Grade D · At Risk

Is CenturyLink Router Safe?

CenturyLink (now Lumen Technologies) routers are US-managed with no ban risk. D grade due to aging hardware and minimal security features. Full analysis.

Security Verdict

CenturyLink is now Lumen Technologies (Monroe, LA), a US company. No Chinese ownership or FCC ban concern. CenturyLink/Lumen routers rate D in our analysis - the C4000BG and similar models run on aging hardware with minimal security features, Lumen-controlled firmware, and limited update frequency. CenturyLink/Lumen serves primarily rural and business markets where router replacement may be more complex - check if your ISP requires a specific gateway or whether you can use your own router in bridge mode.

Bottom line: No national security concern. Aging hardware and minimal features. Check if your plan allows using your own router.

CenturyLink Models - Security Grades

All CenturyLink models in our database. Click a model for its full security report.

Model	Grade	FCC Status	Security Support	Made In
C4000BG	D	FCC authorized	Managed by CenturyLink	China (Greenwave Systems)

Actual Hardware CenturyLink Deploys

When you lease equipment from CenturyLink, these are the specific router and gateway models you receive. Firmware on ISP-leased equipment is controlled by the ISP, not you.

Zyxel C3000A

Most common CenturyLink/Lumen gateway. VDSL2 and fiber capable.

ZTE ZXHN H267A

Deployed in CenturyLink fiber markets. Wi-Fi 5.

CenturyLink C2000T

Legacy DSL gateway. End of active development; infrequent security patches.

ISP Equipment Policy

Firmware Updates

CenturyLink uses TR-069 remote management for updates, but coverage is inconsistent - some older models receive infrequent or no security updates.

Bridge / Passthrough Mode

Bridge mode available on most gateways via the admin panel. Labeled "Transparent Bridging" or "PPPoE Passthrough" depending on model.

Default Credentials

Older C2000T models defaulted to admin/admin - a significant and well-documented security risk. Newer models use unique label credentials.

Key Risk Factors

Aging hardware, minimal features

CenturyLink/Lumen gateways run basic firmware with limited security customization.

Lumen-controlled firmware updates

Firmware is managed by Lumen on their schedule. You have no control over the software.