For the past three years I've been using an Actiontec GT701D modem, not the best but has been glitch free for a 7Mb connection with CenturyLink. I recently noticed a drop in the results of my speed tests by exactly 1 Mb. I thought it was no big deal until exactly two weeks later when I checked and speed test indicated my download speed was exactly another 1 Mb slower. I went from having 6.1 (for years) to 5.1 then to 4.1, and I thought something is going on here. I called tech support three times on this:
First Call: Agent said it was congestion and that the problem was on their end. Powered down the modem and they reset it. Back to acceptable speed test results (6.1 Mb). Tech asked me what kind of modem do I have and said nothing else. Bandwidth then degraded to 4.3 again in two days after a short disconnect.
Second Call: Agent said the reason for the degraded bandwidth is my modem, which is not supported by CenturyLink. I said, What? He repeated that the modem is "outdated" and the problem occurs when the server needs to reconnect. He said quickly that they can send me a new modem for free -- a ZyXEL PK5001Z. I hung up the phone to call back and speak with another tech agent.
Third Call: Agent said 1) the GT701D modem I've been using for years IS supported by CenturyLink for speeds up to 7Mb (that's what I have), and 2) disconnection with the server would not result in "degraded" bandwidth from 6.1 to 4.3. If the modem was not compatible it would not cause a degraded bandwidth; it would not sync with the CenturyLink server, which means no connection. He said he disagreed that I need another modem as long as I'm not going beyond a 7 Mb connection speed. This agent fixed the bandwidth again, as in the first call, but he added that if the problem continues the modem should be upgraded, and he also offered the free replacement of a ZyXEL PK5001Z.
---It's a known fact that the modem being offered to me for free (PK5001Z by ZyXEL) has not just one but TWO open ports in the firewall: 4567 and 51080. Users cannot close these ports, and they are obvious security vulnerabilities. See here:
For some background info on this:
http://thenubbyadmin.com/2014/04/28/a-tale-of-centurylink-backdoors-pci-compliance-and-pain-lots-of-pain/
I know for a fact that my current modem, the GT701D has no open ports and passes tests at Gibson Research all at stealth results. CenturyLink is trying to get customers to use a modem that they can bypass, and though I can't prove what they're doing it looks real unethical to me at the moment. I guess it's the right time of year for them to screw with me.
I will not accept this modem for free, under any circumstance. Apparently, the PK5000 is the ZyXEL model to go with for security without vulnerabilities, and only if they have this available to replace for free will I accept a new modem from them. I'd rather call every time my bandwidth gets degraded beyond 20% of my connection speed.
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