Set up my Telstra Smart Modem for ADSL and HFC Cable

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    Before you begin

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

    Unplug any devices such as modems and phones from your wall sockets. To continue to use these sockets after set-up, you’ll need an ADSL filter installed between the socket and your device (purchased separately).
     

    Find a place for your modem

    For the best signal and Wi-Fi strength we recommend placing your modem near a window in an open area elevated off the floor. You’ll need a power point. Make sure your modem is not placed near items like fridges, fish tanks or microwaves that can interfere with your Wi-Fi.

    Setting up your Telstra Smart Modem

    To set up your new Telstra Smart Modem by connection type, you can download the set-up guide or follow our step-by-step instructions below. Installation will take up to 30 minutes.

    Choose your current connection type or set-up:

    Parts you need

    Diagram showing the parts you need to set up your Telstra Smart Modem in ADSL, as described below.

    Note: Modem colour may vary depending on which modem model you have.

    You should have the following parts in your Telstra Smart Modem box:

    • Telstra Smart Modem 3
    • Power adaptor (pre-connected to modem)
    • ADSL filter (located in delivery box)
    • Wi-Fi fridge magnet
       
    Set-up instructions for ADSL

    Instructional diagram showing how to connect the Telstra Smart Modem 3 into a phone wall socket. Described under the heading Descriptive text for set-up instructions image - ADSL.

     

    1. Connect the ADSL filter into a wall phone socket
    2. Plug in your Telstra Smart Modem 3 into the power outlet. Once connected, the light will show solid green on the front of the modem.
    3. Prefer a wired connection? Have a computer or a wired home network? Connect using your own Ethernet cable.
    4. Have a phone? Connect it to the second plug on the ADSL filter.

     

    Step 1 - Plug the ADSL filter into a wall phone socket
    1. If you have multiple phone wall sockets, try the first socket closest to the front of your house
    2. Plug the grey telephone cable with grey ends into the grey DSL port on the back of the Telstra Smart Modem located last from the top on the left
    3. Plug the white cable on the other end of the ADSL filter into a telephone wall socket closest to the front of your house
    4. If you have an older style phone socket, you’ll need to purchase an adaptor from a hardware or electronics store.
       
    Step 2 - Plug your Telstra Smart Modem into the power outlet

    The Telstra Smart Modem will now start up. On first use, it may take up to 15 minutes to automatically update its software.

    Telstra smart Modem 3 is shown next to 4 different colours representing the front light indicators and their meanings as described below.

    The modem front light changes colour to indicate:

    • White - when it starts up/powered up 
    • Orange - when it's in the process of connecting to the internet 
    • Blue – when your modem is connected to the 4G mobile backup network 
    • Green – when your modem is connected to the internet and ready to go.
       

    You can also check the status of your Telstra Smart Modem by entering http://192.168.0.1 in your browser and signing in. The username is admin and the default password is Telstra for Telstra Smart Modem 1.1 and Gen 2. For Telstra Smart Modem Gen 3, the password is the same as the Wi-Fi password found on the bottom of your modem.
     

    Step 3 - Connect your devices to the internet

    Connecting via Wi-Fi

    You won’t need to use the LAN cable with the yellow ends that came with your modem if you’re connecting your devices via Wi-Fi. 

    1. On your device, search for the Wi-Fi network name 
    2. Select and enter the password shown on the Wi-Fi fridge magnet that came in the box or look for the Wi-Fi password on the bottom of your modem.
       

    Good to know: When you get a new Telstra Smart Modem, if you change the Wi-Fi name and password to be exactly the same as your previous Wi-Fi network, all devices will automatically connect to the new network.
     

    To change your Wi-Fi details:

    1. Ensure you’re connected to your home network, open a browser window and enter  http://192.168.0.1
    2. Sign in with username admin and the Wi-Fi password found on the bottom of your new modem (or on the fridge magnet)
    3. Select Wi-Fi, then Save once you have made your changes.
       

    Connecting via Ethernet cable

    1. Use the LAN cable with the two yellow ends
    2. Insert one end into any of the four yellow gigabit Ethernet ports located on the left-hand-side of your Telstra Smart Modem
    3. Insert the other end into your device’s network port.
       
    Step 4 - Connect your home phone (if required)
    1. Use the phone cable with grey ends
    2. Connect the cable into the green phone port that’s located on the back of the modem on the right
    3. Connect the other end into your home phone.
       

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

    Parts you need

    Diagram showing the parts you need to set up your Telstra Smart Modem and Telstra cable adapter box in HFC cable, as described below.

    Note: Modem colour may vary depending on which modem model you have.

    You should have the following parts in your:

    Telstra Smart Modem box
    • Telstra Smart Modem 3
    • Power adaptor (pre-connected to modem)
    • Wi-Fi fridge magnet
       
    Telstra Cable Adaptor box
    • Telstra Cable Adaptor
    • Power adaptor
    • Coaxial cable
    • Cable with red ends (WAN)
    • Coaxial splitter and Coaxial cable (only supplied  if you have Foxtel)
    What’s your current set up?

    Locate your cable outlet to identify your existing set-up. If you have multiple cable outlets, use the one that provides the most convenient one for your modem.

    Set-up instructions for HFC – a new cable internet connection

    Instructional diagram showing how to connect the Telstra Smart Modem 3 and Telstra cable adaptor box. Described under the heading Descriptive text for set-up instructions image - HFC new cable internet connection.

    1. Plug the Telstra Cable Adaptor into a cable port
    2. Plug the Telstra Cable Adaptor into the power outlet
    3. Connect the Telstra Cable Adaptor to your Telstra Smart Modem 3
    4. Plug your Telstra Smart Modem 3 into a power outlet
    5. Prefer a wired connection? Have a computer or a wired home network? Connect via your existing Ethernet cable.
       

    Your free-to-air TV port will look similar to a cable wall outlet, so if you’re having trouble, try another port.

     

    Step 1 - Plug the Telstra Cable Adaptor into a cable port
    1. Find the right cable port in your house. Your free-to-air TV port will look similar to a cable wall outlet, so if you’re having trouble, try another port
    2. Screw the white coaxial cable with grey ends into the back of the Telstra Cable Adaptor. Screw the other end into the cable port.
       
    Step 2 - Plug the Telstra Cable Adaptor into a power outlet

    Plug the power adaptor into the back of the Telstra Cable Adaptor. Plug the other end into a nearby power outlet and switch it on.

    Diagram illustrating the 4 lights on the Telstra cable adaptor

    Your Telstra Cable Adaptor has four indicator lights on the front panel arranged vertically from the top down in this order.

    1. Power – indicates power is available to the box
    2. Downstream – indicates the connection is ready to download data
    3. Upstream – indicates the connection is ready to upload data
    4. Internet – indicates cable connecting.

    During the start-up sequence, the lights will flash and will become solid green when the service is ready.

    Important: If any of the lights on the Telstra Cable Adaptor are flashing and not solid, check all cables are securely connected to the Telstra Cable Adaptor and at the wall.

    If they are all secure, turn off the power to the Telstra Cable Adaptor, wait 10 seconds, then turn the power on again. The restart may take up to 10 minutes.

    Step 3 - Connect the Telstra Cable Adaptor to your Telstra Smart Modem
    1. Use the cord with the red ends and insert one end into the red WAN port of the Telstra Smart Modem located fifth from the top on the left
    2. Insert the other end into the red port located in the first position on the Telstra Cable Adaptor and ensure the box is switched on.
    Step 4 - Plug your Telstra Smart Modem into the power outlet

    The Telstra Smart Modem will now start up. On first use, it may take up to 15 minutes to automatically update its software.

    Telstra smart Modem 3 is shown next to 4 different colours representing the front light indicators and their meanings as described below.

    The modem front light changes colour to indicate:

    • White - when it starts up/powered up 
    • Orange - when it's in the process of connecting to the internet 
    • Blue – when your modem is connected to the 4G mobile backup network 
    • Green – when your modem is connected to the internet and ready to go.
       

    You can also check the status of your Telstra Smart Modem by entering http://192.168.0.1 in your browser and signing in. The username is admin and the default password is Telstra for Telstra Smart Modem 1.1 and Gen 2. For Telstra Smart Modem Gen 3, the password is the same as the Wi-Fi password found on the bottom of your modem.

    Step 5 - Connect your devices to the internet

    Connecting via Wi-Fi

    You won’t need to use the LAN cable with the yellow ends that came with your modem if you’re connecting your devices via Wi-Fi. 

    1. On your device, search for the Wi-Fi network name 
    2. Select and enter the password shown on the Wi-Fi fridge magnet that came in the box or look for the Wi-Fi password on the bottom of your modem.
       

    Good to know: When you get a new Telstra Smart Modem, if you change the Wi-Fi name and password to be exactly the same as your previous Wi-Fi network, all devices will automatically connect to the new network.
     

    To change your Wi-Fi details:

    1. Ensure you’re connected to your home network, open a browser window and enter  http://192.168.0.1
    2. Sign in with username admin and the Wi-Fi password found on the bottom of your new modem (or on the fridge magnet)
    3. Select Wi-Fi, then Save once you have made your changes.
       

    Connecting via Ethernet cable

    1. Use the LAN cable with the two yellow ends
    2. Insert one end into any of the four yellow gigabit Ethernet ports located on the left-hand-side of your Telstra Smart Modem
    3. Insert the other end into your device’s network port.
    Set-up instructions for HFC Cable – through an existing Foxtel outlet

    Instructional diagram showing how to connect the Telstra Smart Modem 3 and Telstra Cable Adaptor via a Foxtel set top box. Described under the heading Descriptive text for set-up instructions image - HFC Cable through existing Foxtel outlet.

    1. Connect the coaxial splitter to the cable port. Connect the Foxtel cable to the other splitter port
    2. Connect the Telstra Cable Adaptor into the coaxial splitter. 
    3. Plug the Telstra Cable Adaptor into the power outlet
    4. Connect the Telstra Cable Adaptor to your Telstra Smart Modem 3
    5. Plug your Telstra Smart Modem 3 into a power outlet
    6. Prefer a wired connection? Have a computer or a wired home network? Connect using your own Ethernet cable.

     

    Step 1 - Connect the coaxial splitter to the cable port
    1. First locate your Foxtel set top box. Start by following the lead from the set top box to the wall and then unscrew it in an anti-clockwise direction
    2. Screw the short white coaxial cable into the end of the coaxial splitter that has only one connection point and the other, into the wall port
    3. Take the cable connected to your Foxtel set top box and screw it into one of the two remaining ports on the coaxial splitter. Check that your Foxtel service works to ensure you have installed the splitter correctly.
       
    Step 2 - Connect the Telstra Cable Adaptor into the coaxial splitter
    1. Screw the longer white coaxial cable into the back of the Telstra Cable Adaptor
    2. Screw the other end into the spare port on the coaxial splitter.

    Step 3 - Plug the Telstra Cable Adaptor into a power outlet

    Plug the power adaptor into the back of the Telstra Cable Adaptor. Plug the other end into a nearby power outlet and switch it on.

    Diagram illustrating the 4 lights on the Telstra cable adaptor

    Your Telstra Cable Adaptor has four indicator lights on the front panel arranged vertically from the top down in this order. 

    1. Power – indicates power is available to the box
    2. Downstream – indicates the connection is ready to download data
    3. Upstream – indicates the connection is ready to upload data
    4. Internet – indicates cable connecting.
       

    During the start-up sequence, the lights will flash and will become solid green when the service is ready.

    Important: If any of the lights on the Telstra Cable Adaptor are flashing and not solid, check all cables are securely connected to the Telstra Cable Adaptor and at the wall.

    If they are all secure, turn off the power to the Telstra Cable Adaptor, wait 10 seconds, then turn the power on again. The restart may take up to 10 minutes.
     

    Step 4 - Connect the Telstra Cable Adaptor to your Telstra Smart Modem
    1. Use the cord with the red ends and insert one end into the red WAN port of the Telstra Smart Modem located fifth from the top on the left
    2. Insert the other end into the red port located in the first position on the Telstra Cable Adaptor and ensure the box is switched on.
       
    Step 5 - Plug your Telstra Smart Modem into the power outlet

    The Telstra Smart Modem will now start up. On first use, it may take up to 15 minutes to automatically update its software.

    Telstra smart Modem 3 is shown next to 4 different colours representing the front light indicators and their meanings as described below.

    The modem front light changes colour to indicate:

    • White - when it starts up/powered up 
    • Orange - when it's in the process of connecting to the internet 
    • Blue – when your modem is connected to the 4G mobile backup network 
    • Green – when your modem is connected to the internet and ready to go.
       

    You can also check the status of your Telstra Smart Modem by entering http://192.168.0.1 in your browser and signing in. The username is admin and the default password is Telstra for Telstra Smart Modem 1.1 and Gen 2. For Telstra Smart Modem Gen 3, the password is the same as the Wi-Fi password found on the bottom of your modem.
     

    Step 6 - Connect your devices to the internet

    Connecting via Wi-Fi

    You won’t need to use the LAN cable with the yellow ends that came with your modem if you’re connecting your devices via Wi-Fi. 

    1. On your device, search for the Wi-Fi network name 
    2. Select and enter the password shown on the Wi-Fi fridge magnet that came in the box or look for the Wi-Fi password on the bottom of your modem.
       

    Good to know: When you get a new Telstra Smart Modem, if you change the Wi-Fi name and password to be exactly the same as your previous Wi-Fi network, all devices will automatically connect to the new network.
     

    To change your Wi-Fi details:

    1. Ensure you’re connected to your home network, open a browser window and enter  http://192.168.0.1
    2. Sign in with username admin and the Wi-Fi password found on the bottom of your new modem (or on the fridge magnet)
    3. Select Wi-Fi, then Save once you have made your changes.
       

    Connecting via Ethernet cable

    1. Use the LAN cable with the two yellow ends
    2. Insert one end into any of the four yellow gigabit Ethernet ports located on the left-hand-side of your Telstra Smart Modem
    3. Insert the other end into your device’s network port.

    Troubleshooting

    The modem front light indicates:

    • White - when it starts up or is powering up 
    • Orange - when it's in the process of connecting to the internet 
    • Blue – when your modem is connected to the 4G mobile backup network 
    • Green – when your modem is connected to the internet and ready to go.

    You can also check the status of your Telstra Smart Modem by entering http://192.168.0.1 in your browser and signing in. The username is admin and the default password is Telstra for Telstra Smart Modem 1.1 and Gen 2. For Telstra Smart Modem Gen 3, the password is on the fridge magnet or is the same as the Wi-Fi password found on the bottom of your modem.

    A mobile signal strength indicator is shown next to 3 different colours representing the front light indicators and their meanings as described below.

    The mobile signal strength indicator lights on the back of the modem:

    • Green – indicates great signal strength
    • Orange – indicates good signal strength
    • Red – indicates weak or limited access

    Or to check the status of your Telstra Smart Modem enter http://192.168.0.1 in your browser and sign in with your username and password or use the default username admin and password is Telstra for the Telstra Smart Modem 1.1 and Gen 2.0. For Telstra Smart Modem Gen 3, the password is on the fridge magnet or is the same as the Wi-Fi password on the bottom of the modem.

    You must register your Telstra Cable Adaptor to your account before you can access the internet. While we pre-register devices before sending them to you, sometimes extra steps are needed to complete the activation.

    If you have completed setting up the cable adaptor, connected your Telstra Smart Modem, and all lights on the cable adaptor and front of the smart modem are green but you still can’t access the internet, try the following:

    • Open a browser and type https://register.bigpond.com/cable.do into the address bar
    • Enter your Telstra username and password and click register. If successful, you will now have full access to the internet
    • If registration fails or you’re not sure of your username and password, call our cable activation specialists on 1800 135 103.

    Check that the cables are firmly connected.

    Switch off both devices and then turn back on in the following order:

    1. Switch on the Telstra Cable Adaptor, when the lights turn solid green, then
    2. Switch on the Telstra Smart Modem.

    If the light on the front of the Telstra Smart Modem remains blue, or you’re not connecting to the internet, call us on 1800 135 103. 

    Your Wi-Fi may feel slow if your modem is not in an optimal location. 

    Make sure your modem is in an elevated position away from fridges, fish tanks, baby monitors or microwaves that can interfere with your Wi-Fi.

    If it still feels slow, switch off your modem or device and turn it back on (leave it off for 5-10 seconds). Wait a few minutes. A simple reboot can noticeably increase your Wi-Fi speed. 

    You can also check the speed of your ADSL, or learn more about internet speeds for HFC

    Repositioning your Telstra Smart Modem may help to improve the Wi-Fi signal.

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

    1. Sign into My Telstra with your Telstra ID
    2. Go to Get help
    3. Select Internet and choose Test my connection or get help option

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