the future, you can do so without having to get a new modem as well.
Additionally, if one of the devices breaks, you only have to replace that one device.
Not all modems have a built-in router. So if you want a modem/router combo, make sure the modem you select has a router.
How many devices can be used at the same time?
This is an important consideration, especially if you have a lot of devices that will be using the internet at the same time.
You should also consider future devices that you may want to connect to the network.
For example, if you have three devices that use the internet regularly and you want to add a fourth in the future, you’ll need a modem that can support at least four devices.
The number of devices that can be connected to the modem at the same time is called the simultaneous connection limit.
WiFi Coverage
The range of your WiFi signal is determined by the power of the router. If you have a large home, you’ll need a router with a strong signal.
On the other hand, if you live in a small apartment, you won’t need as much power.
You should also consider the number of walls and other obstacles between the router and the devices that will be using the internet.
These obstacles can weaken the signal. So if you have a lot of obstacles, you’ll need a router with a stronger signal.
ISP Internet Speed
The speed of your internet connection will determine the speed of your WiFi connection. So if you have a slow internet connection, you won’t be able to take advantage of a fast router.
Additionally, if you have a lot of devices that will be using the internet at the same time, you’ll need a faster internet connection to support them.
You can check the speed of your internet connection by running a speed test.
F.A.Q what routers work with centurylink:
Can I use a different router with CenturyLink?
Yes, you can use a different router with CenturyLink. However, you will need to make sure that the router is compatible with the DSL technology used in your region and plan. You can check with CenturyLink support to find out what type of DSL technology is used in your home.
Are Netgear routers compatible with CenturyLink?
Yes, Netgear routers are compatible with CenturyLink. However, you will need to make sure that the router is compatible with the DSL technology used in your region and plan. You can check with CenturyLink support to find out what type of DSL technology is used in your home.
Do I need a router with my CenturyLink modem?
Yes, you will need a router with your CenturyLink modem. The router will provide the WiFi signal for your devices to connect to the internet. Additionally, the router will also provide additional features, such as security and parental controls.
How do I connect my Netgear router to my CenturyLink modem?
To connect your Netgear router to your CenturyLink modem, you will need to follow the instructions in the Netgear router manual. Additionally, you will need to make sure that the router is compatible with the DSL technology used in your region and plan. You can check with CenturyLink support to find out what type of DSL technology is used in your home.
Conclusion
Centurylink routers are some of the best in the market. If you’re looking for a new router to work with your Centurylink service, we recommend that you take a look at some of the top models on the market today. Digitalne.vn compiled a list of our favorites for you to check out, so be sure to browse through them and find the perfect one for your needs. Thanks for reading!