Router Recommendations for New nbn FTTC Connection (No Ethernet Allowed)

Ezmon on 20/01/2024 - 03:26
Last edited 20/01/2024 - 09:03 by 2 other users

I am not too sure on what Router to get for a new nbn connection (NBN FTTC Broadband) and can spend up to $160. I am a noob at internet hardware and currently planning to start off with Superloop to test out the service and if it has any problems as I have been reading on the forums.

My parents currently have a Telstra phone line and what looks like a Telstra smart hub but I do not want to mess with the line and get in trouble. I am not allowed to have any Ethernet cabling as well.

Any advice would be appreciated.

• 

  kfp187 on 20/01/2024 - 06:29

  +4

  With Superloop, use the Telstra modem. You won’t have to do anything for now.
  Just switch internet providers.

• 

  mantra on 20/01/2024 - 07:18

  -4

  your current telstra modem work better than most new modem/routers, if modem is for more than accessing the internet run in bridge mode with dedicated router

  Broadcom chipset for FTTC, FTTB, FTTN has best performance for modems
  no need to buy new most use inferior chipsets secondhand market is full of far better options

  recently picked up Telstra Gateway Max new sealed in box on facebook marketplace for $5 for Aussie Broadband works a treat (most are under $40)
  placed in bridge mode with my high-end router as i use it for more than just accessing the internet

  most of the new products i looked up even $400 used inferior chipsets, might be better for tasks other than internet access but 99% of people won't notice much difference

  a good list here check if chipset is broadcom it has best speeds and line stability

  • 

    Twix on 20/01/2024 - 09:02

    +3

    No you don't bridge the Telstra modem to a dedicated router on FTTC. All you need is the nbn NCD box that plugs into your router. The Telstra modem can be used as that router or you can use a different router.

    That modem list with Broadcom chips only applies to FTTN and FTTB. It does not apply to FTTC.

• 

  Twix on 20/01/2024 - 09:23

  @Ezmon — The nbn NCD box is your FTTC modem. The Telstra modem can be used as your router or you can purchase a different router.

  My parents currently have a Telstra phone line

  1. Is this the Telstra phone line cable that gets plugged into the nbn NCD box or do your parents use Telstra's home phone service?
  2. Does the Telstra modem provide enough Wi-Fi range?

  Check if you are eligible to change from nbn FTTC to FTTP.

• 

  JimmyF on 20/01/2024 - 12:36

  +1

  My parents currently have a Telstra phone line

  You're basically stuck with the Big T and the Smart Modem if you want to keep the land line, unless you want to port it away to someone else but that means VoIP configs etc.

  • 

    Ezmon on 20/01/2024 - 15:05

    Is there any way to have a separate phone line and internet connection at the same time?

    • 

      JimmyF on 20/01/2024 - 15:23

      Nope, on the NBN the phone line is part of the NBN service, unless you port it out into its own service on a VoIP provider.

      So if you need to keep the number, stay with Telstra.