Setting up a modem

The process of setting up a modem can be one of the most challenging aspects of getting a new NBN connection. The idea of configuring a modem on your own can be a little intimidating due to the wide variety of modems available and the numerous different settings that can be applied to each modem. But you have nothing to worry about because Canstar Blue has the solutions to all of your modem setup questions, as well as some easy steps that you can follow to get your hardware operational as soon as possible.

It is important to keep in mind that the level of difficulty of setting up a modem or router can vary greatly from one model to another, despite the fact that we can provide some helpful hints for doing so.  

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What precisely is a modem?

A modem is a device that serves as a gateway between the devices in your home that are able to connect to the internet and the internet itself. It is located at the core of your home internet connection. Your home's modem controls the number of devices that can be connected to the internet and plugs directly into the infrastructure that supports your home's internet connection.

The fact that most modems that are ready for the NBN are also routers is a source of much confusion because modems and routers are not typically interchangeable devices. This device, or devices, connect to a direct wall port in your home, which is typically shaped like a phone jack but can also take other forms. cable port , or an NBN ready box if you are currently connected to the Delivering Fiber to the Premises connection)

You will have access to the World Wide Web once you have established a connection to this infrastructure. Through the use of this connection, data is transferred from your house to various 'nodes' located throughout the country and the world, allowing you to access websites, navigate social media, watch videos, and participate in online gaming.

What makes a modem and a router two separate pieces of equipment?

Modems are the devices that make it possible for you to connect to the internet; routers, on the other hand, make it possible for your other electronic devices to connect to the modem. Since the introduction of the NBN, routers have evolved into a point of exchange that largely eliminates the need for a middleman. This is because the vast majority of NBN-ready modems are actually combination modem-router devices. We will refer to modem-routers as modems for the purposes of this article and to make things easier for you when you are doing comparison shopping.  

Plans and Costs of the NBN

You've been considering your NBN strategy ever since we started talking about modems, right? Take a look at the following choices to determine whether or not you could be getting a better offer elsewhere. The following table provides affiliate link information.

Instructions in a nutshell: how to set up a modem

Connect to the WiFi network provided by your modem using any device that possesses a browser. Launch the web browser, and type in the gateway address that is printed on the reverse side of the modem (this is typically a series of numbers, such as 192.168.0.1). 00.13 11 189) After that, enter your username and password for your modem, both of which should also be printed on the modem. Locate the area that contains your "PPP" information; it should be in the IPv4 section. Get in touch with your Internet service provider and inquire about your PPP username and password, then enter that information in the appropriate areas. You should be prepared if you have saved your work.

What should I do if my modem starts up by itself?

The vast majority of NBN providers will not require you to manually configure your modem beyond the minimum requirements necessary to make it operational in your home. The majority of internet service providers will only need to activate your service in order for you to have access to the internet in your home, provided that the technology has been activated and is operating properly. If you need to manually configure your modem, this is a guide for when you do so.

How do I configure a modem

The process of configuring a modem can appear to be difficult, and there are times when it can be quite challenging to determine which step you are currently on or what you should do next. However, as long as you have the necessary hardware and are following the directions given to you by your internet service provider (ISP), everything should go off without a hitch. The steps that need to be taken can be found below, and you should make sure to follow them.

1. Check to see that your home is prepared for the NBN.
2. Verify that you have subscribed to an NBN plan and that the service has been activated.
3. Check that all of your cables are securely inserted into their respective slots and that they are plugged in correctly.
4. Turn on your modem and wait between five and ten minutes.
5. Continue on to the next step if the internet service you have purchased does not immediately begin operating.
6. Establish a connection to the gateway of your modem (either wired or wirelessly).
7. Please get in touch with your Internet service provider for modem configuration information.
8. After you have entered your information, your internet should be ready.
9. If the issue is not resolved, you should discuss it with your internet service provider.

Check out the steps that are listed below for a more in-depth instruction manual.

Check to see that your home is prepared for the NBN.

You can check online through the websites of most service providers to see if your home is prepared for the NBN. Find the page that has the tool for checking your NBN connection, and then enter your address. If the NBN has not yet been installed at your residence, it will provide you with an estimation of when you can anticipate having access to the service.

If your home is equipped to receive NBN service, your internet service provider should be able to handle the rest. Bear in mind that there is a possibility of experiencing hiccups and errors in the process of confirming the NBN address, despite the fact that this is not a particularly common occurrence outside of newly-developed properties and areas.

Verify that you have enrolled in an internet service plan and that it is operational.

It will not be possible for you to link your house to the internet if you do not have an active NBN plan. You can sign up for an NBN plan through a variety of providers. Because there are hundreds of plans to choose from, doing some research and comparison shopping is the best way to find an option that meets your requirements for speed, data, and cost. You can also get NBN plans that come bundled with extras such as streaming services or phone bundles, and some service providers even offer speeds of 250 Mbps or higher for their customers.  

You will find a list of NBN plans below, broken up into different speed tiers, to assist you in getting started with your search.

Check that all of your cables are securely inserted into their respective slots and that they are plugged in correctly.

It should be labeled as such, but the WAN port of your modem is where you should plug an Ethernet cable coming from either your NBN box or a wall socket. Open the Settings app or folder on your device, and look for the internet or network connections option. From here, you should be able to connect your device to your modem through an Ethernet connection (plugged into a LAN port), or through the wireless signal (open the Settings app or folder on your device). Your modem should be able to connect to the internet when you are in this location, but you won't be able to Google anything just yet.

Having a hard time distinguishing between the various cables. If your modem is relatively new, you should have received an instruction manual that details where each of your cables should be connected. If all else fails, make sure you are following the directions in this instruction manual.

Turn on your modem and wait between five and ten minutes.

Making sure that your modem is turned on is all that is required of you in this step, so don't worry about it. In most cases, this can be accomplished by pressing the power button on the modem and ensuring that it is connected to a power outlet that is operational. The majority of modems will include an on/off light, which will let you know when the modem is plugged in and turned on.  

Establish a connection to the gateway of your modem (either wired or wirelessly).

Now we're getting into the part where things can get a little bit technical. You should have an address that you can type into the address bar of a web browser that is attached to your modem or included in the box that contains your modem. This address could be a series of numbers such as "00." 13 11 189”, or “ http://telstra gateway/ " if you're a Telstra customer, using a Telstra modem) Put whatever the URL address that was given into a bar that asks for URLs, and then enter the username and password that was given. If your modem requires you to go through a series of steps in order to set it up, make sure to follow the instructions that have been provided to you. These instructions will most likely be printed on a card or included in a manual.

You should be able to gain access to the back end of your modem as well as the back end of your entire home internet network from this location.  

What to do in the event that your internet connection begins functioning immediately

If, after following these instructions, your internet starts working right away, that's fantastic. From the convenience of your own home, you are free to conduct as many web searches as your heart desires. This suggests that your NBN service provider has already activated your NBN plan, that your modem has received this connection, and that it is now transmitting it throughout your home. If that is the case, then there is no need for any further action. It's time to get even more technical if your internet doesn't start working properly from this point forward.

Contact your ISP for your modem configuration details

Get in touch with your internet service provider (ISP) and inform them that your modem has been installed, that it is now prepared to connect to the internet, and that you will need assistance configuring your internet connection.

Typically, this will take the form of obtaining a "PPP Username" and a "PPP Password" from your provider; however, your NBN provider may have another solution in mind. In order to accomplish the goals of this tutorial, we will proceed with the steps required to establish a PPP connection. In the event that your modem requires any additional information, or in the event that you are confused by anything at this point, contact your Internet service provider.

PPP usernames are typically composed of a series of characters followed by an address such as "@internetprovider." com au” There will be both letters and numbers included in the password.

You need to go back to your modem gateway and search for open fields or tabs that are labeled "PPP settings." Alternatively, you might find it under a tab that says "IPv4." After you have located the correct boxes, you will need to enter your username and password into the appropriate spaces.  

Your internet connection is authenticated using the username and password that you manually entered, and as soon as you hit "Apply" or "Save" (depending on your modem), you should be able to access the internet.

After entering your information, the internet should be ready to use.

You should see a change in the internet connection symbol on your device once you have used the "Apply" button (or utilized whatever other method your modem utilizes to save changes) You should now be in the clear to use the internet in your home by connecting to it through your modem and internet service provider (ISP).  

Since you are now connected, it is recommended that you modify your WiFi signal name and password to something that is more unique to you and that you will be able to keep in mind. Your WiFi configuration should cause a corresponding change in the color of the lights on your modem, if you have one.  

Which modem should I buy, if any?

If you don't feel like you're up to the challenge of entering your own information while your internet service provider walks you through the steps, you might find it more convenient to purchase a pre-configured modem from your NBN provider. Your Internet service provider is very familiar with these modems, and the customer support staff of your ISP will be able to answer any questions you have about the device. If you are concerned about losing your connection and would like an emergency option in case of outages, it might be worthwhile to invest in a modem that comes with a 4G backup connection in case there is an interruption in service. If you want a modem that packs a bit more of a punch, it might be in your best interest to look around for a heavy-duty modem that has additional bandwidth.  

Ordering a modem through your internet service provider (ISP) is a painless and easy way to set up your home internet, and it can typically speed you through the steps in this guide. In many cases, your Internet service provider will provide you with a variety of modems from which to choose, each of which will have a unique set of capabilities and price points, and will be tailored specifically to your service plan. There are times when you can get a modem for free through your internet service provider (ISP), but in most cases, this will require you to sign a contract with them for a period of six, twelve, or twenty-four months.

There are a few Internet service providers that provide modems with 4G. replacement routers despite the fact that these will occasionally incur an additional cost Each of Telstra, Vodafone, Optus, and Tangerine offers modems or hubs with backup internet services that will switch your connection to either of their respective 4G networks or, in the case of Tangerine plans, to the 4G Optus network. You could also think about using mobile broadband as a backup option in case the NBN goes down. This would include WiFi dongles and data plans that are only for SIM cards.

Do I need to purchase a new modem in order to connect to the NBN?

To make use of your NBN connection, you will need a modem that is NBN-ready; however, depending on the state of your current modem and how recent it is, you might not actually have to purchase any new hardware. Your ADSL modem may be compatible with NBN in many cases; therefore, purchasing a new modem might not be entirely necessary. When you go shopping for a modem in Australia, you should keep an eye out for phrases like "NBN compatible" and "NBN ready," as these are the terms used to describe the modems that are sold there.

In most cases, in order to use the NBN, you will require a modem-router that is compatible with VDSL; however, the vast majority of modems currently available should be compatible with both ADSL and NBN connections, unless it is specifically stated otherwise.

Want more assistance?

Below is a list of related guides that we've compiled in case you still have questions about setting up your modem, router, or the fundamentals of NBN.