- The NBN modem and routers you use for your internet connection are important pieces of hardware.
- They translate the data from your NBN connection into a format that your devices can understand, and they also manage your home network.
- If you're having trouble with your current modem or router, it's important to troubleshoot the issue before you buy a new one.
The NBN modem and routers you use for your internet connection are important pieces of hardware. They translate the data from your NBN connection into a format that your devices can understand, and they also manage your home network. If you're having trouble with your current modem or router, it's important to troubleshoot the issue before you buy a new one. This article lists some troubleshooting tips for NBN modems and routers.
Know your connection type
The first step is to check what type of NBN connection you have. This will determine what type of modem or router you need. There are four main types of NBN connections: Fibre to the Node (FTTN), Fibre to the Curb (FTTC), Fibre to the Premises (FTTP), and Hybrid Fibre Coaxial (HFC). FTTN depends on your existing copper phone line, FTTC uses a mix of technologies including fibre and copper, FTTP is all-fibre, and HFC uses the pay-TV network. If you're not sure what type of connection you have, you can check with your internet service provider (ISP). They should be able to tell you what type of connection you have and what type of modem or router you need.
Check your speed
The next step is to check your internet speed. You can do this with a speed test, which you can find online or in your app store. Once you've run the test, compare your results to the NBN speeds that your ISP has promised. If you're not getting the speeds you're supposed to be getting, there are a few things you can do.
First, try running the speed test at different times of the day. The time of day can make a difference to your speeds, as there is more congestion during peak hours. If you're still not getting the promised speeds, contact your ISP and ask them to troubleshoot the issue.
Think about your usage
Another thing to check is your data usage. If you're using a lot of data, it can slow down your speeds. If you're not sure how much data you're using, you can check with your ISP. They should be able to tell you how much data you've used in the past month.
If you're using a lot of data, there are a few things you can do to help improve your speeds. One is to connect to the internet using a wired connection instead of Wi-Fi. This will provide a faster and more reliable connection. Another is to use a data-saving mode, which will compress data and reduce your usage.
As soon as you have identified your connection type, as well as checked your speed and data usage, you can narrow down your troubleshooting into one of two categories: hardware or software.
Hardware troubleshooting
- Check the power
If you're having trouble with your modem or router, the first step is to check the power. Make sure that the device is plugged into a power outlet and that the power light is on. If it's not, try plugging it into a different outlet. More often than not, the problem is simply that the device isn't turned on or plugged in properly. If that doesn't work, the next step is to check your modem or router's ports. Make sure that all of the cables are securely plugged in and that there aren't any loose connections.
- Inspect your cables
You need to check that all your cables are properly connected. This includes the power cable, the data cable from the wall socket, and any Ethernet cables between your devices and the modem or router. If any of these cables are loose, it could be causing problems with your connection. Once you've checked the cables, restart your modem or router. This will reset the connection and might fix any issues.
- Reset your device
Resetting the device will usually fix any temporary issues with the hardware. In this case, you will lose any custom settings that you have set up, so make sure to take note of them before you reset the device. To do this, you will need to find the reset button on your modem or router. It's usually located on the back of the device. Once you've found it, press and hold the button for 30 seconds. This will reset the device and hopefully fix any issues that you're having. However, if you're still having trouble, you likely need a new modem or router. This is where you need to check with your ISP to see what type of device they recommend.
Software troubleshooting
- Check for updates
If you're still having trouble, the next step is to check for updates. Modems and routers often have firmware updates that can improve performance or fix bugs. To check for updates, you will need to log in to your modem or router's settings. Once you're logged in, look for an option that says "firmware" or "software." If there's an update available, follow the instructions to install it.
- Inspect your home network
If your modem or router is properly configured, the next step is to check your home network. Make sure that all of your devices are connected to the modem or router and that they're getting an IP address. You can usually find this information in the modem or router's settings menu. If you're still having trouble, the next step is to check your devices. Make sure that they're properly configured for your home network.
- Restart your computer
If you're still having trouble, restart your computer. This will reset the connection between your computer and the modem or router. Sometimes, this is all you need to do to fix the problem. Nevertheless, if you're still having trouble after trying all of these troubleshooting steps, again, it's likely that you need a new modem or router. In this case, take the time to compare different models and find one that's compatible with your connection type and speed. Once you've found the right modem or router, contact your ISP to have it installed.
Popular NBN Plans
NBN Provider | NBN Plan | Price | |
---|---|---|---|
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NBN Unlimited Belong Standard Plus broadband plan on the NBN™ |
$70/Month |
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NBN Standard Plus (nbn50) Unlimited Dodo broadband plan |
$75/month |
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NBN The 50 (nbn50) Uniti Wireless NBN™ Broadband Plan |
$79.95/month |
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NBN 100GB Build your own nbn™ Aussie Broadband plan - Standard Plus Speed |
$79/month |
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NBN Optus Internet Everyday NBN™ Bundle Plan |
$79/month |
The Bottomline
Troubleshooting your NBN modem or router doesn't have to be difficult. By following the steps in this article, you should be able to narrow down the problem and find a solution. If you're still having trouble, don't hesitate to contact your ISP for help. They should be able to provide you with further troubleshooting tips or recommend a new modem or router.