The CenturyLink Approved, Actiontec C1000A DSL Modem is one of the best available DSL WiFi modems today. With its new, powerful wireless N radio, gigabit Ethernet switch, dualcore 32-bit processor and capacious amounts of memory (64 MB Flash, 64 MB SDRAM), the C1000A can simultaneously support a wide range of demanding multimedia applications, including online gaming, sharing large files or streaming HD video.
With the C1000A, everything’s already built in, so there’s no need for any other equipment such as a router to complete your networking setup. Because of this, the Actiontec C1000A is one of the more economical options available on the market.
Does the C1000A support Internet Protocol version 6 (IPv6)?
Yes, the Actiontec C1000A does support Internet Protocol version 6 (IPv6).
Ive got CenturyLink DSL/Prism TV. CL wants to "lease" me the C2000a VDSL modem @$14 month. Will this power my Prism cable box over ethernet?
How do I reset my Actiontec C1000A to factory default settings?
There are 2 main methods that we use to reset the C1000A
1st Method: Begin with the unit powered up and with a solid Green Power light. Then, using a small tool depress and hold the Reset button on the back of the device just until you see the color of the Power light change from Green to Amber. We recommend using a Paperclip or pen cartridge. Release the button after the power light turns amber, then wait until your modem reboots (1-2 minutes).
The length of time that the Reset button must be held to accomplish the reset varies from model to model, but as long as the Reset button is released while the power light is Amber the Reset will be successful.
2nd Method: Log into the device, click on Advanced, click on Configuration, click on the Restore button next to “Restore Modem to Factory Default State”. The modem will reset and reboot to factory defaults.
Does this device have parental controls with it?
Yes! There are parental controls built in to the admin settings panel. You can set up all of your preferences after activating with your provider.
I want to use my Linksys WIFI router as the WIFI connection using my C1000a as a DSL modem with the WIFI turned off. Is this possible?
Absolutely! You can access the settings of the modem through the admin panel to disable the built-in wireless. Then, attach your own router using “Bridge Mode” in order to forward the WiFi to the other device.
JF –
Our last modem died so we ended up buying this one to replace our old modem and router. After I set up (~30min) the modem and router it worked great! And then a couple hours later the connection died and I was thinking “OH CRAP!” When I picked up the modem I noticed the bottom of the was REALLY hot and suspected this was why it lost connection.
We found a wire frame to put the modem up on so it could have ~6″ of air beneath it to keep it cool. Since then it hasn’t had ANY problems at all. No lost connections and works super fast!
So just remember to give this modem lots of air beneath it to keep it cool and it will work great for you.
jt –
Mixed feelings on these routers. I have been through 5-6 of these modem/routers of 5 years or so. If you are a Centurylink business DSL customer like we are, you have very limited options for respectable routers. This C1000A offers all the basic features you might expect to want, but the devil is in the details. I doubt they are doing any ongoing firmware development. What you see is what you get.
I have a lot of stuff plugged into my network. My attached device list is 18-22 items long. It is very important to me to be able to label and manage my various items. I find that I have to keep re-labeling the IP addresses because the C1000A keeps forgetting what I labeled what. It offers a fixed list of device t types. When I add my own custom label for an item on the list of devices, I frequently have to miss describe the type (computer, router, camera, gameboy, etc) because the particular device type is not on the list of types. Would have been nice to allow me to add my own device types if it is not the list.
I have had 4 of these C1000A fail over the years, so I find having a brand new one on standby is a necessity. SO, I just buy them on Internet 2 at a time, when ordering.
Amazun Custumer –
Has been working fine for 15 months. Sometimes video streaming is throttled but that is not the modem’s fault.
It does get a bit hot sometimes and I am afraid it would die if accidentally placed in a stuffy area.
Update for 8/14/2016: It’s still going strong. I can’t believe such a cheap used modem lasts 3 years or more
3/17/17: Yup still great
Kim –
When I called Centurylink to activate my Modem.the representative told me this is one one of the best modems. I also bought my Mother one. Centurylink was charging both of us $8 a month to rent a modem from me. My Mother had her modem for 6 years and Centurylink never bothered to send her out a modem that they had discontinued using so hers was pretty old and wasn’t getting a great reception through her house. This Modem here that I bought her is 100 times better since it’s picking up range in the parts of the house where there was a weakened signal.
I have had no issues with the modem and I bought both modems used.
You can’t go wrong with this modem.if you are looking for a modem for Centurylink look no further. I did my research and read countless reviews.
Kerry Searle –
Awesome modem/router. the reviews were correct. it is fast enough to handle any hungry media applications and is plenty fast enough for our amazon/netflix streaming. hook up was a snap. i just plugged in and it automatically started working with our Centurylink Internet. I didn’t have to call tech support to get it set-up which was so wonderful. Seamless and pefect. I bought used so half priced is even better!
Kerry Searle –
Worked as described. Using right now for CenturyLink DSL. Has a router but I prefer, and am using my own router connected to this unit. Works fine so you do have a choice. A CenturyLink tech configured that for me but tech/ computer savvy people probably could do that on their own. I figure if my router goes out, I’ll still have a backup. Cheaper long term to buy.
For neophytes like me, if you switched from Cable or Satellite to DSL internet through the phone line, take note. Unlike cable internet modem I had with another service, when I unplugged then re-plugged this modem/router to reset it, for general maintenance, I did have to re-enter the network password(Back of the unit), in my iMac WiFi Preferences whereas I didn’t have to do that with my previous cable modem. Not a deal breaker as long as you know the drill.
I’ve only reset this device once for practice and maintenance. Works fine.
Daniel W. –
The product that I received was new in factory sealed box. Has Century Link logo’s on box and Modem/Router. This was a replacement for a Zyxel Q 100 that finally bit the dust after about 5 years of faithful service. Set up was easy on Dish Internet all it asked me for was my Dishnet account number (which is your landline phone number) and the C1000A took care of the rest. I was back online in minutes! You can disable the wireless router in the C1000A config screen and use it just as a modem, and that is what I have done since I have a better wireless router than the one in the C1000A. Simple and easy just follow the basic set up instructions in the package.
Nick –
Great DSL modem. It has quite a lot of features built into it. I bought my own so I don’t have to lease from my DSL provider. The biggest tip I can give you is that if you connect this to another router that is beefier for serving your LAN you should put this modem into bridged mode and enter your PPP settings in your other router. That basically makes this modem into a gateway, an edge device. Although for a smaller home this modem/router combo may likely serve all your needs just fine.
boatguy –
Works as advertised. Love the DSL connection on the unit. Only issue is that the unit wasn’t “factory reset” before being shipped out to me. Easy fix after talking to my internet providers Tech Support. Do not lease your modem from your internet provider…buy it instead and save yourself the monthly fee.
MarleneLouise –
Purchased an Amazon Fire Stick and decided to upgrade the router so the wi-fi would work better than the old router. Very nice quality with all of the necessary accessories so I did not have to purchase anything else. Came well-packed in a nice sturdy box. Easy to set up and it works fine.
Kindle Customer –
Bought this instead of paying $10 a month to lease a router/modem, or buy one new for $100+, and I’ve had it for a few weeks now and its working great.
I did have to go to the modem configuration page and update the PPOE username and password from the admin one to my specific credentials which I got from Century Link Tech Support.
It was easy to install, the guide that comes with it walks you through the steps with pictures, and I had no issues whatsoever.
I did get 2 phone cords instead of 1 phone cord and 1 Ethernet cable, but I contacted the seller and got an Ethernet cable in the mail in 2 days.
Mary Matson –
It’s fussy to set up, though a good modem once you finally get it working. It wants https to connect remotely without an ethernet cable and it has to have the setting to allow that enabled. I found an obscure reference that internet explorer was the best browser to try and interface with it.
Paul –
It works. One of two modems for Centurylink’s VDSL network, and being the lesser of the two, it certainly shows at times. Pros being it automatically reboots periodically. Cons being it randomly reboots periodically.
Amazon Customer –
Solid performance at 40Mb down / 5 Mb up for over 2 years. DHCP server, firewall, DMZ hosting and NAT all work without issue. I don’t use the Wi-fi capabilities of the unit nor IPv6.
Dale Silbernagel –
This modem replaced an Actiontec PK5001A that was constantly losing the DSL internet connection. This modem has completely solved this problem. No loss of the internet connection in over two months.
RP –
Purchased “used” for a 20mps Centurylink DSL phone line. Works as expected. Box contained the modem and power cord. Did not include directions, phone line, or ethernet cable. Utilized the old cables and installation was easy using Centurylink online instructions. Good buy for the money.