If this device has only a single cable/DSL connection, single ethernet port or USB port, you likely have a separate modem and router. Trace the ethernet cable from this device to the next device in the chain. If it connects to a device with visible antennas or multiple ethernet ports, this is likely your home's router.
The modem and router are essential in ensuring a stable and reliable connection. Without a modem, the router would not be able to connect to the internet, and without a router, devices on the network would not be able to communicate.
Because the NBN connection box acts as a modem, all of the NBN technologies listed above need to connect to a router via ethernet cable. The router then shares the NBN connection via wireless (WiFi) or wired (ethernet) connections.
A modem on its own typically has an Ethernet connection port but no WiFi. However, in many cases, additional parts of the home network (such as a wireless router) are combined with the modem in the same package.
A modem/router, sometimes called a gateway or modem/router combo, combines a modem and a router into a single device. Modem/routers still use the regular modem and router technology, but they take up less space when paired up in the same shell.
You will need to plug your modem/router into your nbn™ FTTP Network Termination Device (NTD) to connect your Internet service.
You'll know the nbn™ connection box and your Wi-Fi gateway are connected correctly when the LAN Light on the device turns blue or amber. The four lights on the top of the nbn™ connection box can tell you a lot about your connection.
Check the internet signal light
The light for an internet connection is on your modem and is usually labeled WAN, Internet, or with a globe icon, and you can tell the internet is on if the light (usually white or green) is solid.
You need a router to share a single internet connection to multiple devices. Internet providers generally issue only one IP address to the first device connected to its modem or ONT. Think of that address as your internet mailing address—without it, you can't receive or send data across the internet.
Plug one end of an Ethernet cable into your modem. Plug the other end of the Ethernet cable into the Internet, Uplink, WAN or WLAN port on your router. Plug in your router and allow at least 2 to 3 minutes for it to light up.
A modem is a device that sits between your home network and your internet provider. You can't access the internet without one because your devices and your provider's network use different delivery methods to send and receive data.
On your computer, select the Wi-Fi icon in the Windows taskbar or the Mac menu to see a list of available networks, then select the network name and enter the passkey. If your computer has an Ethernet port, you can connect directly to the router with an Ethernet cable.
A modem router can work as modem and router at the same time—converting the DSL line to an Ethernet connection and sharing the wireless network directly. You can perform both functions with only one device instead of a modem connected to your WiFi router.
You'll need one router per connection to distribute the signal either through a wireless network or ethernet connection. Just be sure that your routers aren't placed too close together to avoid causing interference (especially if they're running on the same frequency).
Grab the Ethernet cable with red connectors and plug one end into the red port on your modem – it's the one that says 'Fibre'. Plug the other end of the Ethernet cable with red connectors into the Uni-D Port on the underside of the NBN Connection Box (your Welcome Letter tells you which one it is).
Unless you have gigabit-speed internet, you can expect to pay around $60 to $90 for a modem, which means you'll save money in less than a year.
Most routers are compatible with the majority of modems, but there are key differences that may prevent you from connecting with certain models. Before you can understand which modems work with which routers, take a look at our in-depth guide to router compatibility and how they work.
Your wired Internet connection will be provided via your modem. You can get away with merely having a modem if you only have one device that needs to connect to the Internet, such as a PC or laptop. However, if you have many devices or wish to use them wirelessly (WiFi), you'll need a router.
Type ipconfig and run the command. Scroll through the information until you see a setting for Default Gateway under Ethernet adapter or Wireless LAN adapter. That's your router, and the number next to it is your router's IP address. You can also find your router's IP address in Windows.
Checking a router model
You can find the model information of a router from the sticker on its bottom or back of the router. In most cases, it will be labeled as Model. You can also find the product model number on the router's online administration page.
Connect one end of one Ethernet cable into the back of the modem, then connect the other end into the Wide Area Network (WAN) port on the router. Connect the router power cord into an electrical outlet, then connect the other end to the router.