Set up my BYO modem

Here is a basic step-by-step guide to help you set up your nbn® or Opticomm internet connection if you’re bringing your own (BYO) modem. 

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    Before you begin

    If you’ve got an eero modem go to Set up my eero 7 or 7 Max modem.

    Important

    Before setting up your Telstra home internet service, check if your BYO modem is compatible with the nbn or Opticomm network at your address and whether it can support your chosen plan’s speed.

    Check BYO modem compatibility

    If you have any of the following alarms, you need to contact your device provider and check that it will work on your new internet service. 

    • Monitored fire alarm
    • Medical alert service
    • Back-to-base security alarm
    • Emergency lift phone.
    Important

    When you’re setting up your new internet connection, you will temporarily lose access to the internet and your existing services that rely on an internet connection – including telephones and medical, fire and security alarms.

    Internet Only plans do not include a home phone service or support Priority Assistance. If you need a phone line, choose another plan type. 

    For the best signal and Wi-Fi strength we recommend placing your modem off the ground, up high in an open area, close to an external window and away from other electrical equipment. You’ll need a power point and access to the internet connection box. 

    Don't place your modem near large metal objects that may block or interfere with its signal, such as:

    • refrigerators
    • microwaves
    • TVs
    • steel-mesh window security screens.

    Select your internet connection type

    You can find your connection type on your order confirmation email or in My Telstra.

    To find your connection in My Telstra:

    1. Go to Services 
    2. Select your internet service
    3. Select View or Manage your Plan.

    Fibre to the Premises (FTTP)

    Steps to set up your BYO modem

    Total of 6 steps.

    • BYO modem (Wi-Fi router) and power supply cord
    • Wi-Fi details of your modem
    • Ethernet cable to connect your modem to your nbn or Opticomm connection box (For our high-speed plans you’ll need a Cat5e or higher Ethernet cable to help achieve the higher speeds.)
    • nbn or Opticomm connection box (network termination device NTD).

    Other parts (optional) 

    • Additional Ethernet cable/s to connect your other devices.
    1. Locate the nbn or Opticomm connection box.
    2. Remove the wall mount cover to access the ports on the nbn or Opticomm connection box. (For the nbn connection box, press the indents on the side of the cover and slide it downwards.) 

    Note: The ports may look different depending on the type of nbn connection box that’s been installed.

    Use the Ethernet cable: 

    1. Insert one end into the yellow UNI-D1 (unless specified otherwise) port on the nbn connection box, or RJ-45 port on the Opticomm Network Termination Device (NTD).
    2. Insert the other end into the WAN port on the back of your modem.
    Good to know

    Once connected, reattach the nbn wall mount cover to protect the cables.

    1. Plug in your modem into the power wall outlet and switch it on.
    2. Make sure the nbn or Opticomm connection box is powered on.

    nbn connection box lights:

    • A green light labelled ‘Optical’ will flash slowly, indicating that there is activity on the nbn network and data is being transmitted.
    • When the green ‘Optical’ light stops flashing and stays on, this means your nbn connection box is connected to the nbn network.
    • The green light labelled ‘Port’ will flash, indicating that there is activity on the port connected to your Wi-Fi router.  

    To learn more, go to What do the lights on my nbn connection box mean?

    Opticomm connection box lights:

    • Green indicates there’s a connection 
    • Red indicates a fail – the device isn’t working, turn device off and on and recheck.

    Modem lights: 

    Check your modem's user guide to find out which lights show a successful connection. 

    Upon initial setup it may take up to 15 mins for your service to successfully connect.

    If the lights on your modem indicate:

    • a successful connection to your service, skip to Step 5.
    • there’s no internet connection, check:
      • You are connected to the correct UNI-D port on the nbn connection box.
      • Try an alternative network cable to connect to the nbn connection box.
      • Your modem is configured in WAN mode – Go to Step 4.
      • Your modem is configured in IPoE mode – Go to Step 4.

    If your modem hasn’t automatically connected to the internet, you’ll need to set it up for nbn and Opticomm.

    1. To access your modem settings, refer to your modem’s user guide.
    2. Alternatively, find your default gateway IP address (usually on the back or bottom of your modem) and enter the URL into a web browser. 
    3. Enter the default username and password. 

    The modem settings you’ll need to connect to the nbn network are:

    • Internet Connection Type/Protocol: IPoE/DHCP/Automatic
    • VLAN ID/Tagging: Blank/No/0
    • IP Configuration: Dynamic/obtain IP address automatically.
    1. Search for the Wi-Fi network you want to connect to on your device and enter the password usually found on the back or bottom of the modem.
    2. Repeat this step to connect your other devices via Wi-Fi.
    3. To change your Wi-Fi name and password, refer to your modem’s user guide.

    Connect the Ethernet cable from your device to a LAN port on your modem. 

    Fixed Wireless (FW)

    Steps to set up your BYO modem

    Total of 6 steps.

    • BYO modem (Wi-Fi router) and power supply cord
    • Wi-Fi details of your modem
    • Ethernet cable to connect your modem to your nbn connection box
    • nbn connection box (network termination device NTD).

    Other parts (optional) 

    • Additional Ethernet cable/s to connect your other devices.

    Locate the nbn connection box.

    Use the Ethernet cable: 

    1. Insert one end into the UNI-D1 (unless specified otherwise) port on the nbn connection box.
    2. Insert the other end into the WAN port on the back of your modem.
    1. Plug in your modem into the power wall outlet and switch it on.
    2. Make sure the nbn connection box is powered on.

    nbn connection box lights:

    • A green light labelled ‘Optical’ will flash slowly, indicating that there is activity on the nbn network and data is being transmitted.
    • When the green ‘Optical’ light stops flashing and stays on, this means your nbn connection box is connected to the nbn network.
    • The green light labelled ‘Port’ will flash, indicating that there is activity on the port connected to your Wi-Fi router.  

    To learn more, go to What do the lights on my nbn connection box mean?

    Modem lights: 

    Check your modem's user guide to find out which lights show a successful connection. 

    Upon initial setup it may take up to 15 mins for your service to successfully connect.

    If the lights on your modem indicate:

    • a successful connection to your service, skip to Step 5.
    • there’s no internet connection, check:
      • You are connected to the correct UNI-D port on the nbn connection box.
      • Try an alternative network cable to connect to the nbn connection box.
      • Your modem is configured in WAN mode – Go to Step 4.
      • Your modem is configured in IPoE mode – Go to Step 4.

    If your modem hasn’t automatically connected to the internet, you’ll need to set it up for nbn.

    1. To access your modem settings, refer to your modem’s user guide.
    2. Alternatively, find your default gateway IP address (usually on the back or bottom of your modem) and enter the URL into a web browser. 
    3. Enter the default username and password. 

    The modem settings you’ll need to connect to the nbn network are:

    • Internet Connection Type/Protocol: IPoE/DHCP/Automatic
    • VLAN ID/Tagging: Blank/No/0
    • IP Configuration: Dynamic/obtain IP address automatically.
    1. Search for the Wi-Fi network you want to connect to on your device and enter the password usually found on the back or bottom of the modem.
    2. Repeat this step to connect your other devices via Wi-Fi.
    3. To change your Wi-Fi name and password, refer to your modem’s user guide.

    Connect the Ethernet cable from your device to a LAN port on your modem. 

    Fixed to the Curb (FTTC)

    Steps to connect the nbn connection box

    • nbn connection box
    • Power adaptor to plug in your connection box
    • Phone cable to connect the nbn connection box to the wall socket.

    If you have multiple phone wall sockets, try the first socket closest to the front of your house and near a power outlet. (You’ll know the correct one is connected when the Connection light and DSL light on the nbn connection box turn solid blue.) 

    Important

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

    Plug the phone cable into the back of the nbn connection box, then plug the other end into the phone wall socket.

    If you have an older style phone socket, you’ll need to purchase an adaptor from a hardware or electronics store.

    The nbn connection box has four light indicators 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.

    To learn more, go to What do the lights on my nbn connection box mean?

    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, or are not connecting to the internet try connecting to a different wall socket.

    Steps to set up your BYO modem

    Total of 6 steps.

    • BYO modem (Wi-Fi router) and power supply cord
    • Wi-Fi details of your modem
    • Ethernet cable to connect your modem to your nbn connection box.

    Other parts (optional) 

    • Additional Ethernet cable/s to connect your other devices.

    Use the Ethernet cable: 

    1. Insert one end into the UNI-D1 (unless specified otherwise) port on the nbn connection box.
    2. Insert the other end into the WAN port on the back of your modem.
    1. Plug in your modem into the power wall outlet and switch it on.
    2. Make sure the nbn connection box is powered on.

    nbn connection box lights:

    • A blue light labelled ‘Connection’ will flash slowly, indicating that there is activity on the nbn network and data is being transmitted.
    • When the blue ‘Connection’ light stops flashing and stays on, this means your nbn connection box is connected to the nbn network.
    • The blue light labelled ‘DSL’ will flash, indicating DSL synchronisation or a software update is in progress.

    To learn more, go to What do the lights on my nbn connection box mean?

    Modem lights: 

    Check your modem's user guide to find out which lights show a successful connection. 

    Upon initial setup it may take up to 15 mins for your service to successfully connect.

    If the lights on your modem indicate:

    • a successful connection to your service, skip to Step 5.
    • there’s no internet connection, check:
      • You are connected to the correct UNI-D port on the nbn connection box.
      • Try an alternative network cable to connect to the nbn connection box.
      • Your modem is configured in WAN mode – Go to Step 4.
      • Your modem is configured in IPoE mode – Go to Step 4.

    If your modem hasn’t automatically connected to the internet, you’ll need to set it up for nbn.

    1. To access your modem settings, refer to your modem’s user guide.
    2. Alternatively, find your default gateway IP address (usually on the back or bottom of your modem) and enter the URL into a web browser. 
    3. Enter the default username and password. 

    The modem settings you’ll need to connect to the nbn network are:

    • Internet Connection Type/Protocol: IPoE/DHCP/Automatic
    • VLAN ID/Tagging: Blank/No/0
    • IP Configuration: Dynamic/obtain IP address automatically.
    1. Search for the Wi-Fi network you want to connect to on your device and enter the password usually found on the back or bottom of the modem.
    2. Repeat this step to connect your other devices via Wi-Fi.
    3. To change your Wi-Fi name and password, refer to your modem’s user guide.

    Connect the Ethernet cable from your device to a LAN port on your modem. 

    Hybrid Fibre Coaxial (HFC)

    Steps to connect the nbn connection box

    Depending on your existing set up, you have different options to set up your connection:

    Set up using new nbn connection box

    • nbn connection box
    • Power adaptor to plug in your modem
    • White/black coaxial cable to connect connection box to the cable port.
    1. Screw the white coaxial cable into the back of the nbn connection box.
    2. Screw the other end of the white coaxial cable into the wall cable port.
    1. Use the black power adaptor and plug it into the power wall outlet and switch on the power.
    2. The nbn connection box has four indicator lights on the front panel arranged vertically. The lights will flash during the start-up sequence and will become solid green when the service is ready. 

    If any of the lights on the nbn connection box are flashing and not solid, check all cables are securely connected into the nbn connection box and at the wall.

    If they are all secure, turn off the power to the nbn connection box, wait 10 seconds, then turn the power on again.

    To learn more, go to What do the lights on my nbn connection box mean?

    Important

    On first use, your nbn connection box may take up to 10 minutes to start up.

    Set up using Foxtel outlet

    • nbn connection box
    • Power adaptor to connect to your connection box
    • White/black coaxial cable to connect connection box to the wall port
    • Coaxial splitter.
    1. First locate the coaxial splitter to the wall port, then locate your Foxtel set top box.
    2. Both your nbn connection and Foxtel will use the same outlet for connectivity, so start by following the lead from the set top box to the wall and then unscrew it.
    3. Screw the short white cable (A) into the end of the coaxial splitter that has only one connection point and the other, into the wall port (B).
    1. Screw the grey coaxial cable (A) from the Foxtel set top box to the coaxial splitter that has 2 ports. 
    2. Screw the longer white coaxial cable (B) into the back of the nbn connection box.
    3. Screw the other end into the spare port on the coaxial splitter.
    Important

    Check that your Foxtel service works to ensure you have installed the splitter correctly.

    Steps to set up your BYO modem

    Total of 6 steps.

    • BYO modem (Wi-Fi router) and power supply cord
    • Wi-Fi details of your modem
    • Ethernet cable to connect your modem to your nbn connection box (For our high-speed plans you’ll need a Cat5e or higher Ethernet cable to help achieve the higher speeds.).

    Other parts (optional) 

    • Additional Ethernet cable/s to connect your other devices.

    Use the Ethernet cable: 

    1. Insert one end into the UNI-D1 (unless specified otherwise) port on the nbn connection box.
    2. Insert the other end into the WAN port on the back of your modem.
    1. Plug in your modem into the power wall outlet and switch it on.
    2. Make sure the nbn connection box is powered on.

    nbn connection box lights:

    • The nbn connection box has four indicator lights on the front panel arranged vertically. The lights will flash during the start-up sequence and will become solid green when the service is ready.
    • If any of the lights on the nbn connection box are flashing and not solid, check all cables are securely connected into the nbn connection box and at the wall.
    • If they are all secure, turn off the power to the nbn connection box, wait 10 seconds, then turn the power on again.

    To learn more, go to What do the lights on my nbn connection box mean?

    Important

    On first use, your nbn connection box may take up to 10 minutes to start up.

    Modem lights: 

    Check your modem's user guide to find out which lights show a successful connection. 

    Upon initial setup it may take up to 15 mins for your service to successfully connect.

    If the lights on your modem indicate:

    • a successful connection to your service, skip to Step 5.
    • there’s no internet connection, check:
      • You are connected to the correct UNI-D port on the nbn connection box.
      • Try an alternative network cable to connect to the nbn connection box.
      • Your modem is configured in WAN mode – Go to Step 4.
      • Your modem is configured in IPoE mode – Go to Step 4.

    If your modem hasn’t automatically connected to the internet, you’ll need to set it up for nbn.

    1. To access your modem settings, refer to your modem’s user guide.
    2. Alternatively, find your default gateway IP address (usually on the back or bottom of your modem) and enter the URL into a web browser. 
    3. Enter the default username and password. 

    The modem settings you’ll need to connect to the nbn network are:

    • Internet Connection Type/Protocol: IPoE/DHCP/Automatic
    • VLAN ID/Tagging: Blank/No/0
    • IP Configuration: Dynamic/obtain IP address automatically.
    1. Search for the Wi-Fi network you want to connect to on your device and enter the password usually found on the back or bottom of the modem.
    2. Repeat this step to connect your other devices via Wi-Fi.
    3. To change your Wi-Fi name and password, refer to your modem’s user guide.

    Connect the Ethernet cable from your device to a LAN port on your modem. 

    Fixed to the Node (FTTN) and Fixed to the Building (FTTB)

    Steps to set up your BYO modem

    Total of 6 steps.

    • BYO modem (Wi-Fi router) and power supply cord
    • Wi-Fi details of your modem
    • Phone cable to connect to the nbn connection point wall socket.

    Other parts (optional) 

    • Additional Ethernet cable/s to connect your other devices.
    1. Use the phone cable to plug your modem to the nbn connection point wall socket. If you have multiple phone wall sockets, try the first socket closest to the front of your house and near a power outlet.
    2. Insert the other end into the DSL port on the back of your modem.

    Note: If you have an older style phone socket, you’ll need to purchase an adaptor from a hardware or electronics store.

    Plug in your modem into the power wall outlet and switch it on.

    Check your modem's user guide to find out which lights show a successful connection. 

    Upon initial setup it may take up to 15 mins for your service to successfully connect.

    If the lights on your modem indicate:

    • a successful connection to your service, skip to Step 5.
    • there’s no internet connection, check:
      • You are connected to the correct UNI-D port on the nbn connection box.
      • Try an alternative network cable to connect to the nbn connection box.
      • Your modem is configured in WAN mode – Go to Step 4.
      • Your modem is configured in IPoE mode – Go to Step 4.

    If your modem hasn’t automatically connected to the internet, you’ll need to set it up for nbn.

    1. To access your modem settings, refer to your modem’s user guide.
    2. Alternatively, find your default gateway IP address (usually on the back or bottom of your modem) and enter the URL into a web browser. 
    3. Enter the default username and password. 

    The modem settings you’ll need to connect to the nbn network are:

    • Internet Connection Type/Protocol: IPoE/DHCP/Automatic
    • VLAN ID/Tagging: Blank/No/0
    • IP Configuration: Dynamic/obtain IP address automatically.

    For FTTN or FTTB you also need the following settings:

    • Seamless Rate Adaption (SRA): Enabled
    • VDSL2 Profile: 17a
    • G.Vector: Enabled
    • Non-standard G.Vector: disabled
    • G.INP: Enabled
    Good to know

    Some modems may not have all these settings, but modems capable of VDSL2 and purchased in Australia should come pre-configured to work on FTTN or FTTB.

    1. Search for the Wi-Fi network you want to connect to on your device and enter the password usually found on the back or bottom of the modem.
    2. Repeat this step to connect your other devices via Wi-Fi.
    3. To change your Wi-Fi name and password, refer to your modem’s user guide.

    Connect the Ethernet cable from your device to a LAN port on your modem. 

    Troubleshooting

    Modem

    We can only offer limited support as we can’t remotely access or run diagnostics on BYO modems.

    Because there are many router (modem) brands, we can't provide specific setup instructions for each modem. 

    For more help, refer to your modem's user guide or contact the manufacturer.

    • Regularly check for firmware updates from your manufacturer to ensure you have the latest security patches and bug fixes. 
    • Change your password from default, and select a unique and strong password for greater security.

    To change your Wi-Fi name and password, refer to your modem’s user guide. You’ll need to have your current Wi-Fi name and password handy, usually found on the back or bottom of the modem.

    Check all the cables are firmly connected, if they are and you still have no connection, then we recommend you:

    • Try rebooting your modem by turning it off and on again – this often resolves minor issues.
    • Refer to your modem’s user guide for troubleshooting instructions or contact your modem manufacturer for support.

    Note: We have limited visibility of BYO modems, so we can only offer limited support such as suggesting a reboot. For anything beyond that, your modem manufacturer is best placed to help.

    Choose the most convenient location for your modem.  

    Things to consider: 

    • Which spot provides the best Wi-Fi coverage around your home. 
    • Whether you want to connect devices using an Ethernet Cable. 
    • Whether you have a home office and would like to connect your computers and other devices directly to your modem. 

    To check the strength of your Wi-Fi network signal in My Telstra:  



    1. Go to Help
    2. Select Home Internet and choose desired option. 

    Lots of things may contribute to a modem’s achievable Wi-Fi and Ethernet speed, including its age. A modem that’s Wi-Fi generation 6 or above is more likely to support higher speeds. Check the specifications or ask your modem’s manufacturer. 

    For our high-speed Internet Only plans (FTTP and HFC connections);

    • you may need an ethernet cable with your BYO modem to help achieve the higher speeds.
    • if you bring your own Telstra Smart Modem you’ll need a Cat5e or higher Ethernet cable to help achieve the higher speeds (up to 1GB).
    • if your modem can support the speed upgrade, you may need to reboot it to activate the faster speeds.

    Find out how to improve your home internet speed.  

    nbn connection box

    Unless told otherwise, you can expect to connect to the UNI-D1 port on your nbn connection box.

    If we have specified another port number, we will have sent you an SMS or email (based on your communication preference) with a specific port number to plug into. 

    If you're unsure of the correct port or are still not connecting to the internet, contact us.

    If there’s no light, check the nbn connection box is securely plugged in and switched on.

    If the Optical light is red, this may indicate a fault with the nbn network. Contact us so we can raise a fault with nbn on your behalf.

    For more information, go to What do the lights on my nbn connection box mean?

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