Does anyone know if this enables any kind of tracking (either through WiFi device logging or network activity)? I've typically used my own networking modems and routers, I'm a little weary of a required smart device that I don't have control over.
So far I haven't been able to find much information beyond what's available from century-link
It looks like you can still use it strictly for modem duties and use your existing router. That's what I do (albeit with AT&T fiber), and the only downsides are you have to port forward on both the "modem"/C5500XK and your router, and things like dynamic DNS is potentially more complicated to setup.
I'm not as worried about the routing, I was planning on using my own anyway. I'm more worried about all it's other connectivity features (built-in-wifi and a bluetooth antenna(?)). It makes me nervous that they call it "smart" and require it be permanently installed inside my house, not to be removed even if the service is terminated. I'm struggling to understand why that'd be the case, and maybe it's because i've been watching too much Mr Robot but I can think of at least a few ways it could be used maliciously.
Yea, definitely too much Mr Robot.