Best nbn Modem for FTTC - Budget $350

rohitroygre on 15/11/2024 - 11:13
Last edited 15/11/2024 - 15:40 by 2 other users

I am looking to buy a modem for FTTC nbn at my home.

Do you have any suggestions on which one to buy? Also please note that I am getting offered the free upgrade from FTTC to FTTP so I will probably buy a modem which will work with both FTTC and FTTP.

My budget is around $350 and my main priority is getting good coverage all over my home. The modem will be placed in the front room of the house and I want a modem with strong/deep/all-around coverage.

My house is a single storey 4 bedroom house and not very big and I think the coverage issue is mainly because of the modem. I used to have Telstra nbn before and their modem was superb and I had no issues. Currently I am with TPG and their modem is not strong enough to cover the whole house. So I will replace the modem provided by them with this new modem to see if the coverage improves. If not, I might have to move to another nbn provider.

Thank you very much.

Internet Broadband nbn Wireless Router

Comments

  • scrimshaw on 15/11/2024 - 11:18
    +8

    A modem for FTTC is provided by nbn. What you need to purchase is a router, or a mesh router if you have problems covering the entire home with a single router.

    You can click on this tag https://www.ozbargain.com.au/tag/mesh-network?noexpired=1 or subscribe to it to see deals posted for mesh routers.

    • scrimshaw on 15/11/2024 - 11:28
      +1

      extra: Some routers can be linked together to form a mesh — you just buy within the same brand. ASUS routers for e.g can all be meshed together using ASUS AiMesh, TP-Link Archer routers can be networked via TP-Link OneMesh.

      This might give you some flexibility, since you can purchase just one router and see how it goes, then add more if you think you need more range. For less hassle just buy 2 identical models.

      • rohitroygre on 15/11/2024 - 11:56

        Thank you very much.

  • ihfree on 15/11/2024 - 11:21
    +2

    If it worked fine with a single router before, I'd consider an Asus router - RT-AX86U Pro or similar (AX86S. AX86U, GT-AX6000, etc).

    FTTP upgrade is well worth it as well - I've found it to be more stable than FTTC, though, I was told by technicians our street has dodgy old lines.

    • Devastator0 on 15/11/2024 - 11:42

      10/10 can strongly also recommend the RT-AX86U/Pro. Great router, awesome feature set and wifi coverage is extremely solid.

      • rohitroygre on 15/11/2024 - 11:57
        +1

        Thank you very much. I will look at this one.

  • Twix on 15/11/2024 - 11:32
    +1

    nbn replace the FTTC NCD with the FTTP NTD.

    Get a free return shipping label from Australia Post to return the nbn FTTC NCD modem.

    The Telstra router can be used on FTTP. Do you still have it?

    • rohitroygre on 15/11/2024 - 11:58

      I have to apply for FTTC to FTTP conversation and I am not sure how long it will take. I might have the Telstra modem somewhere. I will check. Thank you very much.

      • Twix on 15/11/2024 - 15:05

        It should get done within a day. Some fibre installs can take multiple appointments.

        Did you end up finding it or do you still want some router recommendations?

        • rohitroygre on 15/11/2024 - 16:39

          I have found the Telstra nbn Smart Modem Gen 2 and I will try to set it up to see whether it works and whether the coverage improves. If this works then I don't have to buy a new modem. I will give this a go first. But still if you can still provide modem/router recommendations, that will be highly appreciable. I might need them eventually. Thank you.

  • donga100 on 15/11/2024 - 11:45
    +1

    If the Telstra modem worked fine before just buy another one of those. You can get them for about $20 for Gen 2 or $100 for Gen 3 on marketplace.

    • rohitroygre on 15/11/2024 - 11:58

      I might have the Telstra modem somewhere. I will check. But will it work with TPG nbn? Thank you very much.

      • bargaino on 15/11/2024 - 12:17
        +2

        Yes, TPG uses PPPoE.

        The LTE backup on your Telstra modem will probably still work as well.

      • donga100 on 15/11/2024 - 12:18

        Yes, it will work with any NBN as it is just being used as a router.

        • rohitroygre on 15/11/2024 - 12:23

          I thought these are locked to the product providers. But this is a really good news. I will check if I still have it. If it works the coverage issue will be solved and I don't have to buy a new modem then. Thank you very much.

          • donga100 on 15/11/2024 - 12:30
            +1

            @rohitroygre: I have one and have used it with at least 4 different ISP.

            • rohitroygre on 15/11/2024 - 12:43

              @donga100: I have to probably message you in case I struggle to set up the Telstra nbn Modem for TPG nbn. Thank you very much for conforming though.

          • ihfree on 15/11/2024 - 12:47
            +1

            @rohitroygre: Some Telstra devices are reasonably popular second-hand. Based on relatives on Telstra, Telstra gives modems out like candy to customers.

            Most modems are not locked to providers. AFAIK. The closest that I've seen is on some TPG devices, there's a second admin password to for SIP configuration.

  • netjock on 15/11/2024 - 12:48

    Was on FTTC 50/20 - used Tenda MW5 connected to NTD

    Upgraded to FTTP 100/20 - used same Tenda connected to FTTP box

    PPPoE connection type.

    Not Tenda MW3 is ethernet limited to 100MBit, MW5s 1GBit. Make sure your router / mesh can accept the speed you are subscribing to.

  • jv on 15/11/2024 - 13:01
    -2

    Best nbn Modem for FTTC

    You don't need a modem for FTTC

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