Is it possible to set up a wireless modem without a laptop or desktop computer?

Hi Patricia,

Technically speaking, it's definitely possible. Your connection goes to the telephone port, and then your Wi-Fi modem/router connects to that and distributes a connection around the house, to which your devices can all connect at the same time. The signal doesn't discriminate between devices. But the setup might be a slight issue.

If you're lucky, your modem will self-configure and then you need only look on the bottom to see the name of your modem and the Wi-Fi password. Then when your devices "see" the modem, you can then put this in.

Otherwise, realistically, you really need to know what you're doing. Let's say you got yourself a decent ADSL2+ connection with a modem. For the sake of this example, (and to help plug our partners!) let's go step by step, including the connection to a service.

1. Call 1300 106 571 to sign up for TPG or Internode. Decent sized plans range from $50 - $70 a month, with contracts ranging from 0-month to 24 month.

2. A modem with a Wi-Fi router built in costs about $100 - $120, depending on the brand and capability. The modems at this end are merely gateways; more expensive modem/routers will allow you to directly connect VoIP phones, some Smart TVs and other devices without the need for a computer handling the software in between. Internode sells an extremely capable modem called a Fritz! Box for $249; JB Hi-Fi and Harvey Norman would similarly carry a wide range of capable modem/routers.

3. Depending on the current state of your phone line, it can take up to 2 weeks to get online. Once you have confirmation that the line is live (from your ISP), you can connect your modem to the line.

4. Here's the tricky part. Most modems comes with a CD-ROM which goes into the PC and runs a configuration program. Obviously, that's not an option with your scenario. In this event, your best option might be to use an included ethernet cable (usually blue or yellow, with a clip at each end that looks like a big telephone connection) and plug it into the Smart TV.

5. The Smart TV, depending on the brand, will take you directly to a modem configuration page. Or, you may need to go to a browser (if one is included) and type in a specific address. For Netcomm modems (which are very common), this is http://192.168.1.1. For a different brand, you'd want to check the instructions that came with the modem.

6. Once in there, there will be a tab to enter your network username and password (which is something like username: patricia@tpg.com.au, and a password you chose when setting up your connection). This provides the connection from the modem to your service provider.

7. There will then be a different section that configures the Wi-Fi connection. This is, unfortunately, another set of username and password instructions. The modem itself will have its own Modem Name and Wi-Fi password, usually posted on the bottom of the modem near the serial number. You do have the option to change this.

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This all would look very complicated and too much trouble for most; but honestly, this represents 5 minutes of work, with a little patience. If you got a friend's laptop to help with this, it may look marginally more familiar and therefore easier; but the steps are not much different. Your best bet, in all cases, is to get connected and call the technical support team for your service provider. They run into several configurations on a daily basis, and have a basic set of instructions that correspond to most modems.

I hope this provides some help; feel free to call us if you need assistance finding a service provider.

Thanks,

Adam at CompareBroadband

1300 106 571