CenturyLink C2100z vs. C3000Z – Which is the best CenturyLink modem for your internet needs?
The CenturyLink C1100Z and the C300Z are some of the most commonly used modems for their high performing nature and Security features, but how do they compare against each other?
Once you subscribe for an internet package with your internet service provider, in this case – CenturyLink, there are multiple things the ISP will consider when choosing the best modem to meet your internet needs. The two most important factors are your internet demands and the overall size of your home. As a new subscriber, CenturyLink ensures that they give you some of the best modems in their collection.
The two most popular ones are the CenturyLink C2100Z and the CenturyLink C3000Z, which are valued for their reliability and ease of use. They are the most ideal modems for small to medium sized homes and are able to handle multiple simultaneous connections without interrupting internet speeds. So, which one of the two is better and why?
Table of Contents
What are the differences between the CenturyLink C2100Z and the CenturyLink C3000Z?
Model Specifications |
CenturyLink C2100Z |
CenturyLink C3000Z |
Brand |
Zyxcel |
Zyxcel |
Type |
DSL and Wireless |
DSL and Wireless |
Wi-Fi Standard |
802.11ac and 802.11n |
802.11ac and 802.11n |
Frequency |
2.4 and 5 GHz ( Dual-band) |
2.4 and 5 GHz (Dual-band) |
Throughput Speeds |
Up to 200 Mbps download speeds and 100 Mbps uploading speeds |
Up to 200 Mbps (DSL) and 1.7 Gbps on the 5GHz band |
Ports |
4 Ethernet Ports, 1 WAN port and 1 USB port |
4 Ethernet Ports and 1 USB port |
Availability |
CenturyLink C2100z vs. C3000Z – How do they compare?
Speed and Performance
The CenturyLink C2100Z and C3000Z operate as 2-in-1 devices and they run on the 802.11ac and 802.11n standard, making them a Wi-Fi 5 router. This means that both devices have the capacity to transmit high internet speeds over a sizeable range.
When it comes to speed, the CenturyLink C2100Z delivers up to 200 Mbps downloading speeds and up to 100 Mbps uploading speeds. The CenturyLink C3000Z, on the other hand, delivers up to 200 Mbps DSL speeds and a maximum of 1.7 Gbps wireless speed. With this kind of throughout, you will be able to seamlessly engage in high bandwidth applications, such as streaming 4K videos on several devices at a go and gaming on multiple consoles simultaneously.
In terms of coverage, the CenturyLink C3000Z stands out as a more reliable device as it can cover a 1,500-2,000 square feet home with comprehensive coverage on all floors and rooms. This way, you are sure that you won’t be experiencing any dead zones around your home with the CenturyLink C3000Z.
Considering all the factors we have mentioned in this section, the CenturyLink C3000Z has the upper hand when it comes to speed and performance.
Ports and Connectivity
Ports are an essential part of any network device as they facilitate the ability of having multiple connections. The CenturyLink C2100Z comes with a total of 6 ports that are found in its back panel. One of the ports acts as the WAN port and 4 of them act as LAN ports. These ports allow you to connect devices such as gaming consoles, desktop computers, laptops, smart TVs and other internet compatible devices. Additionally, it has one USB port that allows you to share files across the internet.
The CenturyLink C3000Z, on the other hand, has the same number of ports as the C2100Z.
That said, the CenturyLink C3000Z and the C2100Z have the same number of connectivity ports, meaning that they are equal when it comes to this comparison feature.
CenturyLink C2100Z vs. C3000Z – A Comparison Overview
CenturyLink C2100Z Review
- Compatible with CenturyLink Service
- Modem & WiFi Router Combo Device - No Extra Equipment Needed!
This Zyxcel C2100Z modem comes with a great deal of updated and new features that provide a strong, reliable internet connection at all times. It features a double connectivity option (Wi-Fi and DSL) and it operates on two wireless standards – the 802.11 ac and the 802.11n, which come with the beam forming technology that ensures exceptional reliability and strong connectivity.
In addition to that, it is a dual-band device that supports the 2.4 and 5 GHz band. If you want a greater signal range, you can set the CenturyLink C2100Z to operate on the 2.4 GHz band. However, if you want faster internet speeds and less signal coverage, then you can switch to the 5 GHz band.
Aside from that, the C2100Z features an IPv6 and dual stack support, meaning that it is compatible with the standard lines and equipment that are used for internet connectivity. You would also be impressed by its easy setup and installation process that is facilitated by the auto-detection feature that is found on all CenturyLink modems. Other impressive features are its security specifications, such as the PPTP, WPS and the IPSec, that ensure maximum online security at all times.
Pros
- Has a lot of ports, including USB connectivity
- Exceptional security features
- IPv6 support
- Dual band support, dual Wi-Fi standards and dual connections allowed
- Sophisticated design
Cons
- Doesn’t provide the fastest speeds
- Quite costly
CenturyLink C3000Z Review
- CenuryLink C3000Z
- ZyXEL C3000Z Modem
The CenturyLink C3000Z is a high performing modem that features a metallic finish that gives it a stylish, elegant and modern look. It comes with 4 LAN ports that allow for 4 simultaneous connections, and support for using DSL and Wi-Fi connections. In addition to that, this network device supports the latest Wi-Fi standard of 802.11ac, which seamlessly delivers maximum throughput speeds of 1.7 Gbps. These speeds are 3x faster than most CenturyLink network devices.
Aside from that, the modem is able to provide downloading speeds of up to 200 Mbps on LAN connectivity and maximum downloading speeds of 100 Mbps on Wi-Fi. The data rates on wireless connections can go up to impressive speeds of 450 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band and approximately 1.7 Gbps on the 5GHz, which is just enough to accommodate high bandwidth applications such as gaming, streaming 4K videos and downloading heavy files. Because it only uses 2 volts for its power supply, it is considered reliable and efficient.
Pros
- Elegant and modern design
- Strong, stable and reliable internet connection
- Lots of ports to facilitate multiple simultaneous connection and a USB port for additional connections
- Runs on the latest Wi-Fi technology
- Dual-band (2.4 and 5 GHz) and dual Wi-Fi standard
Cons
- The device doesn’t come with a warranty
- Is quite costly
Verdict: So, which is better – the CenturyLink C3000Z or the C2100Z?
With all factors considered, the CenturyLink C3000Z is the best modem/router for your internet needs. Apart from operating on the latest Wi-Fi technology, it provides a strong, stable and reliable internet connection at all times. Also, it offers exceptional coverage and ensures a seamless online experience for anyone invested in high bandwidth applications.
FAQs
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Should I buy my own modem?
Renting a modem from CenturyLink makes it easier for them to track the performance of the network device. However, if you are looking to save up, you should get your own modem.
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What should I do when I experience connectivity issues with my modem?
You should try troubleshooting the modem yourself. However, if nothing seems to work, you can always contact the CenturyLink customer service so that they can reset it from their end.