Manually setting up a modem might seem like a task that should always be kept to the professionals. However, if you have a compatible modem and the right instructions, it should be fairly simple to do yourself.
In this guide, Canstar Blue outlines the simple steps required to get your internet up and running in no time. It is important to keep in mind that every modem and router is different and, while we can provide some great tips for setting up your modem, the complexity of each model may be different.
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NBN offers you might like
The following table shows a selection of sponsored unlimited data Standard Plus Evening Speed (NBN 50), and Premium Evening Speed (NBN 100) plans on Canstar Blue’s database with links to referral partners. 1 Month Contract (1 month min. cost $79.99) Typical evening speed of 97Mbps 1 Month Contract (1 month min. cost $85) Typical evening speed of 50Mbps 1 Month Contract (1 month min. cost $99.99) Typical evening speed of 97Mbps The following table shows a selection of published unlimited NBN 50 plans on Canstar Blue’s database, listed in order of standard monthly cost (excluding discounts), from the lowest to highest, and then by alphabetical order of provider. Use our comparison tool above to see plans from a range of other providers. This is a selection of products with links to referral partners. The table below shows a selection of published unlimited NBN 100 plans on Canstar Blue’s database, listed in order of monthly cost, from the lowest to highest, and then by alphabetical order of provider. Use our comparison tool to see plans from a range of other providers. This is a selection of products with links to referral partners.
Unlimited
Data/month
$79.99
Cost/month
Go to Site
Unlimited
Data/month
$85.00
Cost/month
Go to Site
Unlimited
Data/month
$89.99
Cost/month
Go to Site
Unlimited Home Standard (NBN 50) Plans
Unlimited Home Fast (NBN 100) Plans
What is a modem?
A modem is a device that sits at the heart of your home’s internet connection, acting as a gateway between your internet-capable devices and the internet itself. The modem in your home controls how many devices can be connected to the internet and plugs directly into your home’s internet infrastructure.
Most NBN-ready modems are both modems and routers, which causes a lot of confusion given they’re typically different things. This device (or devices) connect through to a direct wall port in your house (which typically takes the form of a phone port, cable port, or an NBN ready box if you’re on a Fibre to the Premises connection).
By connecting to this infrastructure, you’re able to access the World Wide Web. Using this connection, data travels between your home and ‘nodes’ across the country — and the world — so you’re able to access websites, browse social media, watch videos and play online games.
Read more: What’s the difference between a modem and a router?
How do I configure a modem?
Configuring a modem may seem complicated but as long as you have the capable equipment, and the right instructions from your Internet Service Provider (ISP), then it should be a fairly simple process. Most NBN providers won’t even need you to configure your modem manually, activating your service themselves.
However if you do have to manually set up your modem for your new internet plan, here are the general steps you will need to take:
- Sign up for a NBN plan that works for you and make sure it’s been activated by your provider.
- Plug in all of the cables for your modem and wait five to ten minutes for it to start up.
- Once you have received confirmation that your new NBN plan is up and running, connect to the network – a laptop or tablet would work best in terms of usability.
- Find the gateway IP address, located on the back of your modem. It will look something like this: 00.13.11.189. This address needs to be entered into the URL bar of your preferred internet browser on the device you’ve connected to your modem’s network. Note that connecting to your modem’s network won’t give you access to browse the internet normally but the gateway IP address will load anyway.
- Once it has loaded, enter your modem’s username and password in the appropriate fields to log into your modem’s network. Again, this information should be available on the back of your modem (assuming you haven’t changed them since you got the modem).
- After you’ve logged in, there will be a homepage with a range of different options. Look for the section that asks for your username and password. Because your modem is still configured to your old network, you’ll want to replace these details with your new internet name and password (which will be provided by your new ISP). This will be a different username and password to the ones on the back of your modem.
- After all these steps are completed, your modem should be configured and your internet status in the gateway will read ‘connected.’ If not, reach out to your ISP to help troubleshoot.
If you don’t think you’re up to the challenge of entering your own details with your ISP walking you through the steps, you may prefer to get a pre-configured modem through your NBN provider. These modems are well known by your ISP, and your provider’s customer support team can answer any of your questions about the device. If you’re concerned about losing your connection and you’d like an emergency option in case of outages, it could be worth investing in a modem with a 4G backup. If you’d like a modem with extra kick, it might be worth shopping around for a heavy-duty modem with extra bandwidth.
Ordering a modem through ISP is a painless, easy way of setting up your home internet, and typically it can streamline you through this guide. Often your ISP could give you a selection of modems to choose from, with different prices and capabilities, and optimised for your plan and service. Sometimes you can get a modem for free through your ISP, but this usually means you’ll need to sign for a six, 12, or 24-month contract.
Some ISPs offer modems with 4G backup routers, although these will sometimes incur an extra cost. Telstra, Vodafone, Optus and Tangerine each offer modems/hubs with backup internet services that will switch your connection to their respective 4G networks (and on Tangerine plans, the 4G Optus network). Alternatively, you could consider mobile broadband – including WiFi dongles and SIM-only data plans – as a backup option for NBN outages.
When can’t I configure my own modem?
While configuring your own modem isn’t restricted to the most tech-savvy people out there, there are some circumstances where you won’t be able to reconfigure your existing modem. These include:
- Your modem is not compatible with your new internet plan
- You’re switching to the NBN for the first time
- Your modem isn’t fast enough for high-speed NBN
Do I need a new modem for an NBN connection?
You will need an NBN-ready modem to use on your NBN connection, but you may not actually need to buy new hardware if your existing modem is up-to-date. Often, your ADSL modem can be compatible with NBN, so buying a new one may be unnecessary. In Australia, modems are sold as being ‘NBN compatible’ or ‘NBN ready’, so when you’re shopping for a modem keep an eye out for those identifiers.
Typically you’ll need a modem-router that’s compatible with VDSL to use on the NBN, but most modems on the market should be compatible with both NBN and ADSL connections, unless specified otherwise.
Modem FAQs
If you don’t think you’re up to the challenge of entering your own details with your ISP walking you through the steps, you may prefer to get a pre-configured modem through your NBN provider. These modems are well known by your ISP, and your provider’s customer support team can answer any of your questions about the device. If you’re concerned about losing your connection and you’d like an emergency option in case of outages, it could be worth investing in a modem with a 4G backup. If you’d like a modem with extra kick, it might be worth shopping around for a heavy-duty modem with extra bandwidth.
Ordering a modem through ISP is a painless, easy way of setting up your home internet, and typically it can streamline you through this guide. Often your ISP could give you a selection of modems to choose from with different prices and capabilities, and optimised for your plan and service. Sometimes you can get a modem for free through your ISP, but this usually means you’ll need to sign up for a six, 12, or 24-month contract.
Some ISPs offer modems with 4G backup routers, although these will sometimes incur an extra cost. Telstra, Optus, Vodafone and iiNet each offer modems/hubs with backup internet services that will switch your connection to their respective 4G networks. Alternatively, you could consider mobile broadband – including WiFi dongles and SIM-only data plans – as a backup option for NBN outages.
Need more help?
If you still have questions about modems, routers, or the basics of NBN setup, we’ve compiled a list of related guides below.
- Alternatives to the NBN
- Wireless modems and routers
- TP-Link Wireless Routers review
- Why is my internet slow?
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