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

The term Crappy NBN FTTN modem covers a lot of sins. The chief is that they are invariably low-cost (

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).

Now we are talking about NBN Fibre to the Node (FTTN) customers because these modems (well, modem routers) need to connect via VDSL2 (using the standard telephone socket). You have many more options with Fibre to the Premises (FTTP) or HFC cable as these have a standard Ethernet connection (don’t need a VDSL Modem).

Here are a few options to reuse or replace your crappy NBN FTTN Modem. We are focusing on the faster end – Tri-band Wi-Fi 6 AX 6000 or more.

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

This means that you need to buy a better router that suits your needs. Our Seamless whole-of-home Wi-Fi now easy with Wi-Fi 6 (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. There is no need to alter your old gateway settings.

Both are excellent and can extra Satellites can expand coverage (each covers about 20metre diameter circle 300m2).

The Nighthawk AX11000 and AX8 AX6000 extender are the fastest for spectacular performance. The Archer OneMesh extenders are limited to AX1800, but these still provide heaps of speed.

You can buy better VDSL modems

CyberShack’s view – crappy NBN FTTN Modems – you get what you pay for

We started by saying Joe and Jane Average don’t know about modem/routers, so its all too easy to accept what is on offer.

Why not put that $150 towards the TP-Link Deco X73 ($399)? That gives you not only over four times the speed, phone ports and Wi-Fi 6, and you can easily add satellites later.

Or, if you have already bought the gateway, it is hard to beat the TP-Link Deco X90 2-pack Mesh at $899.

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