Is The Cisco Dpc3010 Compatible With Windstream Internet Service

This is a list of the all-time uniform modem for Windstream internet in 2022.

Finding Windstream approved modems is hard, the specifications are non clear and few resources are right.

Equally a Network Engineer, I take been in contact with Windstream and performed extensive enquiry to figure out the all-time Windstream compatible modems for your home.

And I institute that CenturyLink Prism C2100T is the all-time overall option.

Simply everyone has dissimilar internet needs. So, therefore, I have put together this list of the best modems for your home's Windstream internet.

Let'due south get started.

All-time Windstream Compatible Modems

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

Top 5 Approved Windstream Modems

Here are the top 5 best modems that work with Windstream Internet.

#i CenturyLink Prism C2100T (Editors Pick)

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

Every bit the model name suggests this is a Centurylink modem, just information technology will still work slap-up for Windstream internet. As the ii providers have the same type of network infrastructure.

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

It as well has the choice of switching between 2.4 & 5GHz. This is proficient considering ii.4GHz is a better option for a longer signal range. While 5GHz gets less interference, faster speed, but shorter range. You can pick the one that'due south all-time for your home.

The simply con with this modem is that it begins to approach the cease-of-life phase, which ways information technology'south getting old. Still, it will most likely work years to come up.

#2 CenturyLink C3000A (All-time Performer)

Blazon: Modem/router combo
Advertised speed: 1300 Mbps
Recommended for speed: thou Mbps or below
GHz Options: Both ii.4 & 5GHZ
Warranty: xxx days money-back guarantee
Called equally: Best Performer

This is the modem that the Windstream support recommends. Except, the one they recommend has a Windstream logo. Otherwise, information technology'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 1000 Mbps. And so this modem is for people with fast internet or someone who wants to time to come proof their router.

It as well has a long-range and thus works dandy for larger homes. This modem is perfect for any gamer out at that place.

The router also has both 2.4GHz and 5GHz. This is good because 5GHz provides faster internet but shorter range, while ii.4GHz has longer-range but slower speed. Allowing you to pick the best for your home.

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

#3 Actiontec C2000A (Upkeep Pick)

Type: Modem/router combo
Advertised speed: 54 Mbp
Recommended for speed: 40 Mbps or below
GHz Options: 2.4GHz
Warranty: 30 days return policy
Chosen as: Budget Pick

This is the all-time budget option 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 effectually 40 Mbits. It as well has a decent range of around 110 to 130 feet (depending on the surrounding).

Information technology only supports two.4GHz which can be a problem if it is surrounded by a lot of interference. Such every bit household electronics and other modems and routers.

Some people also have reported issues with information technology emitting a loftier-pitched whine. And then it's not recommended to proceed it in your bedroom.

#4 Actiontec CenturyLink C1900A (Best Value)

Type: Modem/router philharmonic
Advertised speed: 300 Mbps
Recommended for speed: 200 Mbps or below
GHz Options: 2.4GHz
Warranty: 30 days return policy
Chosen as: Best Value for Money

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

This is a loss considering 5GHz is neat if you are in a signal noisy environs. Because two.4GHz is the standard frequency for virtually all electrical devices. Thus, the router signal can get interfered with and weakened. [2]

The router uses 802.11n internet 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 nearly.

Overall it's a cheaper choice that provides a lot of value for the coin spent.

#5 ZyXEL C3000Z CenturyLink (Strongest Bespeak)

Type: Modem/router philharmonic
Advertised speed: 300 Mbps
Recommended for speed: 200 Mbps or below
GHz Options: Both two.4 & 5GHz
Warranty: 30 days return policy
Chosen as: Strongest Signal

This Windstream modem has a strong wi-fi signal, and so information technology's perfect for someone with a large home.

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.

Also, the router likewise provides both 2.4 and 5GHz. Which allows you to selection the most fitting frequency for your home. 2.4GHz has a longer range but gets more interference. And 5GHz has faster speed but a shorter range.

Ane bad thing nearly this modem is that it's difficult to change the configuration for MAC filtering and USB devices. Only near people will non want to exercise this anyhow, as it's non necessary.

What to Consider Before Buying a Windstream Modem

When selecting the best Windstream compatible modems, you need to consider several things.

Modem or a Router/Modem Philharmonic

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

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

This nonetheless does not stop y'all if you lot want a specific router. Because y'all can practice something called bridging. This disables the router in the device and makes information technology work exactly like a standalone modem. Allowing you lot to connect the router of your choice to it. [three]

This is not necessary for most, but if you have a big domicile and need a strong Wi-Fi signal information technology can exist an option.

Home Size & Devices Connected

The second matter to consider earlier you choose your modem for Windstream is how big your home is and many devices with cyberspace access y'all have.

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

The larger dwelling house y'all have and the more devices the stronger the Wi-Fi indicate is necessary. Thus yous need a more than powerful modem/router.

Internet Plan

Some other thing to consider is your cyberspace plan. Get something that supports your plan'south speed.

Otherwise, information technology will become a bottleneck for your internet connectedness. As well, note that the advertised speed is non the existent-world speed. So you need a device that is a chip higher than your internet program speed.

Compatible with Windstream

This is nothing you lot demand to retrieve well-nigh if yous choose any of the gateways listed above. But if you want some other ane you need to make certain it is a Windstream compatible modem, otherwise it will not work. Most Net Service Providers have a list of devices that work on their internet, but not Windstream.

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

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

Buy Vs. Rent a Windstream Modem

The cost to rent a modem and router philharmonic from Windstream is $nine.99 for the standard device. And $eleven.99 if y'all want an enhanced choice. This adds upwardly to either $119.88 per year for the standard option or $143.88 per twelvemonth for the enhanced pick. Hands plenty to purchase yourself a new device every year. [v]

Thus, in the example 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 back up or free replacements.

If you lot heisted on what to exercise, then check out Buying vs Renting Your Modem & Router. This goes into more item about the pros and cons of each selection. Merely keep in listen that I'm somewhat biased towards buying since I make a committee if you purchase it.

But with all honestly, I think the benefits overshadow the potential downsides for most people. Beneath you can learn most some of the main benefits.

The Do good of Getting a Windstream Compatible Modem

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

Eliminate Rental Fees

Like mentioned before, you salve between $119.88 and $143.88 per yr in rental fees if you stop renting. This ways that a 3rd-party modem will pay-off itself in everything from a couple of months to a yr (depending on what you buy).

Faster Internet Speed

Windstream does offer an enhanced option for people renting their modem which is ameliorate than most other ISPs. Just even their better option is still not as good equally many out there. Getting a modem will allow for faster internet speeds in your domicile.

More Network Command

Renting from Windstream comes with many restrictions. Buying a third-party modem volition 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, tertiary-political party hardware always tries to keep 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 yous set up your Windstream compatible modem.

First, brand sure your Internet service provider has activated your internet plan. Otherwise, you will not know if your internet works or non.
2d, check so you have all the cyberspace equipment. This depends on what you have bought. But for a split modem and router, you need a power cord, an ethernet cable, and perhaps a DLS filter or two, likewise as the 2 devices of course.
Choice a proficient location. As centralized and loftier upwardly as possible, also endeavour to keep the surrounding free from obstacles.
Then follow the pedagogy manual which comes with your device. If you don't have ane, then check out my guide on how to install a modem.

Windstream too has a video of their ain which shows how to ready upwardly their modem. Others can be ready about exactly like that as well. Check it out beneath.

FAQ

Here are some mutual questions nigh buying a modem for Windstream that many people accept.

Tin can I buy Modems and Routers from Windstream?

No, you can't. They simply offering you to hire their devices.

How to Reset a Windstream Modem?

Like whatever other, printing the piffling button on the back with a needle or a toothpick for 5 seconds. This will factory reset your device. For a more than detailed guide, click hither.

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

There could be many things slowing down your net so it's 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 inquire.

What is Windstream DSL net?

DLS cyberspace uses your phone line to provide you with net access. It is generally slower than cable and cobweb but is readily bachelor in most areas since it uses the phone infrastructure. This is the internet that nearly Windstream customers have.

What is Windstream Fiber Internet?

Fiber net uses fiber optic cables to provide you lot with net access. It is the fastest type of internet but is more than expensive and isn't available in well-nigh areas. Windstream has in the terminal couple of years invested in Fiber, calling it Kinetic cyberspace. Windstream fiber does not require a modem. [6]

What is Windstream Cable cyberspace?

Cablevision internet uses your coax cables as its means of providing internet admission. Using the same infrastructure equally your television receiver uses. It'due south generally faster than DLS but slower than fiber. Windstream does not offer this kind of internet so make sure you don't get a cablevision modem.

My Verdict

Finding Windstream uniform modems was difficult. Nigh ISPs have a table on their site with hardware that works with their internet, but non Windstream.

Simply later extensive research and by talking to Windstream, I found that CenturyLink Prism C2100T is the best overall option for your domicile network.

As it provides your dwelling house with a reliable internet connection and fast internet speed for a good price.