Having just moved to a new location, I needed a modem to go with my new DSL high-speed service. The ZyXEL C3000Z was one of the modems recommended by CenturyLink.
The ZyXEL C3000Z is a combination modem and router. I have a TP-Link router that worked well for me over the past year when it was hooked up to an Xfinity cable modem, and I anticipated connecting that router to the ZyXEL C3000Z after the CenturyLink new-account tech left the house. But, I've put off doing so as the C3000Z seems to be working so well as a router.
The C3000Z is located in the center of my 2,000SF Florida concrete block ranch style home. It's 5G and 2.4G signal reaches every room in the house as well as the Lanai and the garage.
While expecting nothing more from this device than a basic connection to my ISP, I was pleasantly surprised with how effective it is as a single unit device to serve my network needs. It is very dependable, unlike the frequent crashes I experienced with my cable modem.
If you have DSL high-speed service, I highly recommend that you consider this combination modem router for your ISP connection.
The Centurylink ZyXEL C3000Z DSL modem/router works wonderfully with Centurylink. Super easy to set up. It has all the features I need and more. My only gripe is that reserving IP/MAC addresses takes longer than usual for DSL modems.
2018-10-05 UPDATE: Everything was working fine until today, then I noticed really outlandish ping numbers (up to 2 full seconds for a ping). I called CenturyLink and went through all all the troubleshooting that entails with the end result resetting the C3000Z back to factory defaults. The tech had me go to connect.centrylink.com to finish setting up the mode/router. This was new, I never had to do that before. After doing the online setup, the router was ready to use and the ping times were excellent.
But I had a LAN network that was 192.168.123, not the default 192.168.0. As soon as I made the address change, the ping times went back up to 900 ms. I went back to factory defaults and did the connect.centrylink.com setup again. Each time the C3000Z worked great until I changed something in the device. This was never the case before. CenturyLink, it appears, has decided all the CenturyLink branded modem/routers belong to them and they can program them however they wish and the user can't do anything without risking terrible internet speeds.
MY ADVICE TO ALL CENTURYLINK CUSTOMERS: Do not buy or use any CenturyLink branded modem/routers. Maybe this is a result of the net neutrality law being abolished by the Trump Administration?
If you have already Century Link and want to upgrade, this is the way to go. It connects and hooks itself up with your existing account. It broadcasts the signal in 2.4 and 5.0 ghz so you can choose which one you want to use with each device in your home.
My old modem dropped the signal at least once a day, this one never did since it was hooked up.
Update: Still working great . Added a Netgear WiFi extender for the basement and it just worked . So don't be afraid to mix brands.
I have CenturyLink as my ISP. My area is older and only supports VDSL2 up to max 40mbps (I have the slower option of 20mbps). I previously had an ActionTec combined DSL modem/WiFi router from CenturyLink and frankly it was marginal at best. Then the WiFi Radio stopped working. I had cabled a high speed router from one of the ports, but that was even slower. I did everything possible (like checking lowest use channels, etc.). My house has multiple connected laptops/tablets, 10 WiFi outlets, 5 Echos, 2 phones, 3 IP cameras. All running across 20mbps service. After installing and configuring this new modem/router, I am seeing zero (that is ZERO) latency ! Maybe I am just lucky, but at day 2 I am impressed. When I set up yesterday, I tested with all devices at same time. Streaming TV was good, Laptop Google search was good, cell phones good, and I rant a speedtest that showed max download and upload. Fingers crossed it keeps humming along, but so far... Wow!
It's not clear why router manufacturers think everyone wants colorful, confusing graphics in their menu systems; but here we are.
This modem/router unit works fine and I purchased it due to being the most up to date unit CenturyLink supports. It's unfortunate they do not support any modem-only units and only offer these combo units, but that's CenturyLink's issue not Zyxel.
This modem works well, and you can make it "modem-only" by turning off the WiFi antennas from the admin panel. Just be aware that the 2.4GHz and 5GHz each have their own settings pages. This was not clear in the menu and left me confused for a while why the router was showing WiFi off but the SSID was still present.
Feature Product
- VDSL2 (G.993.2) Bonding - 200Mbps/100Mbps* down/up data rates - Bonding mode: 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d, 12a, 12b, 17a profiles - Single line mode: 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d, 12a, 12b, 17a,30a, 35b profiles - vector (G.993.5)
- 5 GHz band - 802.11ac support - 1.7 Gbps* data rate - Backward compatible to 802.11a/n - 4x4 antenna array
- VPN (IPSec, PPTP) pass-through URL blocking
- Auto detect for bonding / single line, VDSL2 profile, and ADSL/2/2+ fallback modes
Description
Bonded VDSL2 with Vector C3000Z supports VDSL2 bonding with vectoring. Vectoring support reduces crosstalk for up to 150% increase in performance and range for operators. C3000Z also supports the latest VDSL2 35B profile. Gigabit Ethernet WAN / LAN Port C3000Z includes a dedicated Gigabit Ethernet WAN Port. When CPE is operating in DSL mode, this port will work as a 5th Gigabit LAN Port. Carrier-class Wi-Fi for Seamless Mobility C3000Z offers dual-band WiFi rated at AC2200 and delivers speed of up to 1.7 Gbps* over 5Ghz and 450 Mbps* over 2.4Ghz. High powered Wi-Fi on both 5GHz and 2.4GHz APs extend coverage, unleashing the best wireless experience for homes with growing number of Wi-Fi devices. In addition, the ability to create multiple Wi-Fi networks with up to 4 SSIDs helps operators easily create separate WLAN networks for video, data and guests. Enhanced Security Features Forms Robust Protection Enhanced security ensures the protection of traffic from the WAN to the LAN. Through ZyXEL's implementation of dual Ethernet firewalls (NAT and SPI), the C3000Z is able to identify and manage malicious content and applications. And, as part of its wireless security design, the C3000Z supports WPA2/WPA and features a hardware WPS button allowing customers to enjoy easy setup using a simple button. These features simplify the end user's ability to set up and utilize a secure, wireless network. TR-069 Remote Management The C3000Z provides DSL Forum compliant TR-069 remote management features to ensure faster deployment by Service Providers. In addition, ZyXEL's standard onboard management options, remote provisioning, monitoring, and management features help CenturyLink reduce OPEX while enhancing customer satisfaction. *Listed wireless data transfer rates are the theoretical maximum. The actual data transfer rate may vary depending on the network environment.
This combination modem/router has an extended range of up to 300' square, which is enough to reach our downstairs bedroom. Finally, no more dead zones in the house.
We had a rented Modem from CenturyLink. It had very poor performance. We are struggling to get a good internet service in remote area for years. We are hope this modem would change situation for us. It is very easy setup. only one thing buyer need to get is a phone filter, because this modem only has one phone port, the filter will give you option to connect to modem and phone if you want to keep your line phone. It has been used for couple days, everything is better now.
I have internet, and I don't have to pay $10/mo to rent one.
I Could Not Stay Connected with Century Link Pk5001 Z could not figure it out until I read the reviews, I plug it in and it was an easy install, don't lose that paper with all the info on it, I tape it to my laptop, now I got real high speed, video runs , I can play amazon music now I could not before,
if your not staying connected and you can spare the money this is the upgrade to get and stay connected, I receive in every room in my house. nice
I have CenturyLink DSL and needed a new router/modem. Reviewing all CenturyLink approved devices, I settled on the C3000Z. My only concern was set up for a Mac system as all I could find referenced PCs. Out of the box the set up was simple and took less than 30 minutes, including resetting NetworkP preferences on the three Macs in the house and the Epson printer for WiFi printing. Also, the strength of signal was excellent throughout the house without any boosters. I give five stars for Easy to Use. I cannot rate Tech Support as I didn't need it. I cannot rate Durability as I have just starting using it.
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