Zyxel C1100Z CenturyLink Wireless VDSL2 Modem

The Zyxel C1100Z is the gateway CenturyLink handed out for years of DSL installs, which makes it the safest replacement you can buy when an aging CenturyLink modem starts dropping sync. It combines a VDSL2/ADSL2+ modem, a WiFi router, and four gigabit Ethernet ports in one box, arrives with CenturyLink's own firmware, and activates on their network without the compatibility roulette of third-party DSL hardware.

If your current CenturyLink gateway is failing, this is the direct swap: unplug the old one, plug in the C1100Z, and your line settings carry over with a quick activation.

Quick Specs

Built for CenturyLink Lines

DSL equipment is far more provider-specific than cable modems, and that is the C1100Z's whole advantage. It ships with CenturyLink firmware, speaks the VDSL2 profiles CenturyLink deploys, falls back to ADSL2+ on older lines, and supports the PPPoE login CenturyLink uses. That means activation is a matter of entering your account credentials rather than fighting unsupported hardware.

WiFi Sized to the Job

The C1100Z broadcasts a single 2.4 GHz wireless-N network at up to 300 Mbps. On a DSL connection, that is the sensible design: 2.4 GHz travels through walls and floors better than 5 GHz, and its throughput comfortably exceeds every plan tier this modem supports, so the WiFi is never your bottleneck. If you want stronger or newer WiFi anyway, the C1100Z supports transparent bridging, letting your own router handle the wireless while the Zyxel handles the DSL line.

Wired Connections for the Whole Desk

Four gigabit LAN ports cover desktops, consoles, smart TVs, and printers, and the dedicated WAN port doubles as a fifth LAN port when the unit runs in DSL mode. For work-from-home setups on DSL, wired connections to the C1100Z are the most stable way to run video calls.

Security Out of the Box

Zyxel's dual-firewall design (NAT plus stateful packet inspection) screens traffic between the internet and your network, WPA2 encryption protects the wireless side, and built-in parental controls manage access on connected devices. A hardware WPS button handles quick device pairing.

Will It Work With Your Internet?

The C1100Z is a CenturyLink device, built and firmware-configured for CenturyLink DSL service (ADSL2+ and VDSL2 lines) in most areas. It is not for cable providers, and Quantum Fiber customers should use the equipment provided with their fiber service. As always with DSL hardware, confirm with CenturyLink that this model is supported on your specific line and plan before ordering. Our activation guarantee applies: if your provider will not activate it, the return is on us.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the C1100Z a modem or a router?

Both. It is a DSL modem and WiFi router in one unit, so a typical CenturyLink DSL household needs no other equipment.

Is the WiFi dual-band?

No. The C1100Z broadcasts a single 2.4 GHz wireless-N network. For DSL plan speeds that is plenty of throughput, and 2.4 GHz gives better range through walls. If you want 5 GHz or newer WiFi standards, bridge the C1100Z and connect your own router.

What plan speeds does it support?

It handles CenturyLink's single-line VDSL2 tiers, which typically top out around 100 Mbps depending on your area and line quality. For bonded-pair plans at higher speeds, you need a bonded gateway like the Zyxel C3000Z instead.

What is the difference between the C1100Z and the C3000Z?

The C1100Z is a single-line VDSL2 gateway with 2.4 GHz wireless-N, right for standard CenturyLink DSL tiers. The C3000Z adds bonded-pair support and dual-band AC WiFi for CenturyLink's faster bonded plans. If your bill or old modem says "bonded," choose the C3000Z.

Can I use my own router with it?

Yes. The C1100Z supports transparent bridge mode, which turns it into a pure modem and hands routing and WiFi duties to any router you connect.

Does the refurbished unit come with a warranty?

Yes. Every refurbished device we ship is tested, factory reset, and covered by our 90-day full-coverage warranty, plus our activation guarantee on modems.