Mother Having Issues with Internet - Modem Related?

jonagrah on 01/01/2025 - 18:50

My elderly mother has been experiencing slow internet lately. She has an NBN 25 connection, lives alone, and mainly uses the internet for streaming on her iPad or HD TV (no 4K). She’s with Spintel on FTTN, but still uses an older Telstra Smart Modem (DJA0230) from her previous home. She now lives in a residential village. Last time I was around there I found my phone or laptop would connect to her WIFI straight away, but it would say 'No Internet' for a minute or two.

I’m planning to troubleshoot over the weekend, but I’m wondering if it’s worth buying a new modem in advance. J in case the issue isn’t with the current modem. Where would be the best place to buy a modem, ideally one I could factory reset and return for a refund if needed?

Also, what's a decent budget option for a new modem? It's only her phone, iPad and Amazon Fire Stick that connects.

Cheers!

Internet Wireless Router

Comments

  • kfp187 on 01/01/2025 - 19:36

    The Gen 1 (DJA0230) is quite an old device now. Could purchase the Gen 2 (had too many people contact me with issues with the power supply on the Gen 3 to suggest it) off marketplace for her.

    The other option is see, with her being with FTTN if she qualifies for the FTTP upgrade. Or better yet, move to another provider.

    • ATTS on 03/01/2025 - 14:46

      So is nbn25 on FTTN worse than nbn25 on FTTP?

      • redforever on 03/01/2025 - 15:55

        FTTP is more reliable and have lower ping time.

        • ATTS on 03/01/2025 - 16:12

          O i c thanks

  • GordonD on 01/01/2025 - 20:04
    +1

    The fact its a residential village suggests possibilities.

    The first thing I'd check is if the wifi bandwidth is congested. Not hers. But the availablity of spare wifi channels and bandwidth on them. I'd get a phone app that lets you see how many people are trying to use wifi, and look for free empty channels. The "6GHz" ones on newer wifi would be a likely candidate. And I'd have a look to see if there was still a speed issue connecting directly rather than through wifi.

    I'd only look at another modem and/or another NBN provider after it was proven it wasn't a wifi congestion issue.

  • kfp187 on 01/01/2025 - 20:20

    6GHz isn't the answer. You need to have devices that have that capability.

    5GHz has a bunch of channels that you can use…

    • GordonD on 01/01/2025 - 20:52
      +1

      6GHz isn't the answer. You need to have devices that have that capability.

      Good point.

    • ATTS on 03/01/2025 - 14:47

      What devices have capability for the 6GHz frequency?

  • apple2016 on 01/01/2025 - 21:09
    +1

    FTTN is more likely the culprit here. Try upgrading or switch to mobile broadband

  • kfp187 on 02/01/2025 - 06:32

    Moving forward…
    See if she qualifies for FTTP upgrade (move providers if you have to)
    Change Modems to the Telstra Gen 2 modem (get a used one for $20-$50)
    If still has issues consider Mobile Internet

  • jonagrah on 02/01/2025 - 10:47

    Just a little update…

    Netflix plays perfectly on her Amazon Fire Stick… but Stan or Paramount doesn't. You can browse through the app, but it won't actually play the videos. The screen will go black, or it will come up with en error saying the video cannot be played. However, I can connect to her Wifi on my laptop and play Stan and Paramount perfectly (using her accounts).

    Interestingly, it's the same issue when I plug in her old Vodafone TV player.

  • jonagrah on 02/01/2025 - 12:18

    Why would Netflix play OK through her TV using two different media players, but other services like Paramount and Stan don't, but will play fine through her iPad or my laptop?

  • jonagrah on 02/01/2025 - 14:07
    +1

    One suggest from ChatGPT is:

    1. HDCP Compliance Issues
      Cause: Some streaming services require HDCP (High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection) to play video, and if there’s an issue with your HDMI connection or TV, it could block the video stream.
      Solution: Try unplugging and re-plugging the HDMI cable between your Fire Stick and the TV. Alternatively, try using a different HDMI port or even a different HDMI cable.

    This makes sense, especially since I can browse the Paramount & Plus apps, but cannot play an actual video from it.

    I have however tried different HDMI connections on her TV. I might take my TV from the bedroom there tomorrow and connect her Fire Stick to it…

    Don't you love troubleshooting?

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