Query for "Not That Hot" Modem, or How to Connect nbn Wire through The Wall Port to My Modem

Hi guys and experts,

I recently moved to a new apartment where the NBN box is in a cabinet. My modem is placed in the cabinet next to the NBN box. The Wi-Fi connection is fine, although the modem is in the cabinet. However, the modem gets very hot due to the poor heat dissipation. Therefore, the internet occassionally disconnects, and I need to reboot the modem to reconnect. I am not sure whether the temperature is causing the connection issues, but before I moved here I barely had to do this.

My attempt to fix the problem was to move the modem out of the cabinet to lower the temperature, but it failed. There are internet ports on the wall in the cabinet next to where I place the modem. I can confirm when I connect a wire through the port which is to the bedroom, the computer in the bedroom can access the internet using the wall port (please note the Wi-Fi adapter of the coumper is disabled for testing).
Thus, I connected the NBN wire to the wall, moved the moded out to the room, connected the NBN box wire to the wall, and connected it to the WAN port of the modem in the room. I don't know why I can't access the internet this way. Everything should be the same, as if I were just extending the wire from the cabinet to the bedroom.

So, I think the alternative solution is to see if there is a modem that can work well and won't run hot.
My current modem is a TP-Link VR1600, and the internet plan is 100/20 Mb.

To summarise, please see below:

  1. Does anyone know how I could move the modem out and connect it to the internet? (Does the port on the wall not support NBN wire?)
    or
  2. Is there any recommended modem that can work well in poor ventilation conditions like this case, in a cabinet, and won't be overheat?

Many thanks for your advice!!


Updated just now with photos.

  1. Currently working fine status - front side, the WAN indicator is green light (turn off and on, wait for around 1 minute the connection is on)
    https://imgur.com/a/PDHElKk

  2. Currently working fine status - back side to display the wire/port, you can see the modem is a little bit yellow because of the "overheat situation".
    https://imgur.com/a/iMWBB8W

  3. Move out the modem and connect directly from NBN box to the port on the wall
    https://imgur.com/a/g4QiWBs

  4. The modem in the room - back side, connect directly from the wall to WAN port
    https://imgur.com/a/hROMLlT

  5. The modem in the room - front side, the WAN indicator is off, no light (waiting for more than 5 minutes, still no connection, WAN port indicator is off)
    https://imgur.com/a/Zvedfeh

  6. Check the website (192.168.1.1) with the built-in diagnose tool, it shows "test WAN connection: fail".
    https://imgur.com/a/HU3jO5W

Comments

  • +1

    I agree your new arrangement should work, and what you're trying to do is a good solution. I'd be checking the cables and plugs to make sure you're getting a good connection.

    It's definitely best if your WiFi transmission isn't obstructed by a cabinet enclosure. Electronic devices like your Archer router, especially ones that transmit radio signals, are always going to get hot. I doubt you'll find one that tolerates being in an enclosed space.

    • Hi klaw81,
      I have updated some photos and description in the post just now.
      Could you please take a look and give some advice, thank you very much.

  • +1

    However, the modem gets very hot due to the poor heat dissipation

    Leave the cabinet door open. Problem solved.

    • Leave the cabinet door open. Problem solved.

      Simple solution.

      And if its not the solution, it would establish that.

    • Haha, this is what I am doing recently….. it is a little pain with the door open though. (not looking good)

  • +1

    Your proposed setup should work. Just out of curiosity, can you share photos of your setup?

    • Hi Summoner,
      I have updated some photos and description in the post just now.
      Could you please take a look and give some advice, thank you very much.

  • Try blowing a USB fan across it.

    • I might need a solution for cooling down the fan then LOL

      • Seriously, just try a fan. I have done this sort of setup loads of times. Usually I'll use an ultra slim Scythe Kaze 120mm and a USB to 3 pin converter cable. But a crappy USB fan will be cheaper and easier to find.

  • What kind of NBN do you get?

    NBN installers at my place were idiots who did a sloppy installation. I moved it myself no worries

    • I am not sure, I just checked the NBN website with my address input, it shows FTTP.

  • Can you post pics of this arrangement please?

    • Hi blitz,
      I have updated some photos and description in the post just now.
      Could you please take a look and give some advice, thank you very much.

  • Hi guys,
    I have updated some photos and description in the post just now. Very weird the WAN is not connected, seems like the port of the wall does not support the NBN wire/connection??

    Thank you guys

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