If I Have Windstream Internet Service Can I Provide My Own Modem?
Is your Windstream internet bill too high? Is there a way to lower it? We have a potential solution for you – you could try buying a Windstream compatible modem instead of renting the modem from Windstream. This simple action volition not simply lower your beak and help y'all save coin, but also improve the overall operation of your wi-fi connection.
In this commodity, we volition discuss the advantages and disadvantages of having a third-party modem. Nosotros volition analyze potential savings and performance improvements, give you a few tips on what to look for, and present to you our selection of the best Windstream compatible modems.
Windstream Cyberspace Plans and Services
Windstream is primarily a DSL internet provider. It besides offers cable internet, fixed wireless net, and fiber net in select areas. Windstream cyberspace services are bachelor all over the US (all 50 states). Windstream is one of the nigh popular ISPs in rural areas. In 2019, Windstream went through the process of rebranding and is at present likewise known as Kinetic (Kinetic Net, Kinetic Business Solutions).
Coverage
Windstream DSL internet is available in all 50 states, mostly in rural areas. States with the all-time coverage are Texas, Kentucky, and Georgia. In full, Windstream DSL is available to approx. 13.5 million customers. That makes Windstream the half dozen th largest DSL internet provider.
Windstream DSL cyberspace coverage map (source – broadbandnow.com )
As well DSL net service, which is, without a doubt, the near important segment of Windstream's internet network, Windstream also has a growing fiber network. It offers fiber internet to almost four one thousand thousand customers in eighteen states. That makes it the 6 th largest fiber provider in the US.
Kinetic Windstream fiber internet coverage map (source – broadbandnow.com )
Finally, Windstream offers fixed wireless internet to customers living in distant areas (bachelor to approx. 70,000 potential customers) and has a fairly modest cablevision network (available to less than 200,000 potential customers).
Windstream cablevision internet coverage map (source – broadbandnow.com )
Internet plans
Depending on the type of Windstream internet service bachelor in your surface area, y'all can get speeds up to 100 Mbps over DSL, or upwardly to 1 Gig over fiber.
DSL speeds range from xv to 100 Mbps, while the prices showtime at $37/calendar month (promotional 12-month bargain).
| DSL plans | |||
| Download speed | Upload speed | Promo price | Regular price |
| 15 Mbps | 1 Mbps | $37/month | $55/month |
| 25 Mbps | 1 Mbps | $37/calendar month | $55/calendar month |
| fifty Mbps | 1 Mbps | $45/month | $67/month |
| 100 Mbps | 1 Mbps | $55/month | $77/month |
In select areas, you can choose one of Windstream's fiber plans. Download and upload speeds for cobweb plans, are symmetrical and range from 200 to one,000 Mbps. The promo prices vary from $37/calendar month to $67/calendar month. Compared to other fiber internet providers, the prices are quite competitive.
| Cobweb plans | |||
| Download speed | Upload speed | Promo price | Regular price |
| 200 Mbps | 200 Mbps | $37/month | $55/month |
| 400 Mbps | 400 Mbps | $47/month | $65/month |
| 500 Mbps | 500 Mbps | $57/month | $75/month |
| 1000 Mbps | ane,000 Mbps | $67/calendar month | $85/month |
Contract details
Like nigh internet providers, Windstream doesn't require signing an almanac contract. Y'all can opt for a calendar month-to-month contract, and you lot can cancel your service at any time. Naturally, you will get a amend deal if you lot decide to sign that contract, merely y'all will also have to deal with early termination fees if you decide to cancel your contract.
Data caps
In the past few years, many ISPs have imposed those widely hated and criticized information caps. The limits imposed past some providers are reasonable ( Comcast Xfinity , Cox ). Others have ridiculously small limits for depression-speed plans ( Sparklight , Suddenlink , AT&T , Mediacom ).
Some providers, like Borderland , Verizon FiOS , CenturyLink , Spectrum , or RCN , nevertheless don't have data caps. Windstream is i of those – all Windstream internet plans come without caps . So, whether you're a DSL, fiber, or cable internet subscriber, you don't have to worry about overage fees.
Modem Rental Policy
Almost every net provider in the US charges $10-$15/month for the modem or modem/router combo. Windstream'south monthly modem fee is $10/month. If you lot desire a modem/router combo, you will have to pay $12/month. If you can't install the modem, you will also take to pay a $35 setup fee.
Based on the information we've gathered from Windstream's website, you lot can't purchase the modem or Kinetic gateway directly from Windstream, just you lot can purchase a Windstream-compatible modem from another seller.
Additional Services
For an additional fee of $x-$fifteen/calendar month, you lot can likewise subscribe to Windstream's net security service (aka Kinetic Secure). You can choose 1 of three available packages – Connect Secure, Self-Secure, and Total Secure.
The beginning programme provides enhanced security, antivirus protection, and premium tech support. The second programme includes identity theft protection and premium tech support. The most expensive plan is the most comprehensive and is a combination of the first two plans.
Customer Satisfaction
Customer back up is, unfortunately, not ane of the expert things most Windstream. What a surprise! Generally speaking, internet providers have poor customer and tech support. According to ACSI , Windstream's customer back up is below average.
The customers' complaints are usually related to low upload speeds (DSL subscribers), slow or unhelpful customer support, and poor wi-fi point quality. Most customers are happy with their download speeds and internet connectedness reliability.
Tin I Use My Own Modem with Windstream?
Yes, you can. Co-ordinate to Windstream , you are allowed to purchase a 3rd-political party modem on your own. You lot can fifty-fifty get advice from Windstream on what kind of router to look for – they volition tell yous everything near your connection type (ADSL, VDSL). However, if you are not using one of the Windstream-provided modems, yous won't get whatsoever help when it comes to installation.
Why Should I Employ a Windstream Compatible Modem?
Two arguments are commonly used to justify using your own modem – money savings and performance improvement.
You can easily calculate the savings you can brand. If you're paying $12/month for your wireless modem, your yearly fee will be $144. In iii years, you will spend $432 on rental fees. Nosotros're talking about a 3-year menses because internet providers don't upgrade their equipment that often. If you don't upgrade your internet plan, yous may take to use the same modem for more than 3 years (or until it breaks). At present, $432 is a lot of coin. For that kind of money, you can buy a neat modem. Or you can buy the exact same gateway that Windstream provides you with. In the process, you can salve more than than $200 (long-term savings).
The second argument is also quite easy to explain. We tin even offer you some measurable data. Co-ordinate to ACSI Telecommunication Report , Windstream's in-home wi-fi service is quite bad and their gateways offering poor wi-fi coverage. But Suddenlink and Borderland have worse wi-fi service than Windstream.
Another finding we want to share with you is the comparison of ACSI indexes for ii groups of customers – those using Internet access provider-provided equipment and those using their own equipment.
The results evidence that third-party equipment provides noticeably better performance. Have in mind that the graph shows average satisfaction with the Internet access provider-provided equipment, not just satisfaction with Windstream-provided equipment. Since Windstream's in-domicile wi-fi performance is below boilerplate, the deviation in the ACSI index would've been even bigger.
Recommended reading:
- What Modems Are Uniform With Midco?
- What Modems Are Compatible With Atlantic Broadband?
- What Modems Are Uniform With WOW?
So, we tin say with certainty that y'all can get much meliorate operation if you purchase your own Windstream uniform modem. Now, depending on the quality of the equipment you lot buy, you can save less just get even improve operation. Or, you tin relieve more and get the same performance. Information technology all depends on your needs and your budget.
What Are the Benefits of Renting a Modem from Windstream?
Renting a modem is much easier and more convenient. You don't accept to spend any time reading about modems or trying to figure out what kind of connection you lot are using. Y'all don't accept to install the modem on your own if you don't know how. As well, you'll get all the necessary support (or you are supposed to go information technology) if there'south a problem with your connection or your modem. Finally, if the modem breaks, y'all'll get a new i for costless.
What to Wait for When Ownership a Windstream Compatible Modem?
The first thing you must pay attention to is the type of connection. In different states and different communities, Windstream offers a different kind of service. In most cases, it's a DSL connexion, merely it tin also be fiber, stock-still wireless, or even cablevision.
Also, if you're subscribed to DSL internet, you must know what kind of DSL. You have ADSL, ADSL 2, ADSL ii+, SDSL, VDSL, VDSL ii, and xDSL. DSL modems that support speeds college than 100 Mbps (VDSL 2 and xDSL) will support older types of the DSL connection. However, ADSL and ADSL 2/two+ modems will non support VDSL or VDSL 2. Most Windstream DSL customers are subscribed to bonded VDSL or VDSL2. If you are not sure, contact Windstream client support and enquire them about your connexion type.
Once you constitute the connection type, y'all can start thinking about other things. One of the most mutual dilemmas is ownership a Windstream compatible modem and a router separately VS ownership a Windstream uniform gateway (aka wireless modem or modem/router combo).
Gateway is a more than convenient choice. It's less messy (considering you have to deal with fewer cables) and takes less space. However, gateways often deliver poorer performance than carve up units, especially when it comes to wi-fi connection quality. Split up routers (with external antennas) volition deliver much ameliorate coverage and will have more adjustment options. If you're a gamer, using separate units is a must.
Should I Hire or Buy My Own Windstream Compatible Modem?
Both options take their pros and cons. Your pick depends simply on your preferences, budget, bachelor time, and other circumstances. Nosotros encourage you to try using your own modem because it'south toll-efficient and will amend your wi-fi connectedness. Besides, you should know that installing a modem is not rocket science – information technology takes less than one hour to learn everything y'all demand to know most installing a modem and adjusting all the bones settings. Finally, you don't take to worry about troubleshooting the modem on your ain in case something happens – the modems rarely pause and, even if they do, you tin can hands learn how to restart or reset it, or how to adjust the settings.
If our arguments convinced y'all to outset looking for a modem, you can proceed reading this commodity and cheque out our option of the best Windstream compatible modems (for DSL subscribers), also as the selection of best Windstream compatible routers (for fiber subscribers). Hopefully, our suggestions will help you find the best modem or router for your needs.
RouterCtrl.com is reader supported. If you buy something using the links on our site, nosotros may earn a small commission.
Best Windstream Compatible Modems
1. Best Windstream Compatible Modem Nether $200 – Actiontec C2300A
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Compatible with Windstream DSL plans up to 100 Mbps
Actiontec C2300A is the model that CenturyLink rents to its customers, but it's perfectly compatible with Windstream DSL internet (bonded VDSL up to 100 Mbps). This gateway can too exist used if you're subscribed to Windstream fiber.
In terms of physical appearance and characteristics, C2300A is very similar to the Kinetic gateway provided past Windstream (Actiontec T3200). This is a VDSL ii modem compatible with bonded VDSL. It can handle the highest DSL speeds provided by Windstream. The max theoretical DSL speed is 200 Mbps. The unit is likewise uniform with the highest gig speeds provided past Windstream (Windstream Kinetic 1 Gig).
On the dorsum of this modem, you will find i DSL port, 2 phone ports, one SFP port (for PON), a WAN port, 4 LAN ports, and two USB three.0 ports. On the front, you have a WPS button and two LED indicators (net and wi-fi).
C2300A is a gateway, which means it has a congenital-in router. The router inside it is a dual-band WiFi5 router. The max speed over ii.iv GHz is 600 Mbps. The max supported wireless speed over v GHz is 1.7 Gbps. It supports MU-MIMO and beamforming. The router features QoS support and information technology has numerous advanced security features (firewalls, WPA2 support, website blocking, DoS assail protection, DMZ, IP filtering, etc.).
two. All-time Windstream Uniform Modem Nether $300 – Actiontec T3200
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Compatible with Windstream DSL plans up to 100 Mbps
Actiontec T3200 is the exact same model that Windstream provides its DSL subscribers with . In terms of appearance and features, T3200 is very like to the previously reviewed C2300A.
T3200 is an xDSL modem compatible with bonded VDSL2. It'southward compatible with all DSL speeds offered by Windstream. This unit can also be used for Windstream's fiber cyberspace.
This modem doesn't accept as many ports as our previous C2300A. It has a single DSL port, WAN port, four LAN ports, and a USB port. The front side of the modem is absolutely the same as the front end side of C2300A.
T3200 also has a built-in router inside (it'due south a gateway). The router is dual-band WiFi5 (compatible with 802.11ac protocol). The max supported speeds are the aforementioned as the speeds on C2300A – 600 Mbps over two.4 GHz and 1.7 Mbps over 5 GHz. The router supports all the latest technologies for improved operation (like beamforming and MU-MIMO). Information technology also has QoS support and all the most common security features.
three. ZyXEL C3000Z
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Compatible with Windstream DSL plans up to 100 Mbps
Zyxel C3000Z is another CenturyLink modem/router combo, just like the outset one on this list. And like the starting time i, C3000Z is compatible with Windstream DSL service.
C3000Z is a VDSL2 modem and it supports bonded VDSL2. It will work with all DSL speeds offered by Windstream. This unit of measurement is as well compatible with Windstream cobweb.
On the back of the unit of measurement, you have a DSL port, ane WAN port, four LAN ports, and one USB port allowing y'all to connect your external hard drive or a printer. On the front panel, you have i button (WPS quick connect) and a bunch of LEDs (net, DSL ane, DSL 2, WAN/LAN, and ii wi-fi indicators – 2.4 and v GHz).
The router inside C3000Z has absolutely the same characteristics equally the previous 2. It'south a dual-band WiFi5 router. The max combined speed is 2.3 Gbps (600 Mbps over 2.4 and 1.7 Gbps over 5 GHz).
Like in the previous two cases, the router supports MU-MIMO, beamforming, and QoS. It features DoS set on protection, firewalls, NAT support, dynamic DNS, etc.
Best Windstream Compatible Routers
If you are a Windstream cobweb subscriber, so you just have to connect a router to your ONT – you don't demand a modem. Any router will do the job and will be uniform with your service, only you have to observe the one that supports your speeds and provides skillful wi-fi coverage beyond the unabridged home. If you lot are a gamer or demand the everyman possible lag for some other reason, you should also think nigh the supported wireless protocol (AC, AX) and additional features.
4. Best Windstream Uniform Router Under $100 – TP-Link Archer AX21
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Recommended for Windstream Cobweb plans up to Windstream Kinetic 500
According to ACSI, TP-Link routers evangelize the best possible performance of all third-party routers, especially when y'all consider the cost. Compared to NETGEAR and ASUS, TP-Link routers are somewhat cheaper and that'due south probably the biggest reason why they are so popular. That and the fact that their performance is on par with pricier routers fabricated by other manufacturers.
Our recommended budget router is TP-Link Archer AX21. If $100 is too much for you and if y'all don't need speeds higher than 200 Mbps, you lot can find a significantly cheaper 1. Routers like TP-Link Archer A5 and Archer A6, NETGEAR R6260, R6230, and R6330, are all priced under $l.
This is a unproblematic-looking unit of measurement with four external antennas. On the front, yous have 5 LED indicators. On the back, there's i WAN port, four Gigabit LAN ports, and one USB port for file sharing.
AX21 is compatible with the latest 802.11ax wireless protocol (it is a WiFi6 router ). Every bit a WiFi6 router, AX21 supports all the fancy technologies that better wi-fi operation and coverage including OFDMA, beamforming, and MU-MIMO. Thanks to 802.11ax support, this modem volition as well provide you with a significantly lower lag (compared to WiFi5), better range, and higher capacity. Thanks to four external antennas, this router alone should be able to cover 1,500-2,000 ft two . If y'all demand more range, you tin hands combine information technology with TP-Link's OneMesh extenders .
AX21 is a dual-band router and can transmit on both bands at the same time. It is advertised that it can handle 40+ devices (again, cheers to the 802.11ax back up). That's much more than than WiFi5 routers. The router is classified equally AX1800. This tells us that the max speed (on both bands combined) is ane,800 Mbps – 574 Mbps over two.4 and 1,200 Mbps over v GHz. So, it can theoretically handle Kinetic ane Gig (over 5 GHz), simply we still recommend something pricier for those speeds.
The unit is uniform with Alexa. It likewise supports the latest security protocol – WPA3. Furthermore, it features avant-garde parental control settings, it allows you lot to create a guest network, monitor and control your wi-fi network, etc.
5. Best Windstream Compatible Router for Gaming – ASUS RT-AX88U
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Compatible with Windstream Fiber plans up to Windstream Kinetic Gig
Like the previous TP-Link AX21, RT-AX88U is a WiFi6 (AX) dual-band router, only faster and with higher chapters and more features than AX21.
RT-AX88U is perfect for whatsoever online action including gaming. It volition provide you with a much lower lag and gaming ping than whatsoever WiFi5 router and fifty-fifty nigh WiFi6 routers. Thanks to QoS prioritization, you can give priority to game packets.
Unlike cheaper units, this one has 8 Gigabit LAN ports giving yous much better connectivity. The unit also has one WAN port and ii USB 3.i ports.
Thanks to four external antennas and all the technologies related to WiFI6 (OFDMA, MU-MIMO, beamforming), wi-fi performance and coverage are great. RT-AX88U tin can handle 40+ devices and volition comprehend very big homes (3000+ ft 2 ). For even ameliorate coverage, it's recommended to combine information technology with ASUS AiMesh extenders .
The max advertised speed of this router (on both bands combined) is half dozen,000 Mbps – ane,200 Mbps over two.4 and 4,800 Mbps over 5 GHz.
RT-AX88U supports WPA2 but not WPA3. It has all kinds of settings and features you would look from a router in its cost range – VPN support, firewalls, DoS attack protection, avant-garde parental controls, network and port filters, DMZ, port triggering, port forwarding. The unit besides comes with the AiProtection Pro , which is avant-garde security software for additional online protection.
6. Best Overall – NETGEAR Nighthawk RAX70
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Compatible with Windstream Fiber plans upward to Windstream Kinetic Gig
NETGEAR RAX70 is 1 of the best and about capable routers on the market. It is a tri-band WIFi6 router. It has one WAN and 4 Gigabit LAN ports. Those LAN ports support link aggregation (you can pair two to get higher speeds). The unit also has one USB 3.0 port allowing you to connect a printer, an external hard drive, or a NAS device. RAX70 supports speeds and internet plans up to 2 Gbps.
As a WiFi6 router, RAX70 features all the latest technologies for improved range and overall performance ( OFDMA , MU-MIMO, beamforming). The unit has only internal antennas (6 of them) and emits up to viii streams, which gives it the power to handle up to forty devices and cover large areas (up to ii,500 ft 2 ) with wi-fi betoken.
The unit of measurement is classified as AX6600. That means that it supports AX wireless protocol and that the max speed (three bands combined) is 6.6 Gbps – 0.6 Gbps over two.4 GHz, i.2 Gbps over the start v GHz band, and 4.viii over the second 5 GHz ring.
The unit likewise supports the latest wireless security protocol WPA3. Information technology features VPN support, parental controls, guest wi-fi network, cloud storage, DoS attack protection, double firewalls, etc. And information technology's compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.
Only like every other Nighthawk router, RAX70 comes with the Nighthawk app . This app allows yous to quickly set up your router, monitor your wi-fi network, and modify diverse settings including advanced parental control settings.
NETGEAR Armor is also included in the package (merely a 1-month complimentary trial, non a lifetime subscription). This software tool gives yous additional online protection, merely you take to pay for it.
This is the cease of our choice of the best Windstream compatible modems and routers. We hope this commodity helped you lot learn everything you lot wanted to know about modems compatible with Windstream and peradventure even find the perfect modem for your needs. For more than info, read the FAQ section. If there are some unanswered questions or if yous want to share your feel with Windstream internet service, exit u.s.a. a comment beneath.
FAQs
Q: Will ARRIS modem work with Windstream?
A: It depends on the modem and on the type of your service. Most ARRIS modems are cablevision modems. Windstream internet is, on the other manus, more often than not DSL. There are some areas where Windstream offers cable internet service and you can probably employ some ARRIS cable modem with this service. If y'all are, similar most Windstream customers, a DSL subscriber, you volition have to await for some ARRIS DSL modem (similar Motorola ARRIS NVG510).
Q: Do I have to use the Windstream modem?
A: No, you don't. Windstream allows you to use 3rd-political party modems but yous have to look for a modem compatible with Windstream internet service. To be more than precise, y'all have to expect for a modem that is compatible with the type of internet that you're paying for (DSL, cable, stock-still wireless, etc.).
Q: Does Windstream Internet require a phone line?
A: In most areas that Windstream services, Windstream offers but DSL internet. This kind of internet is based on the use of the phone line. So, if you are a DSL subscriber, then yep – you need a telephone line. If you are, on the other hand, paying for Windstream Kinetic fiber internet or cable internet, then yous don't demand a phone line.
Q: What type of Internet connection is Windstream?
A: Windstream is predominantly a DSL net provider. Windstream fiber network is besides growing chop-chop, only it'due south notwithstanding much smaller than its DSL network. In certain areas, Windstream besides offers cable and stock-still wireless internet. Still, DSL is the main blazon of net service offered by Windstream.
Q: How much is a Windstream modem?
A: Renting a modem from Windstream will toll yous $x/month. If y'all want a wireless modem (aka Windstream Kinetic gateway), y'all'll be charged $12/month. You lot tin can't buy the Windstream modem or gateway from Windstream, but you can find it online for $250 or less.
Q: What is the best modem/router philharmonic for Windstream?
A: It's difficult to pick merely one, specially when nosotros don't know your type of connexion. If you need some general guidelines, our advice is to wait for a VDSL 2 modem that supports bonded VDSL (brands like Actiontec, ZyXEL, Arris, D-Link, or Motorola).
Fiber users will but demand a router – they can connect it directly to the ONT. Our recommended brands when it comes to routers are TP-Link, NETGEAR, ASUS, Linksys, ARRIS, etc. The same applies to those subscribed to fixed wireless internet. Cable cyberspace users will need a DOCSIS iii.0/3.one cable modem (and a wi-fi router) or a cable gateway.
If you lot are looking for some modem suggestions, scroll up and bank check out our pick of the all-time Windstream compatible modems.
Q: How adept is Windstream internet?
A: Windstream internet definitely has some expert sides. The speeds and prices are competitive, there are no data caps, and you lot don't have to sign a long-term contract. The biggest problem are probably Windstream'southward DSL upload speeds. DSL internet speeds in full general (both download and upload), are non dandy, just you can live with download speeds – you lot can surf, bank check due east-mail, fifty-fifty stream movies. Uploads speeds, even so, are actually bad.
Q: Will I salve money if I buy my own Windstream uniform modem?
A: It depends on the modem you choose (high-stop, entry-level), but you can definitely save some coin if yous buy a Windstream compatible modem. In many cases, you can salvage more than $200 in three years. If you lot buy high-end equipment (a high-terminate modem and a loftier-finish gaming router with great coverage), y'all volition not save money, but yous will get astonishing performance.
Hey, I'm Jeremy. I hold a bachelor's degree in information systems, and I'm a certified network specialist. I worked for several internet providers in LA, San Francisco, Sacramento, and Seattle over the by 21 years.
I worked equally a client service operator, field technician, network engineer, and network specialist. During my career in networking, I've come across numerous modems, gateways, routers, and other networking hardware. I've installed network equipment, fixed it, designed and administrated networks, etc.
Networking is my passion, and I'm eager to share everything I know with yous. On this website, you can read my modem and router reviews, as well as diverse how-to guides designed to assistance you solve your network problems. I desire to liberate you from the fear that most users experience when they accept to deal with modem and router settings.
My favorite free-fourth dimension activities are gaming, movie-watching, and cooking. I also bask line-fishing, although I'm non expert at information technology. What I'yard expert at is annoying David when we are angling together. Apparently, y'all're not supposed to talk or laugh while fishing – it scares the fishes.
If I Have Windstream Internet Service Can I Provide My Own Modem?,
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