Crappy NBN FTTN Modem – here are a few better ones (2024 update network guide)

30/07/2024
By Ray Shaw
In Guides

The term Crappy NBN FTTN modem covers a lot of sins. The chief is that they are invariably low-cost (<$150), usually Wi-Fi 6 AX, have low antenna signal strength, poor error resilience, and are not designed to support more than a few devices.

Let’s first define what this Crappy NBN FTTN Modem article is about.

If you are one of the 35% or more who receive NBN broadband via FTTN (Fibre-to-the-Node), read on. FTTN uses Telstra’s old copper wire to get from the node to a phone point in your home. So you have a Node capable of supersonic speeds and copper wire that, if you are lucky, might support up to 100/20Mbps download/upload.

To connect to FTTN via a phone point, you need a VDSL2 modem. It may also include a Wi-Fi router.

Optus and Telstra include a modem in their (much more expensive) minimum 36-month commitment plans. Telstra Smart Modem 3 – not all that smart or fast is a dual-band Wi-Fi 6 AX3000. The Optus Ultra WiFi Gen 2 Modem appears to be a dual-band AX6000 (speed not published). Both have 25Mbps 4G fall-over when the NBN is down. As that is not often there is limited benefit.

Most NBN resellers sell modems from $150 but are vague about specifications. They only sell a ‘gateway’ modem, and it is up to you to decide whether you need an additional router or mesh system to cover your home, apartment, etc. But then Joe and Jane Average don’t know that. The first sign is slow internet; the second is Wi-Fi dropouts, and finally, no useable signal in some areas (read Fix Wi-Fi blackspots fast and often at no cost).

It is safe to assume that apart from small single-level apartments, you will need more network gear to bathe your home in Wi-Fi.

Here are a few options to reuse or replace your crappy NBN FTTN Modem.

Keep the crappy NBN FTTN modem – use it as the NBN Gateway

If the FTTN modem does not cover your home, you need to buy a better router or mesh router that suits your needs. Our Seamless whole-of-home Wi-Fi now easy (guide) may help point you in the right direction, but it comes down to a Mesh router system or a full router (and possibly a Wi-Fi extender).

The new Mesh/router plugs into the Gateway (Ethernet LAN port to router WAN Port) and takes over the home network. You do not need to alter your old gateway settings.

Don’t buy the crappy NBN FTTN modem in the first place – a better option.

You can buy better VDSL modems

D-Link DSL-X3052E (RRP $399.95) is a Wi-Fi 6 AX3000 modem/router with 2 x VoIP phone ports specially designed to maximise FTTN reliability. It has fault-tolerance: VDSL Profile 30a and 35b means it can handle a MAXIMUM OF 230/300Mbps downstream and 100Mbps upstream, although VDSL never gets above 100/20 (nominal). Many VDSL modem routers only have a maximum of 68/22Mbps DL/UL or less. It also supports Save Our Showtime (SOS) and Robust Overhead Channel (ROC). ‍ These improve stability by preventing dropouts due to sudden large noise bursts. Your ISP may need to enable the FTTN line for that. Also available as DSL-X1852E AX1800 $299.
Archer V1800V (RRP $229) is a Wi-Fi 6 AX1800V modem router with 1 x VoIP phone port. It supports VDSL2 Profile 35b. If you are just using it as a gateway, then you don’t need Wi-Fi speed (like the D-Link AX1800).

Wi-Fi 6 AX, 6E AXE and 7 BE mesh – the definitive answer to your prayers

When we originally wrote this guide, Wi-Fi 5 AC was the fastest. Now, there is a huge difference between the older Wi-Fi 5 AC (and earlier) and Wi-Fi 6 or later. It is called full-duplex and means that the Wi-Fi transmission (Tx) and Receive (Rx) speeds are the same. Think of Wi-Fi 6 or later as a two-way bridge where traffic can pass both ways compared to the earlier half-duplex, which is a single-lane bridge where traffic has to wait until the oncoming lane is clear.

Once you have the NBN gateway, you can add a standalone router or a Mesh system using Wi-Fi or Ethernet backhaul. While these are suitable for most homes, there are major issues with signal strength and reach with multi-story and large homes. Wi-Fi backhaul simply does not penetrate thicker walls, cupboards, windows, doors, and more and satellite extenders must be within 5-7m of the main router.

The main brands are: (Note prices are approximate RRP, and you should shop around as there are some excellent bargains at present. Most have a choice of 1, 2 or 3-packs)

D-Link – Wi-Fi 6 mesh routers. Our picks include.

M60 Aquila Pro AI AX6000 Smart Mesh router in a 1-pack ($399.95), 2-pack ($699.95) and 3-pack ($999.95) that will cover 200, 400 or 600m2 respectively.
M30 Aquila Pro AI AX3000 version with the same coverage for $279.95/399.95/549.95. These get CyberShack’s pick for ease of setup and reliable AI Wi-Fi.

crappy NBN FTTN modem — D-Link Aquila – probably the easiest to set up and looks good too.

TP-link has Deco Wi-Fi 6, 6E and 7 mesh routers. Our picks include

Wi-Fi 6: X90 AX6600 or X95 AX7800—both 2-packs for $699/599. These are excellent dual-band mesh routers that connect to other Deco mesh. Prices vary as these are on runout.
Wi-Fi 6e: XE200 AXE1100 or XE75 AXE5400—These are tri-band and come in 2-packs for $899/$599. Ditto.
Wi-Fi 6: BE85 BE22000 or BE65 Pro BE11000 – These are tri-band and come in 2-packs for $2099/799