PricepectAI-Verified Comparisons

Comparisons About

⌘K

Pricepect

Independent product comparisons to help you buy smarter.

Browse

Categories
Comparisons
Spec Comparisons
Head-to-Head
Search

Info

About
Privacy Policy
Terms of Service

Top Categories

Electronics
Home & Kitchen
Sports & Outdoors
Automotive

✓ Independent & Unbiased✓ AI-Verified Data✓ Expert-Reviewed

Pricepect participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. © 2026 Pricepect. All rights reserved.

Zyxel C2100Z — Review & Specs | Pricepect | Pricepect

Home ModemsZyxel C2100Z

Zyxel C2100Z — image 1

Zyxel

Zyxel C2100Z

3.8(169 reviews)

Out of Stock

Track Price on BigBangPrice

Get notified when the price drops. Track this product on BigBangPrice, our price tracking partner.

VMG4825Black ...

Modems Wireless Routers

Expert Review Analysis

The ZyXEL C2100Z is a VDSL2 AC2050 dual‑band modem‑router combo designed for CenturyLink DSL services, offering integrated VoIP, HPNA coax networking, and advanced Wi‑Fi features like MU‑MIMO and Beamforming. It supports up to 200 Mbps down/100 Mbps up via VDSL2 bonding and includes remote management capabilities for service providers.

✓ Best for: CenturyLink DSL/VDSL customers who need an integrated modem‑router with VoIP, HPNA coax networking, and robust Wi‑Fi for multiple devices, especially households that stream video, game online, or require guest networks via up to four SSIDs.✗ Not ideal for: Environments with low‑speed DSL (<20 Mbps) where latency becomes a problem, users seeking a device with guaranteed long‑term manufacturer support, or those who prefer a model with extensive third‑party reviews.

Pros

✓Dual-band AC2050 WiFi delivers up to 1.7 Gbps on 5 GHz and 300 Mbps on 2.4 GHz for high‑speed multi‑device connectivity.
✓Integrated VDSL2 bonding supports up to 200 Mbps down/100 Mbps up, maximizing CenturyLink DSL performance.
✓

Price History

Current

$140.00

Average

$150.17

Lowest

$140.00

Highest

$188.97

Good Deal — 7% below average

Price trend (90d):+337.6%

Best Seller Rank History

Now#1,758Best#1,146Worst#2,049 +291

Lower = better sales rank

Rating Trend

Rating3.8/ 5Reviews169

Specifications

Connectivity

WiFi Standard802.11ac

WiFi Speed (5 GHz)1.7 Gbps Mbps

WiFi Speed (2.4 GHz)300 Mbps Mbps

MU-MIMOSupported

BeamformingSupported

Features

Remote Management (TR-069)Supported

Security ProtocolsWPA2/WPA/WEP, NAT/SPI firewalls

General

BrandZyxel

ManufacturerZyXEL

ModelVMG4825

ColorBlack

Release Date2018-11-13

Network

Maximum DSL Download Speed200 Mbps Mbps

Maximum DSL Upload Speed100 Mbps Mbps

IP Protocol SupportIPv4/IPv6

Tested ADSL Download Speed7 Mbps Mbps

Tested ADSL2+ Download Speed20 Mbps Mbps

Ports

LAN Ports4 Gigabit

WAN PortGigabit

VoIP Ports (FXS)2

USB PortYes

HPNA PortYes

Power

Power Supply12 V / 3 A

Modem

G.INP SupportSupports G.INP up to INP=16 for improved line stability

Networking

HPNA VersionHPNA3.1 over coax enables home networking via existing coaxial cabling

Management

Remote Management ProtocolTR‑069 remote management allows ISP configuration without user intervention

Security

Firewall ConfigurationDual firewalls (NAT/SPI) provide layered protection for inbound and outbound traffic

IP Support

Dual‑Stack CapabilityIPv4/IPv6 dual‑stack support ensures compatibility with modern internet addressing

Dimensions & Weight

Height8.58266 inches

Width2.32283 inches

Depth8.58266 inches

Weight3.0 pounds

Research Sources

buyapprovedmodems.com

centurylink.com

centurylink.com

neweggbusiness.com

brightspeed.com

community.zyxel.com

Similar Products

Zyxel C1100Z 802.11n VDSL2 Wireless Gateway CenturyLink (Renewed)

Zyxel C1100Z 802.11n VDSL2 Wireless Gateway CenturyLink (Renewed)

ZYXEL

Wiflyer 4G LTE Router, 300 Mbps Cat4 Wireless Wi-Fi Router, with Industrial Grade Metal Case/Detachable External Antennas/SIM Card Slot Unlocked/USB Port, WE826-T

Wiflyer 4G LTE Router, 300 Mbps Cat4 Wireless Wi-Fi Router, with Industrial Grade Metal Case/Detachable External Antennas/SIM Card Slot Unlocked/USB Port, WE826-T

Wiflyer

Wiflyer WG3526 4G LTE Router | AC1200Mbps Dual Band CAT4 Wireless Router with Metal Case and Detachable 6×5dBi Antennas| Gigabit Ethernet with TF Card Slot & USB3.0 Port & SIM Card Slot

Wiflyer WG3526 4G LTE Router | AC1200Mbps Dual Band CAT4 Wireless Router with Metal Case and Detachable 6×5dBi Antennas| Gigabit Ethernet with TF Card Slot & USB3.0 Port & SIM Card Slot

Wiflyer

GL.iNet GL-XE3000 (Puli AX) 5G Router with Dual SIM Card Slot, Wi-Fi 6 Cellular Routers, Built-in Battery, Multi-WAN, VPN, OpenWrt, Secure 5G Router for Office, Retail, Events, Business

GL.iNet GL-XE3000 (Puli AX) 5G Router with Dual SIM Card Slot, Wi-Fi 6 Cellular Routers, Built-in Battery, Multi-WAN, VPN, OpenWrt, Secure 5G Router for Office, Retail, Events, Business

GL.iNet

Tenda AX1500 WiFi 6 Router (RX2L Pro)- Smart Dual Band Gigabit WiFi Routers for Home, Vertical Design with 4 GE Ports, Long Range Coverage, VPN Support, WPA3, Easy Setup & Parental Controls

Tenda AX1500 WiFi 6 Router (RX2L Pro)- Smart Dual Band Gigabit WiFi Routers for Home, Vertical Design with 4 GE Ports, Long Range Coverage, VPN Support, WPA3, Easy Setup & Parental Controls

Tenda

NETGEAR Nighthawk WiFi 7 Router (BE9300) – Router Only, 9.3Gbps Wireless Speed, 2.5 Gigabit Internet Port, Tri-Band for Gaming, Covers 2,500 sq. ft., 100 Devices, VPN – Free Expert Help

NETGEAR Nighthawk WiFi 7 Router (BE9300) – Router Only, 9.3Gbps Wireless Speed, 2.5 Gigabit Internet Port, Tri-Band for Gaming, Covers 2,500 sq. ft., 100 Devices, VPN – Free Expert Help

NETGEAR

KUMA CONNECT PRO 4G LTE WiFi Router Modem with Outdoor Puck 5G Antenna - 300Mbps Portable Unlocked Mobile Hotspot with SIM Slot - Cellular MiFi Signal for Home Travel Car RV - Wireless Internet Device

NETGEAR Orbi 360 Series Dual-Band WiFi 7 Mesh Network System for Home (RBE363) – Wireless Router + 2 Extenders, Security Features, 5 Gbps, Covers 6,000 sq.ft., 70 Devices, 2.5GB Internet Port, BE5000

NETGEAR Orbi 360 Series Dual-Band WiFi 7 Mesh Network System for Home (RBE363) – Wireless Router + 2 Extenders, Security Features, 5 Gbps, Covers 6,000 sq.ft., 70 Devices, 2.5GB Internet Port, BE5000

NETGEAR

GL.iNet GL-BE6500 (Flint 3e) WiFi 7 Router, High-Speed WiFi Router for Wireless Internet w/VPN, 5 x 2.5G Ethernet Port for Fiber Optic Modem, Long Range Large Home, Business & Gaming Computer Routers

GL.iNet GL-BE6500 (Flint 3e) WiFi 7 Router, High-Speed WiFi Router for Wireless Internet w/VPN, 5 x 2.5G Ethernet Port for Fiber Optic Modem, Long Range Large Home, Business & Gaming Computer Routers

GL.iNet

Wireless Bridge LOCO5AC Pre-Conf...

Spaace-X Star-Link-Gen 3 Standar...

User Reviews

Please sign in to leave a review

Sort by:

No reviews yet. Be the first to review!

Four Gigabit LAN ports plus a switchable Gigabit WAN/LAN5 port provide flexible wired networking options.

✓Includes two FXS VoIP ports, HPNA3.1 over coax, and a USB port, reducing the need for additional equipment.

✓Advanced security with dual firewalls (NAT/SPI) and WPA2/WPA/WEP encryption protects the home network.

✓Remote management via TR‑069 enables service providers to configure the device without on‑site visits.

✓MU‑MIMO and Beamforming technologies improve Wi‑Fi coverage and performance for multiple simultaneous clients.

Cons

✗Severe bufferbloat causes 400‑700 ms ping spikes during streaming on low‑speed (~9 Mbps) DSL connections, degrading real‑time applications.
✗Device is slated for retirement by providers such as Brightspeed, raising concerns about future support and firmware updates.
✗Performance and feature set are not ideal for DSL lines delivering less than 20 Mbps, where latency issues become pronounced.
✗Limited independent professional reviews make it difficult to assess real‑world performance beyond manufacturer claims.
✗Physical dimensions and weight are not clearly documented, which may affect installation planning for some users.

From Expert Reviews

Praised by Experts

✓Manufacturer and carrier documentation highlight AC2050 Wi‑Fi performance and extended coverage as key strengths.
✓Remote management support (TR‑069) and dual firewalls are emphasized as valuable for service‑provider deployments.
✓Support for IPv6 dual‑stack and HPNA3.1 over coax is noted as a comprehensive feature set for modern home networks.

Criticized by Experts

✗Professional sources note the impending retirement of the model by certain ISPs, indicating limited long‑term viability.
✗Lack of detailed third‑party testing or independent reviews is cited as a drawback for discerning buyers.

From User Reviews

Users Love

✓Customers appreciate the easy compatibility with CenturyLink’s approved equipment list, simplifying setup.
✓All‑in‑one design eliminates the need for separate modem, router, and VoIP devices, saving space and cost.
✓Users report strong Wi‑Fi signal strength throughout the house, even in multi‑room scenarios.

Users Complain About

✗Users experience extreme bufferbloat, resulting in high latency spikes that affect streaming and gaming.
✗Some users consider flashing OpenWRT to mitigate issues, but hardware specifications are unclear, limiting DIY fixes.
✗The device may become obsolete as providers phase out support, prompting concerns about future upgrades.

Expert Opinion

Professional commentary, primarily from manufacturer and carrier literature, positions the C2100Z as a high‑performance, carrier‑managed solution with strong Wi‑Fi, extensive port selection, and robust security. However, reviewers note the model’s upcoming retirement and the scarcity of independent testing, suggesting buyers weigh long‑term support against immediate feature benefits.

What Users Say

Everyday users generally praise the device’s seamless CenturyLink compatibility and all‑in‑one convenience, noting solid Wi‑Fi coverage. The dominant complaint revolves around severe bufferbloat on low‑speed DSL lines, leading to high latency during streaming, and concerns about the product’s future support as providers retire the model.

Common Complaints

Severe bufferbloat causing high latency spikes on low‑speed DSL, impending retirement by ISPs leading to future obsolescence, and lack of independent professional evaluations.

What People Are Saying

“Easy CenturyLink compatibility; bought specifically for approved list.”
User comment on forum

“Severe bufferbloat (400-700 ms ping spikes during streaming like Netflix/Hulu) on ~9 Mbps DSL connections.”
User comment on forum

How It Compares

vs. Technicolor C2100T

Advantages

✓Similar carrier‑certified DSL and fiber speed support with comparable port selection.

Disadvantages

✗Lacks the explicit MU‑MIMO and Beamforming Wi‑Fi enhancements found in the ZyXEL model.

Choose the ZyXEL C2100Z for stronger Wi‑Fi performance and remote management features; opt for the Technicolor C2100T if you prefer a proven alternative without reported bufferbloat concerns.