A Guide to Kinetic by Windstream Compatible Modems and Routers

Yeah, I know, setting up your home network is another daunting task after all the fuss of settling down for a provider.

With that said, the first step to getting your network up and running is choosing the right equipment that aligns with your internet service provider (ISP). As for Kinetic by Windstream, you need either a Fiber Optic or DSL modem/router.

With multiple options available for DSL or fiber connection, choosing one can be more complicated. To make the selection process easier, I’ve compiled this list of the routers/modems that work perfectly with Kinetic by Windstream connection.

So, let’s dig in!

Linksys WRT 32X – Optimal for Gaming

If your gaming spirit resonates with the likes of Markiplier and PewDiePie, you might be a hardcore gamer. That said, this router from Linksys can be a better fit for your gaming needs.

Let me walk you through its technical specs first. It has four removable antennas, one WAN and four LAN ports, a USB 3.0 and 2.0 port, and a 1.8GHz dual-core Marvell processor.

Why am I recommending it for gaming?

You, being a gamer, might know already that latency plays a huge role in making or breaking a great gaming experience. WRT 32X has been designed to keep the network latency lower.

What if you are not a gamer and need this router for regular use? Again, it will make a fine choice as it performs optimally when it comes to everyday internet usage, such as 4k streaming, scrolling through social media, and working (video conferencing, sending files, etc.). So, it’s a fine piece of hardware for your daily internet chores too.

ZyXEL C3000Z – Great for Everyday Use

Kinetic by Windstream offers either a DSL or fiber connection based on your location. Does that mean you would need a different router when you upgrade your plan? No.

ZyXEL C3000Z works with both: fiber and DSL. It is a 2-in-1 router that can work with Kinetic by Windstream regardless of the connection type.

As for the technical specs, it has xDSL and GPON technologies built into it. The device is based on WiFi 5 technology, and it has a maximum throughput of 1.7Gbps.

It has 4 Ethernet and a WAN/LAN port. It also supports VDSL2 bonding, which is claimed to boost the performance and range.

How does it actually perform with a Kinetic by Windstream connection?

If I talk about the performance, it does well. Upon my testing with one gigabit connection, it gave almost symmetrical speeds: download at 806Mbps, and upload at 744Mbps.

Last but not least, the ZyXEL C3000Z has a dual ethernet firewall, an added layer of security, that can keep your network secure from cyber-attacks.

ARRIS NVG443B – Best Bang for Your Buck

If you are on a tight budget, I have got you covered with this option that provides almost all the fundamental features needed in a Kinetic by Windstream compatible WiFi modem.

ARRIS NVG443B is one of the devices that can be termed a no-brainer choice because of its affordability and the basics that it covers for internet needs.

The router supports both DSL and fiber-based connections. It has four Ethernet ports that support gig internet speeds, Quality of Service technology, a high-speed throughput via LAN, and a multicore chipset for decent performance.

With ARRIS NVG443B, you can achieve a reliable performance for 1000Mbps download speeds so, you are going to be okay if you have subscribed to one gig plan from Kinetic by Windstream.

The bottom line is that it is the safest and the most affordable option for a router approved by Kinetic by Windstream.

NETGEAR Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router – Comes with Built-In VPN Support

Most people need Kinetic by Windstream compatible WiFi routers just to have the internet on their devices. If you don’t count yourself in them and need the router for more than just the internet, this router from NETGEAR can be a better choice.

First things first, let’s talk about the specs.

The router houses a dual-core processor that maximizes its clocks at 1GHz; it has 256MB of RAM and 128MB of flash memory. It has two USB, one gigabit WAN, and four gigabit LAN ports along with two WiFi bands that can give speeds up to 1.3gigs/sec.

The thing that distinguishes the Nighthawk AC1900 from the rest of the bunch is that it can be used as a storage server. You don’t need to plug a flash drive into each device at your home or workspace to get the files copied. Just plug external storage into the Nighthawk and the files will be available to all the devices connected to the network.

As for everyday use cases, the router is a fine choice as it offers great speed at the 5GHz channel.

My Two Cents

ARRIS NVG443B has to be the most obvious choice.

Why this specific router?

It covers all the fundamental basics for a router while giving the maximum value for money. Since most people are not gamers and don’t need high-tech machines, ARRIS NVG443B is going to be the safest bet.