Replacing Centurylink C3000Z with Orbi router

[D18GE]

Has anyone successfully replaced the CenturyLink provided C3000Z router with their Orbi?  If so, what settings did you have to change on the Orbi?  I know you have to input username and password provided by CL but what else was required?

Thanks

[FURRYe38 · Accepted solution]

If your ISP supports PPPoE and user name and PW for the account then this would be needed. Contact your ISP and ask them if this is support and possible. They will be able to help you get the Orbi setup using this information. 

The C3000Z is a modem/router so a modem will still be needed. 

https://www.centurylink.com/home/help/internet/modems-and-routers/zyxel-c3000z.html

Ask about if this model modem can be bridged.

1. Configure the modem for transparent bridge or modem only mode. Then use the Orbi router in router mode. You'll need to contact the ISP for help and information in regards to the modem being bridged correctly.
2. If you can't bridge the modem, disable ALL wifi radios on the modem, configure the modems DMZ/ExposedHost or IP Pass-Through for the IP address the Orbi router gets from the modem. Then you can use the Orbi router in Router mode.
3. Or disable all wifi radios on the modem and connect the Orbi router to the modem, configure AP mode on the Orbi router. https://kb.netgear.com/31218/How-do-I-configure-my-Orbi-router-to-act-as-an-access-point and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H7LOcJ8GdDo&app=desktop

[FURRYe38 · Accepted solution]

If your ISP supports PPPoE and user name and PW for the account then this would be needed. Contact your ISP and ask them if this is support and possible. They will be able to help you get the Orbi setup using this information. 

The C3000Z is a modem/router so a modem will still be needed. 

https://www.centurylink.com/home/help/internet/modems-and-routers/zyxel-c3000z.html

Ask about if this model modem can be bridged.

1. Configure the modem for transparent bridge or modem only mode. Then use the Orbi router in router mode. You'll need to contact the ISP for help and information in regards to the modem being bridged correctly.
2. If you can't bridge the modem, disable ALL wifi radios on the modem, configure the modems DMZ/ExposedHost or IP Pass-Through for the IP address the Orbi router gets from the modem. Then you can use the Orbi router in Router mode.
3. Or disable all wifi radios on the modem and connect the Orbi router to the modem, configure AP mode on the Orbi router. https://kb.netgear.com/31218/How-do-I-configure-my-Orbi-router-to-act-as-an-access-point and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H7LOcJ8GdDo&app=desktop

[D18GE]

CenturyLink basically told me to ask Netgear how to set up the Orbi.  They did say that while they do not support bridging the C3000Z, they did point me to the instructions on how to do it.  While researching this I found one person who said the modem wasn't required at all but VLAN tagging had to be set for ID 201.  Tried that but no cigar so guess will have to try the bridged approach.  

[FURRYe38]

First off, The modem or a modem will be needed!!! The Orbi or the Orbi RBR50, RBR40 or RBR20 series do not have built in modems. Only the CBK40 which has a built in cable modem for cable ISPs. You have a DSL modem/router. So you can try the bridge mode and ensure the user name and PW are entered into PPPoE on the Orbi, if needed. Review the bridgeing instructions and go from there, if not, try option #2 of my suggestion. 

[D18GE]

Thank you for confirming I need to put the Username/Password in the Orbi.  Just put the C3000Z into transparent bridge mode and will be testing once everyone is off the network.  They get sort of grumpy when suddenly they have no connection!

[FURRYe38]

Yes must keep the peasents from rebelling. 

Good Luck.