How To Set Up Windstream Modem

This is a list of the best compatible modem for Windstream net in 2022.

Finding Windstream canonical modems is hard, the specifications are not articulate and few resources are correct.

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

And I found that CenturyLink Prism C2100T is the best overall option.

But everyone has different internet needs. So, therefore, I accept put together this list of the best modems for your home's Windstream internet.

Permit'due south become started.

All-time Windstream Compatible Modems

CenturyLink Prism C2100T (Editors Choice)
CenturyLink C3000A (All-time Performer
Actiontec C2000A (Budget Option)
Actiontec CenturyLink C1900A (Best Value)
ZyXEL C3000Z CenturyLink (Strongest Signal)

Top 5 Approved Windstream Modems

Hither are the peak v all-time modems that work with Windstream Net.

#ane CenturyLink Prism C2100T (Editors Choice)

Type: Modem/router philharmonic
Advertised speed: 300 Mbps
Recommended for speed: 200 Mbps or below
GHz Options: Both 2.four & 5GHz
Warranty: 30 days render policy
Called as: Best Overall

As the model name suggests this is a Centurylink modem, but it will still work great for Windstream internet. As the 2 providers have the aforementioned blazon of network infrastructure.

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

It also has the choice of switching between 2.iv & 5GHz. This is skilful because 2.4GHz is a better option for a longer signal range. While 5GHz gets less interference, faster speed, but shorter range. You tin can option the 1 that's best for your abode.

The just con with this modem is that information technology begins to approach the finish-of-life phase, which means information technology's getting former. Still, it will well-nigh likely work years to come.

#2 CenturyLink C3000A (Best Performer)

Type: Modem/router combo
Advertised speed: 1300 Mbps
Recommended for speed: thou Mbps or below
GHz Options: Both ii.four & 5GHZ
Warranty: xxx days coin-back guarantee
Chosen equally: All-time Performer

This is the modem that the Windstream back up recommends. Except, the one they recommend has a Windstream logo. Otherwise, it'south 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 effectually thou Mbps. So this modem is for people with fast net or someone who wants to futurity proof their router.

It also has a long-range and thus works cracking for larger homes. This modem is perfect for whatsoever gamer out there.

The router also has both 2.4GHz and 5GHz. This is good because 5GHz provides faster net but shorter range, while 2.4GHz has longer-range simply slower speed. Assuasive you lot to choice the best for your abode.

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

#3 Actiontec C2000A (Budget Selection)

Blazon: Modem/router combo
Advertised speed: 54 Mbp
Recommended for speed: 40 Mbps or beneath
GHz Options: 2.4GHz
Warranty: xxx days return policy
Chosen every bit: Budget Option

This is the best budget option for Windstream uniform modems for people who don't demand a fast modem.

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

Information technology only supports 2.4GHz which can be a trouble if information technology is surrounded past a lot of interference. Such as household electronics and other modems and routers.

Some people also have reported problems with it emitting a high-pitched whine. So it's not recommended to keep it in your sleeping room.

#4 Actiontec CenturyLink C1900A (Best Value)

Type: Modem/router combo
Advertised speed: 300 Mbps
Recommended for speed: 200 Mbps or below
GHz Options: two.4GHz
Warranty: 30 days render policy
Chosen as: Best Value for Money

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

This is a loss considering 5GHz is great if you are in a betoken noisy environment. Because 2.4GHz is the standard frequency for nearly all electric devices. Thus, the router bespeak can get interfered with and weakened. [2]

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

Overall it's a cheaper option 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 2.iv & 5GHz
Warranty: thirty days return policy
Chosen as: Strongest Signal

This Windstream modem has a strong wi-fi point, and then information technology's perfect for someone with a large habitation.

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

Besides, the router too provides both ii.4 and 5GHz. Which allows you to option the nearly fitting frequency for your home. ii.4GHz has a longer range but gets more interference. And 5GHz has faster speed but a shorter range.

1 bad affair nigh this modem is that it's difficult to change the configuration for MAC filtering and USB devices. But most people will not desire to exercise this anyhow, as it's non necessary.

What to Consider Earlier Buying a Windstream Modem

When selecting the best Windstream uniform modems, yous need to consider several things.

Modem or a Router/Modem Combo

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

In general, I recommend virtually to become separate devices, simply when it comes to Windstream approved modems information technology simply exists modem router combos.

This however does non stop you if you want a specific router. Because yous can do something called bridging. This disables the router in the device and makes it work exactly like a standalone modem. Allowing yous to connect the router of your choice to information technology. [3]

This is not necessary for most, but if you have a large abode and demand a strong Wi-Fi signal it tin be an option.

Dwelling Size & Devices Connected

The second thing to consider earlier you lot choose your modem for Windstream is how large your home is and many devices with internet access you have.

This is non necessary if you programme to bridge your modem. Only if you are going to buy a modem-router combo so you need to consider this.

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

Cyberspace Plan

Some other affair to consider is your internet plan. Go something that supports your plan's speed.

Otherwise, information technology volition become a clogging for your internet connection. Also, notation that the advertised speed is not the existent-earth speed. So you need a device that is a bit higher than your internet plan speed.

Compatible with Windstream

This is nothing yous need to think well-nigh if y'all choose any of the gateways listed above. Merely if you want another one you demand to make sure information technology is a Windstream uniform modem, otherwise it will non work. Virtually Internet Service Providers have a list of devices that work on their internet, but not Windstream.

For a modem to be a Windstream compatible modem it needs to be a bonded DSL modem. This means that information technology has 2 DSL connections that intertwine with each other. To see that information technology is bonded wait at two lights that either say DLS 1 and DSL 2 or Tel 1 and Tel 2 on it. [4]

Few modems are fabricated for Windstream. But since Centurylink has such a like network infrastructure they have plenty of modems that work with Windstream. Therefore, I have recommended some of Centurylink'southward devices.

Buy Vs. Rent a Windstream Modem

The price to hire a modem and router combo from Windstream is $nine.99 for the standard device. And $11.99 if yous want 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 plenty to purchase yourself a new device every yr. [5]

Thus, in the case of Windstream, I recommend people to buy their ain devices. But there should be said that there are some cons to this. Like the lack of tech support or free replacements.

If you heisted on what to do, then cheque out Buying vs Renting Your Modem & Router. This goes into more particular well-nigh the pros and cons of each selection. But go on in heed that I'thousand somewhat biased towards ownership since I make a commission if you buy information technology.

Just with all honestly, I call up the benefits overshadow the potential downsides for most people. Below you tin learn about some of the main benefits.

The Benefit of Getting a Windstream Compatible Modem

There are many benefits to getting a third-political party modem to your cyberspace, here are the principal ones.

Eliminate Rental Fees

Like mentioned earlier, yous save between $119.88 and $143.88 per year in rental fees if you stop renting. This means that a tertiary-party modem will pay-off itself in everything from a couple of months to a twelvemonth (depending on what y'all purchase).

Faster Net Speed

Windstream does offer an enhanced option for people renting their modem which is better than almost other ISPs. But even their better choice is however not as good as many out at that place. Getting a modem volition allow for faster internet speeds in your domicile.

More Network Command

Renting from Windstream comes with many restrictions. Buying a third-political party modem volition allow for more than control over your network. Like calculation 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, tertiary-political party hardware e'er tries to go along an edge. Therefore, they are in general more secure than rented options. Because the firmware is constantly updated to keep upward with cyber threats.

How to install a Windstream Modem

This is how you prepare up your Windstream uniform modem.

Start, make sure your Isp has activated your net programme. Otherwise, y'all volition not know if your net works or not.
2nd, bank check so you have all the internet equipment. This depends on what you accept bought. But for a split modem and router, y'all need a power cord, an ethernet cablevision, and maybe a DLS filter or two, as well as the 2 devices of course.
Pick a practiced location. As centralized and high upwards as possible, also try to keep the surrounding free from obstacles.
And then follow the pedagogy manual which comes with your device. If yous don't accept one, then bank check 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 set up well-nigh exactly similar that too. Check information technology out below.

FAQ

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

Tin I purchase Modems and Routers from Windstream?

No, you lot tin't. They merely offer you to rent their devices.

How to Reset a Windstream Modem?

Like any other, press the little push button on the dorsum with a needle or a toothpick for 5 seconds. This will manufactory reset your device. For a more detailed guide, click here.

My Windstream internet feels boring. Am I getting what I'one thousand paying for?

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

What is Windstream DSL internet?

DLS net uses your phone line to provide you lot with internet admission. It is generally slower than cable and fiber but is readily available in most areas since it uses the telephone infrastructure. This is the internet that most Windstream customers take.

What is Windstream Fiber Internet?

Cobweb internet uses cobweb optic cables to provide you with internet access. It is the fastest blazon of internet but is more than expensive and isn't bachelor in about areas. Windstream has in the terminal couple of years invested in Cobweb, calling information technology Kinetic internet. Windstream fiber does not require a modem. [6]

What is Windstream Cable cyberspace?

Cable cyberspace uses your coax cables as its means of providing internet access. Using the aforementioned infrastructure as your tv set uses. It's generally faster than DLS just slower than cobweb. Windstream does not offer this kind of internet so brand sure you don't get a cable modem.

My Verdict

Finding Windstream uniform modems was difficult. Well-nigh ISPs have a table on their site with hardware that works with their cyberspace, simply not Windstream.

But afterwards extensive research and by talking to Windstream, I found that CenturyLink Prism C2100T is the best overall selection for your home network.

As it provides your home with a reliable internet connexion and fast internet speed for a good toll.