CenturyLink ZyXEL PK5001z

At first I plugged it in to be wireless like my last router, which I'm sending back to CenturyLink to save $10/month. I'd get at least 20mbps with the old one on 2.4GHz and my phone had a strong signal no matter where I was in my apartment. This router did almost 9mbps at best and have weak signal on my phone when in the bathroom which is only a few yards away. I now have my laptop hard wired which is at the mbps level it should be at based on my service but not too happy about having to watch my phone. Everywhere else in the apartment seems to be okay, but this modem router combo isn't getting the WiFi signal strength I read it would have. It will do. At 7 months service I'll start saving.

This unit is a Router / Modem.I have been using the unit for over a year with know major problems. It was recommend by Century Link because this is one of the units that they use. This makes it nice since they are familiar with the unit and will help you with any setup problems that you have. The only thing I had to do so far as setup goes, was to contact Century Link to get their username and password to connect to their system, after that setup was a breeze. I purchased the unit because I didn't want to pay Century Link their month rental charge, if it lasts another couple of months I will get my purchase price back for not paying the rental fee. The only problem I had with the unit was it locked up twice and a simple power reset brought it back to full operation, this may have been caused by a interruption or glitch on the service line. I would recommend it to anyone that has a Century Link DSL connection. I not sure how it works with other companies.Unit has additional features like programmable WIFI weekly day and time operation.

The unit hooked up ok, but then again I am have plenty of IT experience. Without the help of Century link or someone else who knows about the PPOE that CenturyLink uses, best to buy something else. As I said it linked ok, using the proper settings. Within a few weeks this modem is rebooting several times a day without rhyme or reason. I have looked into things others have complained about such as wireless printers causing the issue, but I can not confirm this, as the unit reboots with or without any wireless printers connected. Now for the strange part, even with WPS disabled it somehow flashes red and throws a device connection error, even going so far as to show a device that has tried to connect via the WPS protocol. But looking at the Mac, there could not possibly be any device with that address connecting. Makes one think that there might be hack attempts going on, but with the firewalls I run, that could not be possible. My network logger does not show any activity during the time this WPS error happens, no incoming activity anyway, and all windows and sub processes are strictly monitored, with no unusual activity recorded in or out. So as of now, I can not ID the reason it seems to need to reboot, other then it seems to happen when incoming traffic reaches 1/2 of my Century link data (overhead considered) limit. Reboot time is between 1 to 7 minutes depending on the time of day. I will be looking for a new Modem. Actually I think its CenturyLink purposely fouling the router because I didn't buy it directly from them. Not too likely but hay who knows

Replaced a rented modem from Century Link after 6 years. I got the PK5001Z, the newer rendition of the one that lasted for 6 years. However, this modem will not work with faster internet speeds I just learned. I could upgrade from 20 to 40 speed, and this modem would have to be replaced. I would really like to do that but since I just bought it it will have to do for awhile.

I am pleased with the promptness in receiving the item ordered. The item (modem/router for computer) was securely packed. It is in use now and is operating as it should. It is nice to have the old one, with the problem, replaced with a new one that appears to have no problems. The only reason I did not give it a five star rating is the concern of how long it will function properly (the new one is the same brand as the old one it replaced, and I hope this one lasts longer).

It really is funny how people write all sorts of nonsense about a product. For the most part not too many people are able to read the directions. Why? Because they are not smart enough. If it doesn't do what they want as soon as they plug it in, then they call a support number and say it is defective. Too bad they didn't wire it properly or setup the link with their IP provider. If you read some of the feedback they seem to have problems with spelling, and proper grammar. They don't even know the difference between your and you're or their and there. HUH?The unit works perfectly. Setup gives you the opportunity to adjust the parameters to any configuration you may need. Broadcast and security are excellent. Just read the directions..........And put down the iPhone.

I am updating this review since I tried again and it did work. Whether it will continue to work, will see. Originally when I tried to hook it up a message came up that it is now a retired modem per Centurylink. I was able to get ahold of Centurylink and the cost of a new one is $200!

It was easy to install and worked properly once I realized there was no instruction manual to refer to. During installation, the set referred me to follow instruction in the manual. I had to "guess" at what to do but it ran properly once I got it loaded.