Telstra Support - How do set up my device on an nbn Fibre to the Curb (FTTC) connection?

Broadband & Wi-Fi / nbn™ Service / How to

Connecting your phone and internet to Fibre to the Curb (FTTC)

Things you need to know

During the setup of your new nbn connection, you will temporarily lose access to your existing services –including your internet, telephones and medical, fire and security alarms.

It’s important you have an alternative form of communication handy during setup, such as a charged mobile phone.

To ensure a smooth installation:

Disconnect any telephones, modems (including ADSL filters) and fax machines from your telephone wall sockets. After you've switched to the nbn, these sockets will no longer work.

If you wish to connect your home phones in different areas of the house, existing phone sockets will need to be rewired to work on the nbn.

You can organise this with a qualified electrician, or
You can use a wireless handset that connects to a back to base hub plugged in to the modem.

If you have an older style telephone socket, you’ll need to purchase an adapter. These can be found at most hardware or electronics stores.

How to install your nbn connection box and Telstra Smart Modem for FTTC

Let's get started

Do you have any of the following alarms?

If yes, stop: Contact your device provider to check that it will work on your new nbn service.

These are the parts you need

Important: If you placed your order in-store and have been provided with your Telstra Smart Modem, you can use it straight away.

Connect your modem to the power, then follow the instructions in Step 5 to connect your devices to the internet.

Your Smart Modem will operate on the mobile network while you wait for delivery of the nbn Connection Box. Once your nbn Connection Box is delivered, refer to these instructions to complete your connection to the nbn network.

Before you begin

Make sure you've disconnected all devices such as phones, modems (including ADSL filters) and fax machines from your telephone wall sockets.

After you've switched to the nbn, these sockets will no longer work.

Important: During setup of your new nbn connection, you will temporarily lose access to your existing services, including your internet, telephone device(s) and medical, fire and security alarms. It’s important you have an alternative form of communication handy during set up, such as a charged mobile phone.

Plug in and connect your new setup

Plug the nbn Connection Box socket

If you have multiple phone wall sockets, try the first socket closest to the front of your house.

Read the sticker covering the back of the nbn Connection box, then remove it to reveal the ports underneath.

Plug the GREY cable with GREY ends into the back of the nbn Connection box. Plug the other end into the phone wall socket.

If you have a phone wall socket like the one pictured below, you’ll need to purchase an adaptor. These can be found at most hardware or electronics stores.
Plug the nbn Connection box into a power outlet

Note: After the nbn Connection Box is installed, any other phone sockets will no longer work unless rewired.

Plug the black power adaptor into the back of the nbn Connection box.

Plug the other end into a nearby power outlet and switch it on.

Important: The start-up sequence may take up to 15 minutes. Do not turn off the nbn™ Connection Box during this time.

If you don’t have solid blue lights on the front panel after 15 minutes, try connecting to a different wall socket.
Connect the nbn Connection box to your Telstra Smart Modem™

Locate the cord with the RED plug already connected to the Telstra Smart Modem, with the YELLOW plug on the end.

LInsert the YELLOW end into the YELLOW port on the nbn Connection Box and ensure the box is switched on.
Plug your Telstra Smart Modem™ into the power outlet

Important: For the best coverage, place the modem in an open, elevated area.

The power cord is already connected to the Telstra Smart Modem, so plug the GREY power adaptor into the wall and ensure the power is on. The Telstra Smart Modem will now turn on.

When the front light indicator has turned green, you’re good to go

Important: On first use, your Telstra Smart Modem may automatically update its software. This will take up to 15 minutes to complete.
Connect your devices to the internet::

Connecting via Wi-Fi

You don’t need the cable with the yellow ends. Instead, using your device, search for the Wi-Fi network name. Once found, select it then enter the password shown on the Wi-Fi fridge magnet.

Important: Did you know you can re-use your old Wi-Fi network details (network name and password) on your new modem? This means all your devices will automatically connect and you won’t need to go around the house reconnecting everything.
- To update your Wi-Fi details, connect to you home network and open an internet browser window on your device.
- Type in http://192.168.0.1. The username is admin and the password is Telstra.
Once you are logged in, click on the tab marked Wi-Fi. Don’t forget to click Save once you have made your changes.

Connecting via Ethernet cable

Use the LAN cable with two YELLOW ends, inserting one end into any YELLOW port on the Telstra Smart Modem. Insert the other end into your device’s network port.

Connect your home phone (if required)

Use the cable with GREY ends. Insert one end into your Smart Modem, and the other end into your home phone.

Remember, you must always have the modem switched on to make and receive calls.

Important: To connect your home phone in a different area of the house, existing phone sockets will need to be rewired to work on the NBN.
- You can organise this with a qualified electrician, or
- You can use a wireless handset that connects back to a base hub plugged in to the modem.
- If you need more help, visit our Support article How to connect a DECT handset to my Telstra Smart Modem.

What do the lights mean on the Telstra Smart Modem?

If the ‘Mobile Signal’ strength indicator light is red, you are receiving a weak mobile network signal. To remedy this, please elevate the modem and make sure it’s not placed near items like fridges, fish tanks or microwaves that could interfere with the Wi-Fi signal.

When you’re in mobile backup mode, you may receive notifications from us via SMS or email.

What do the lights mean on my nbn Connection box

Front Light Indicators

Your nbn Connection Box has four indicator lights on the front panel.

During the start-up sequence the nbn Connection Box lights will flash. Once they become solid blue the service is ready.

	Power This light will be solid blue when the nbn Connection Box is powered on.
	Connection This light will be solid blue when the nbn Connection Box is powering the nbn access network equipment outside your home. If the light is red, contact us on 133 933.
	Broadband This light will be solid blue when the nbn Connection Box is communicating with the nbn access network.
	Local Area Network (LAN) This light will be solid blue or amber when the nbn Connection Box and your Telstra Smart Modem™ are connected, but will blink when information is being transferred between them (e.g. when you’re browsing the internet).

Troubleshooting

Why does my Wi-Fi feel slow?

Try switching off your modem or device and turning it back on, then wait a few minutes. You’ll be amazed at how many problems this can solve.
Make sure your modem is elevated and not placed near items like fridges, fish tanks or microwaves, that can interfere with your Wi-Fi. Find more about internet speeds.

Why is my Wi-Fi signal weak?

Place your modem well above the floor, away from thick walls and solid objects and, if possible, move it to a central point in your home.
You can use Telstra’s Home Dashboard App to check your Wi-Fi performance in and around your home or office.
You can also use the Telstra Home Dashboard App to set up your Smart Wi-Fi Booster and enhance your Wi-Fi experience. You’ll find more on Wi-Fi boosters here

Further Support

Download the PDF
Try our online troubleshooting tool to run automated tests.
Download the My Telstra app and message us if you require more assistance.
Visit our Multilingual Support if you'd like to speak with us in your preferred language.
Recycle your old modem

Further Support

Download the PDF
Try our online troubleshooting tool to run automated tests.
Download the My Telstra app and message us if you require more assistance.
Visit our Multilingual Support if you'd like to speak with us in your preferred language.
You can recycle your old modem here