“A modem is generally a box that acts as a connecting medium between the internet service provider (ISP) and your home network.”
“Router is a box that connects all of your wireless and wired devices that use the interent connection and enable them to directly talk to one another.”
Typically, modems and routers look the same as they have a similar structure to a brick with large bunny ears. But all of the modems and routers do have not the same functionality and efficiency, Some are more efficient and faster as compared to others. Some use 4G back, some last longer whereas some are more expensive while others are not.
Each telco is different from others based on its compatible and preferred hardware devices. Their providers encourage their customers to use the modem of their own choice, while others suggest you use their modems in order to avoid any type of connection troubleshooting issues.
Now, the question arises, how to choose the best modem for yourself?
So, here’s a complete guide. In this article, we will discuss all of your confusion and clarify all of your questions including, “DO I Need a Modem or a router?” “What things should I consider while buying a modem? Basic troubleshooting, etc. This article will be much more helpful for you to figure out every problem relating to modems and routers.
So, let’s dive in!
Do I need a router or a modem for my NBN plan?
It completely depends on your NBN technology type whether you need a router or a modem or not. Sometimes, when you buy an NBN plan, hardware comes with your NBN connection that serves the same as a modem, and all you need is just a router.
Here, are some connection types that help you configure whether you need a modem or not.
- HFC NBN: For the HFC NBN connection, you will just need a router that will simply plug into the NBN connection box.
- Fibre to the Premises NBN: For Fibre to the Premises, you will need a router. It will directly plugin to the NBN connection box same as HFC NBN.
- Fibre to the node NBN: For this connection type, you need a modem router and you will need to plug in directly;ly to the telephone socket that will help your NBN connection.
- Fibre to the Building NBN: For this connection type, you need a modem router and you will need to plug in directly to the telephone socket that will help in your NBN connection.
- Fixed Wireless NBN: For this connection type, you need a router and you will need to plug in directly into the NBN CO. connection box.
- Satellite NBN: For this connection type, you need a router and you will need to plug in directly into the satellite modem, supplied free of cost by the NBN CO.
- Fibre to the Curb NBN: For this connection type, you need a router and you will need to plug in directly into the NBN connection box supplied free of cost by the NBN CO.
A Brief Comparison Between the top Providers’ Modems
There are many providers that provide you with a free modem when you sign-up for any of their plans. Whenever you are going to choose a modem that can combat best the NBN connection issues, you need to focus on the specification of the modems of every provider, so that you can choose one of your requirements.
Let’s have a quick look at all the specifications of the modems by the top providers in Australia;
| Providers | Modem | Auto Updates | Multiband | Mesh System | 4G backup | Outright Cost |
| Telstra | Telstra Smart Modem Gen 3 | Yes | Dual | Yes | Yes | $200-$216 |
| Tangerine | Google Nest Wifi | yes | Dual | Yes | No | $179-$379 |
| Aussie Broadband | Google Nest Wifi |
Yes |
Dual | Yes | No | $249-$469 |
| Aussie Broadband | NetComm Cloud Mesh | Yes | Dual | Yes | No | $179-$429 |
| Belong | Belong DWA0122 Modem | No | Dual | No | No | $60 |
| TPG | Wireless 4 Port NBN Modem Router | Variable | Dual | Variable | No | $109.95 |
| Vodafone | Vodafone Wifi Hub 3 | No | Dual | No | Yes | $180 |
| Optus | Optus Ultra Wifi Modem | No | Dual | Yes | Yes | $252 |
NBN 50 Plans from the Top Providers
The NBN Plans from the top Providers are as follows;
Tangerine (XL Speed Boost Unlimited)
It costs $ 54.9/month. It offers;
- Unlimited Data
- No Contract team
- 50 Mbps typical evening speed
Optus (Optus Pluis Everyday NBN)
It costs $69/month. It offers;
- Unlimited Data
- No Contract team
- 50 Mbps typical evening speed
This plan has a special deal to save $60 after 6 months of subscription.
TPG (NBN 50 Unlimited Plan
It costs $74.99 per month. It offers;
- Unlimited Data
- No Contract team
- 50 Mbps typical evening speed
Belong (NBN Standard Plus—Unlimited)
It costs $75 per month. It offers;
- Unlimited Data
- No Contract team
- 48 Mbps typical evening speed
Aussie Broadband (50/20 Unlimited-Everyday NBN)
It costs $79 per month. It offers;
- Unlimited Data
- No Contract team
- 48 Mbps typical evening speed
Vodafone (Essential + NBN )
It costs $85 per month. It offers;
- Unlimited Data
- No Contract team
- 48 Mbps typical evening speed
It has a special offer to save $15/month on this NBN Plan.
Telstra NBN Modem—Telstra Smart Modem Gen 3
Specifications of Telstra Smart Modem Gen 3 are as follows;
- Mutliband: Dual Band
- Auto-updates: Yes
- Mesh System: Yes
- 4G Backup: Yes
- Cost: $ 200
Telstra Smart Modem Gen 3 is a dual-band technology and has a 4G backup on the Telstra network it is a very good modem with pretty cool specifications. It uses Wifi 6. This modem has the ability to automatically update and you can also extend it using a Telstra Smart Wifi Booster 3.
For the Telstra Smart Modem Gen 3, the backup speeds for mobile are limited to up to 25 Mbps.
When you sign in for an NBN plan, you are provided with the Telstra Smart Modem Gen 3 without paying a single penny for it. But if you don’t use the NBN plan for 24 months and leave, then you have to return the modem otherwise, you have to an amount $200, non-return fee.
If you want to extend the Telstra Smart modem Gen 3 with a Smart Wifi Booster 3, then you have pay only an amount of $ 12 just for the first 24 months of subscription.
Now, there’s no option of grabbing such an opportunity of the extensuion of Smart Wifi Booster 3, but the old customers who are previously using it, can have the opportunity.
Telstra NBN Plans with the Smart Modem Gen 3
Let’s have a look at the Telstra NBN plans that have the Smart Modem Gen 3 included;
1. Telstra (Upfront Interent Plan Basic)
It costs $ 80/month. It offers;
- Unlimited Data
- No contract team.
- 25 Mbps typical evening speed.
2. Telstra (Upfront Internet Plan Essential)
It costs $ 85/month. It offers;
- Unlimited Data
- No contract team.
- 50 Mbps typical evening speed.
3. Telstra (Upfront Internet Plan Premium)
It costs $ 100/month. It offers;
- Unlimited Data
- No contract team.
- 100 Mbps typical evening speed.
4. Telstra (Upfront Internet Plan Ultimate)
It costs $ 120/month. It offers;
- Unlimited Data
- No contract team.
- 250 Mbps typical evening speed.
5. Telstra (Upfront Internet Plan Ultrafast)
It costs $ 180/month. It offers;
- Unlimited Data
- No contract team.
- 700 Mbps typical evening speed.
Optus NBN Modem—–Optus Ultra Wifi Modem
The specifications of the Optus Ultra Wifi modem are as follows;
- Mesh System: Yes
- Multi-band: Dual-band
- Auto-updates: No
- 4G backup: Yes
- Cost: $252
When you buy an Optus plan, you are provided with a modem with a 4G backup that enhances the speeds to 25Mbps. As the Optus Ultra Wifi modem costs $252, that’s too much the normal, and still doesn’t offer auto-updates, that’s very disappointing.
In the Optus NBN family plans, there are WIFI boosters that enhance and extend the network of your wifi. Optus offers as many as 3 wifi boosters for each family NBN plan. When you add extra wifi boosters it adds up to your monthly bill and will be very costly.
Optus gives a special offer to customers (who remain with Optus and subscribe to their plans continuously for 36 months) to not pay for the modems from their pocket. But if the customers leave before the 36 months, then they have to pay an amount equal to the multiple of the months left in the term and with the $7.
Optus NBN Plans with the Optus Ultra Wifi Modem
Let’s have a look at all the Optus NBN plans that have the Optus Ultra Wifi Modem with them;
1. Optus (Optus Plus Everyday NBN)
It costs $ 69/month. It offers;
- Unlimited Data
- No contract team.
- 50 Mbps typical evening speed.
2. Optus (Optus Plus Everyday basic NBN)
It costs $ 69/month. It offers;
- Unlimited Data
- No contract team.
- 25 Mbps typical evening speed.
3. Optus (Optus Plus every day fast NBN)
It costs $ 79/month. It offers;
- Unlimited Data
- No contract team.
- 100 Mbps typical evening speed.
4. Optus (Optus Plus Family Entertainer BN)
It costs $ 79/month. It offers;
- Unlimited Data
- No contract team.
- 50 Mbps typical evening speed.
5. Optus (Optus Plus Everyday superfast NBN)
It costs $ 89/month. It offers;
- Unlimited Data
- No contract team.
- 240 Mbps typical evening speed.
6. Optus (Optus Plus Family Entertainer Fast NBN)
It costs $ 99/month. It offers;
- Unlimited Data
- No contract team.
- 50 Mbps typical evening speed.
Vodafone NBN Modem: Vodafone Wifi Hub 3.0
The specifications of the Vodafone Wifi Hub 3.0 are as follows;
- Mesh System: No
- Multi-band: Dual-band
- Auto-updates: No
- 4G backup: Yes
- Cost: $180
When you buy any of the Vodafone NBN plan, you can easily pair it with a dual band modem, Vodafone Wifi Hub 3.0 if you want a 4G backup with this modem, then you have to pay just $5 so that you can have it with your vodafone plan.
The Vodafone NBN maximum download and upload speeds are 20 Mbps and 2Mbps respectively that’s slower as compared to that of Telstra offerings.
Once you have added a Wifi Hub in your plan, then you want to leave in your first two months, then you will have to pay a modem fee that is equal to the number of months left in the contract multiplied by $7.5.
Vodafone NBN Plans with Vodafone Wifi Hub 3.0 Modem
The Vodafone NBN plans that have the Vodafone Wifi Hub 3.0 modem supplied when subscribed for a plan are as follows;
1.Vodafone Essential NBN
It costs $ 80/month. It offers;
- Unlimited Data
- No contract team.
- 25 Mbps typical evening speed.
2. Vodafone Essential + NBN
It costs $ 85/month. It offers;
- Unlimited Data
- No contract team.
- 50 Mbps typical evening speed.
3. Vodafone Home Fast NBN
It costs $ 100/month. It offers;
- Unlimited Data
- No contract team.
- 90 Mbps typical evening speed.
4. Vodafone Home Superfast NBN
It costs $ 135/month. It offers;
- Unlimited Data
- No contract team.
- 210 Mbps typical evening speed.
5. Vodafone Home Ultrafast NBN
It costs $ 155/month. It offers;
- Unlimited Data
- No contract team.
- 450 Mbps typical evening speed.
Aussie Broadband NBN Routers: Google Nest Wifi
The Specifications of the Aussie Broadband Google Nest Wifi are as follows;
- Mesh System: Yes
- Multi-band: Dual-band
- Auto-updates: No
- 4G backup: No
- Cost: $249- $ 469
The NBN plans of the Aussie Broadband don’t come with the Google Nest Wifi Router as a default. It’s just an optional thing and just works as a router which means that you also need to buy a modem for your plan. It has a very simple setup and also its one of the easiest mesh wifi solutions.
You can select one of the following according to your need and price range;
- Single Nest wifi for $249
- Nest Wifi and an extension point for $ 369.
- Nest Wifi and two extension points for $469.
Aussie Broadband NBN Routers: NetComm NF20MESH CloudMesh Modem Router
The Specifications of the Aussie Broadband NetComm NF20MESH CloudMesh Modem Router
- Mesh System: Yes
- Multi-band: Dual-band
- Auto-updates: Yes
- 4G backup: No
- Cost: $179-$429
In recent years, there’s significant progress in the Aussie Broadband Cloudmesh offerings. You have a great variety of hardware and can choose according to the size you want and the price range you afford from $149 + postage and upwards.
When you buy a modem and a router, it is personified with your Interent connection types and also the Support VoIP connection. It has also a very remarkable Wifi 6 Gateway.
Aussie Broadband NBN Plans
The Aussie Broadband NBN Plans that have the Cloud Mesh modems and Google Nest Wifi are as follows;
Aussie Broadband (12/1 Unlimited–Basic NBN)
It costs $ 59/month. It offers;
- Unlimited Data
- No contract team.
- 11 Mbps typical evening speed.
Aussie Broadband (25/10 Unlimited–Casual NBN)
It costs $ 69/month. It offers;
- Unlimited Data
- No contract team.
- 24 Mbps typical evening speed.
Aussie Broadband (50/20 Unlimited–Everyday NBN)
It costs $ 79/month. It offers;
- Unlimited Data
- No contract team.
- 49 Mbps typical evening speed.
Aussie Broadband (75/20 Unlimited–Everyday NBN)
It costs $ 89/month. It offers;
- Unlimited Data
- No contract team.
- 73 Mbps typical evening speed.
Aussie Broadband (NBN Home Fast Unlimited)
It costs $ 99/month. It offers;
- Unlimited Data
- No contract team.
- 98 Mbps typical evening speed.
Aussie Broadband (100/40 Unlimited–Build your own NBN)
It costs $ 109/month. It offers;
- Unlimited Data
- No contract team.
- 98 Mbps typical evening speed.
TPG NBN Modem—Wireless 4 Port Fibre Modem Router
TPG providers have different modems and routers that it provides to their subscribers. It depends on what modems and routers the pproviders have in stock at that time. But by this time, they provide the following modems and routers;
- TP-Link VR1600v (costs $99.95 and has dual-band frequency and no other frills)
- TP LInk VX420-G2v ((costs $99.95 and has dual-band frequency and no other frills)
They are much the same.
TP-Link VR1600v
- Mesh System: No
- Multi-band: Dual-band
- Auto-updates: No
- 4G backup: No
- Cost: $99.95
TP-Link VX420-G2v
- Mesh System: No
- Multi-band: Dual-band
- Auto-updates: No
- 4G backup: No
- Cost: $99.95
TPG NBN Plans
TPG provides different modems and thus has no standard modem fixed for any NBN plan. Let’s have a look at some of the TPG NBN Plans;
-
TPG NBN 12 Unlimited Plan
It costs $ 64.99/month. It offers;
- Unlimited Data
- No contract team.
- 12 Mbps typical evening speed.
-
TPG NBN 25 Unlimited Plan
It costs $ 69.99/month. It offers;
- Unlimited Data
- No contract team.
- 25 Mbps typical evening speed.
-
TPG NBN 50 Unlimited Plan
It costs $ 74.99/month. It offers;
- Unlimited Data
- No contract team.
- 50 Mbps typical evening speed.
-
TPG NBN Home Fast Unlimited Plan
It costs $ 79.99/month. It offers;
- Unlimited Data
- No contract team.
- 90 Mbps typical evening speed.
-
TPG NBN Home Superfast Unlimited Plan
It costs $ 94.99/month. It offers;
- Unlimited Data
- No contract team.
- 210 Mbps typical evening speed.
-
TPG NBN Home Ultrafast Unlimited Plan
It costs $ 114/month. It offers;
- Unlimited Data
- No contract team.
- 459Mbps typical evening speed.
What are the things that should be considered when Buying an NBN Modem or a Router?
When you go for subscribing any of the NBN plans for yourself, you need to buy a router and a modem and for that you have to consider the following most important factors in order to get a very efficient modem at a very reasonable price.
Let’s have a look at the factors;
- How efficient and fast it is?
- Is it multi-band or not?
- Doe, it has a 4G backup or not?
- What is its price?
- How is its mesh system?
- Doe the firmware automatically update?
Three Main NBN Modem Issues and their Solutions
In this guide, we will deeply discuss each of the three very important issues that NBN Co identified people face when using their modems and routers.
Let’s have a look at them;
- Problem: Out-of-date Firmware Solution: Automatic Updates
- Problem: Channel Interference Solution: Multi-band Modems
- Problem: Location and placement of modem Solution: Mesh Wifi System
Let’s discuss each of the problems and its solution in detail.
-
Problem: Out-of-date Firmware
When your firmware is out-of-date or old, it largely affects the interent speed that you get. NBN claims that this issue is mainly due to the modems that are provided to the customers with their NBN plans. It’s recommended to update your firmware if you are continuously facing the issue of slow interent because this thing drastically effect your NBN speed.
How to Update your Firmware?
For that, follow the following steps;
- Simply open your web browser.
- Type the IP address of your router or modem in the search bar.
- You will see a login page, and log in to your account.
- After that, Find the Update or Firmware section.
- Download the latest Firmware update.
- Upload this latest update and then restart your modem.
Where to find the IP address of the Modem or Router?
Not all modems and routers have their IP address in them in the same place on the router, some modems have their IP address as a long number mentioned on their device while others don’t. To find that you have to visit their website and then can find the IP address of your modem or router according to that specific modem provider’s instructions.
SO, its the best thing to refer to your provider’s website and follow all of the instructions.
Solution: Automatic Updates
The best solution for outdated firmware is automatic updates because slow interent is a very sluggish and irritating problem that interrupts our work and disturbs us a lot. Modems are very haunting creatures like spiders that not only scare us in the daytime but also they become our nightmares.
TO update your firmware to get rid of sluggish interent is necessary but for that, you have to worry every time about any new firmware update and you have to scroll the screen every time to check and also then restart your device to check if it has pt a good effect or not.
So, to get rid of all these scary things, automatic updates are essential. It is because whenever there’s an updated firmware version, it will automatically take action and will be updated.
2. Problem: Channel Interference
Channel interference is the problem mostly faced and complained about by the customers that live in the apartments. The buildings in which most of the apartments have the interent plans from the same internet providers face this channel interference issue a lot because when a lot of devices from the same internet providers use the interent, it causes interent congestion within the same building and thus causes interference and slowdown the typical evening speeds.
This problem is due to the telco and not because of your equipment.
For channel interference, a very simple example is road congestion. When at the peak hours there is more traffic at the same road, it blocks the road. And thus people cannot move fastly and get stuck in that traffic. In the same way, when a lot of people run the internet in the same building for the same provider, then it causes channel interference.
These are the modems that help you rush through the lanes that have less traffic at that busy hour of the day. These modems rush like a cycle cutting all the crowded roads and traffic jams.
There’s no quick issue to get rid of this channel interference problem because you cannot go and knock on each neighbor’s door and say not to use the interent at the time you are using it. But you can have an idea of the channel interference and network congestion problem by checking your internet speed at peak hours and off-peak hours. If you notice drooping the speed, then it’s an alarming sign of network congestion and channel interference.
One solution for it is also to use an ethernet cable to connect to your device. if it still doesn’t solve your problem, then you need to consider your NBN plans, because it’s a problem on your network provider’s side.
For that, you should either use a modem that runs multiple channels smoothly or should change your NBN provider.
Solution: Multi-band Modems
You can use a Mutli-band modem which is the best solution to get rid of channel interference because when you have a multiband modem because these modems then keep your connection changing and switch to the channel automatically according to the demand so that to run smoothly even at peak hours.
Problem: Location and Placement of Modem
Usually, you place the modem where you want it to be. But it does not mean that place is good enough for that modem to catch enough signals and high speed. The best place to keep your modem is far away from another electronic device so that not to cause any distortion and interference. It should also be a place that’s much closer to the devices that you are using.
Put your router much closer to the device that has intensive internet usage.
Solution: Mesh Wifi Systems
They are modems that also work as routers but not all routers also work as modems. The simplest way to check for it is to look on the box and read it. If there’s mention, of a Wifi modem/router, then luckily you have all in one package. but if there’s only a router mentioned, then you have got a modem for yourself so as to connect you to the internet.
It’s very necessary to match a router with your NBN connection type. For example, if You are using the NBN connection type like HFC, Satellite or wireless NBN, or FTTP, You will need a router, but all other connection types, require you to use a combination of a modem and a router.
It’s the Mesh Wifi that combats the placement and location of modem issues as it uses multiple devices across your home. Actually, the Mesh Wifi system creates 3 to four hubs and spots and then these hubs beam out fast internet speeds to the devices you want to operate.
Mesh Wifi system is an amazing thing for big houses and where moistly the phone lines are kept thoughtlessly. It’s a very good thing that solves all the location and placement of the modem issues, but unfortunately, it’s very much costly hardware.
What are the most Common Modem problems?
Here as we have already discussed the most common issues with the modem are mainly due to Channel Interference, Positioning and placement of the modem, and out-of-date modem. NBN Co has also undergone analysis in 1990 for the speed check in the 700 houses. And as a result, they come to know that most speed-related complaints are just because of these three main problems and issues.
If you have also overcome all of these common issues by following their possible solutions and you are still facing the issue of slow speed, then it’s mainly due to some issue on your provider’s side and not because of your modem. For that, you just need to look for any other better plan that guarantees faster speed and better options at very reasonable rates.
Also, we have discussed here the top 4 fastest NBN 50 plans. You can go for any one of them if it suits your needs.
What are the Top 4 Fastest NBN 50 Plans
Here are the top 4 fastest NBN plans;
#1. dodo
- It costs $ 53.85 per month.
- Unlimited Data
- 50 Mbps typical evening speed.
#2. Exetel
- It costs $ 53.95 per month.
- Unlimited Data
- 50 Mbps typical evening speed.
#3. Spintel
- It costs $ 54 per month.
- Unlimited Data
- 50 Mbps typical evening speed.
#4. Tangerine
- It costs $ 54.90 per month.
- Unlimited Data
- 50 Mbps typical evening speed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the best wifi modem router?
Here are some best wifi modem routers that you should choose according to your need;
- Best for all: Motorola MG770o
- Best for speed: ARRIS SURFboard SBG7600AC2..
- Best budget option: ARRIS SURFboard SBG10.
- Best for gaming: NETGEAR Nighthawk C7000.
- Best for DSL: GreenWave C4000 BG
What is the difference between a modem and a router in Australia?
A modem is generally a box that acts as a connecting medium between the internet service provider (ISP) and your home network while a router is a box that connects all of your wireless and wired devices that use the interent connection and enable them to directly talk to one another.
Do I need both a modem and a router?
Yes, if you want WiFi and also to connect it with numerous devices, you will need both a modem and router. Routers provide a greater level of protection as compared to the modems.
Is Telstra Smart Modem a Router?
Yes, Telstra Smart Modem is a router. Actually, it’s a hybrid modem that plays the role of both router and modem.
Do I need a modem if I have an NBN box?
If you have an NBN box and also you live in an NBN FTTB or NBN FTTN area, you will require an NBN-compliant VDSL 2 Wifi Modem Router. It helps the service to work properly.
Which is the fastest Wifi modem?
The fastest router is one that under normal and optimum lab conditions transfer the data at the speed of 11,000 megabits per second. The modems that have fulfilled this criterion are the following three;
- NETGEAR RAXE500
- NETGEAR RBKE963
- ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AX11000
Is a 5G modem better than NBN?
Although 5G offers very fast speeds as compared to the speeds provided by NBN the thing is that 5G has very limited coverage and is not accessible in some areas. Due to this, NBN is mostly recommended. But the areas in which 5G has access can have the fortune of using high-speed wifi.
Conclusion
So, in this article, we have discussed in detail about all the best modems the top 5 providers in Australia provide. We have also discussed all the best plans that these providers offer and also recommended you the fastest NBN 50 Plans.
I hope this guide will be much more helpful for you!
If you have any queries, then contact us. Also, throw your comments in the comment section below.