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ZyXEL PK5000z CenturyLink Modem

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The following documents are for CenturyLink High-Speed Internet®, CenturyLink High-Speed Internet® with Office Plus (also known as qwestoffice.net) or Qwest.net® customers:

*NOTE: If you have an ISP other than what is listed above, please contact your ISP directly for support. If you are unsure how to contact your ISP, you can look them up using the Internet Service Provider List.

*CenturyLink strongly recommends protecting your wireless network with a form of wireless encryption. WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access) is the preferred form of wireless security. If your wireless equipment is not WPA compatible, CenturyLink recommends the use of WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) security.
*These functions are not supported by CenturyLink High-Speed Internet Technical Support and should only be used by advanced network administrators.
Firmware - Go to the Modem Firmware page to check for a the latest release.
Drivers - There are no Drivers available for this modem.
  What is Modem Firmware?
Firmware is like an operating system that tells your modem how to operate. It provides the modem's hardware with operating rules, instructions, and logic.
  Why Should I Upgrade Firmware?
Firmware upgrades can add new features, improve performance and enhance the security of the modem's current firmware.
  FAQs
  General
  Which protocols does the ZyXEL® PK5000Z support?
The internal LAN connections support multiple protocols (e.g., TCP/IP, NetBEUI, IPX/SPX and AppleTalk). The External WAN connection supports only TCP/IP.
  Can I connect multiple wired (Ethernet) connections to my modem?
Yes, this modem has a 4 ethernet ports on the back.
  Wireless
  How do I set up my modem for wireless access using WPA security?
Use the instructions for turning on wireless access using WPA
  How does WPS make it easy and secure to connect wirelessly to the internet?
WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) allows users who know very little about wireless security to create a secure wireless connection between two devices. Take a look at an example of WPS
  When would I use WEP wireless security?
You would use WEP for wireless security when you have an older wireless adapter that is not WPA capable. If your wireless adapter is not WPA capable, check the manufacturer's website for updated firmware. Despite the flaws in WEP, it does provide some security, particularly when compared to no security at all.
  What can interfere with my wireless signal?
The physical environment can have varying effects on signal strength and the quality of your wireless modem. The more dense the object the greater the interference(e.g., a concrete wall causes more interference than a plaster wall). Concrete or metal reinforced structures cause a higher degree of signal loss than wood, plaster, or glass construction. Devices that give off EMI (Electro-Magnetic Interference) can also adversely affect your signal strength. This includes things like garage door openers, cordless phones, and baby monitors.
  How do I get additional support on wireless functionality?
  Networking
  What are static IP addresses and how can I get them?
A static IP address is a unique numeric address that identifies your computer on the Internet. CenturyLink, as your Internet Service Provider (ISP), can assign a static IP address to be a permanent address for your computer. Learn more.
  What is the valid IP range I can use for my home network?
The valid IP range is 192.168.0.2 through 192.168.0.254. We recommend using the default settings, but IP ranges and LAN subnets can be changed if necessary.
  How do I make my laptop work both at home and at the office?
You'll need to reconfigure your network settings (e.g., workgroup, domain, password, user name, IP address). You may also use third-party software such as NetSwitcher to switch automatically between different configurations.
  Can I play games between computers on my network or on the Internet?
Yes, if the games were designed for multi-player or network play. Check the game documentation.
  How can I make the FTP or Web server on my network available to Internet users?
For a Web server:
Enable port forwarding for port 80 to the IP address of your Web server.

For an FTP server:
Enable port forwarding for port 21 to the IP address of your FTP server.
  Security
  Does my modem act as a firewall?
The ZyXEL® PK5000Z provides its security using Network Address Translations (NAT), which acts as a physical barrier between your network and the Internet.
A configurable onboard firewall is also available and can be configured via the modem interface. Step-by-step instructions are available.
  What is NAT and how does it protect my network?
Network Address Translation (NAT) is a level of security, which masks the private IP addresses of the PCs on your network with a single public IP address.
With NAT, the private IP address of any PC on your network is never transmitted over the Internet.
  Which Virtual Private Networking (VPN) protocols are supported?
The ZyXEL® PK5000Z supports pass-through for IPSec, PPTP and L2TP.
  Can I use an Internet firewall or other security programs with my network?
Yes, a third-party, software-based firewall can be used with the ZyXEL® PK5000Z.