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Do I Need a Modem for NBN?
Do I Need a Modem for NBN?
Question
Do I really need a modem for my NBN connection, or can I just use a router? What’s the difference based on the type of NBN technology?
Your Answer
Answer
1. Difference Between a Modem and a Router for NBN:
- A modem is a networking device that connects your address to the internet. It acts as a translator between the analog signal from your internet service provider and the digital signal that links to the router and individual devices in your property.
- A router takes the internet from the modem and shares it among the devices in your home, allowing multiple devices to connect to the internet simultaneously.
2. Do You Need a Modem for NBN?
- For certain NBN technology types such as Fibre-to-the-Premises (FTTP), Hybrid Fibre Coaxial (HFC), Fibre-to-the-Curb (FTTC), NBN Fixed Wireless, and Sky Muster satellite NBN, you would need an NBN box/NTD/modem provided by NBN Co to get online.
- For Fibre-to-the-Building (FTTB) and Fibre-to-the-Node (FTTN) technologies, modem-routers are commonly used. These are devices that combine both a modem and a router’s functionalities. These technologies rely on the VDSL2 standard, which is used to achieve optimal broadband speeds from copper wiring.
- If you’re connected via any of the other mentioned NBN technologies, any modern router will work with the NBN box/NTD/modem options.
3. NBN-Compatible Routers and Modem-Routers:
- Technically, there’s no specific device known as an “NBN router” or “NBN modem-router”. What you need is an NBN-compatible router or modem-router.
To determine the exact type of hardware you need for your specific NBN connection, it’s recommended to contact your internet service provider or NBN Co for clarity. They will provide the necessary equipment based on your NBN technology type and ensure compatibility.
SaleBestseller No. 1
ASUS RT-AX1800S Dual Band WiFi 6 (802.11ax) Router supporting MU-MIMO and OFDMA technology, with AiProtection Classic network security powered by Trend Micro™, compatible with ASUS AiMesh WiFi system
- New-Gen WiFi Standard – WiFi 6(802.11ax) standard supporting MU-MIMO and OFDMA technology for better efficiency and throughput.
- Ultra-fast WiFi Speed – RT-AX1800S supports 1024-QAM for dramatically faster wireless connections. With a total networking speed of about 1800Mbps — 574 Mbps on the 2.4GHz band and 1201 Mbps on the 5GHz band.
- Increase Capacity and Efficiency – Supporting not only MU-MIMO but also OFDMA technique to efficiently allocate channels, communicate with multiple devices simultaneously
- Protection for Your Home Network – Aiprotection powered by Trend Micro, blocks internet security threats for all your connected smart devices.
- Better Partner with Mesh System – Compatible with ASUS AiMesh WiFi system for seamless whole-home coverage.
SaleBestseller No. 2
TP-Link AX3000 Dual Band Gigabit Wi-Fi 6 Router, 512MB RAM, 160MHz, 4High Power FEM, USB3.0 Port, HomeShield Security, OneMesh Supported, Work with Alexa, Gaming & Streaming, Smart Home (Archer AX55)
- Next-Gen Gigabit Wi-Fi 6 Speed—2402 Mbps on 5 GHz and 574 Mbps on 2.4 GHz band ensure smoother streaming and faster downloads
- Connect More Devices—OFDMA technology increases capacity by 4 times to enable simultaneous transmission to more devices
- Ultra-Low Latency—Enables more responsive gaming and video chatting
- Expanded Wi-Fi Coverage—Four high-gain external antennas and Beamforming technology combine to extend strong, reliable Wi-Fi throughout your home
- TP-Link - World's No. 1 Provider of WLAN Products within last 13 years. Leading support - Industry leading 3-year warranty and 24/7 technical support
SaleBestseller No. 3
TP-Link AX5400 Dual-Band 6-Stream Gbps Wi-Fi 6 Router, up to 5400 Mbps, Extensive Wi-Fi Coverage, 160 MHz, 8K Streaming, 1024 QAM, HomeShield Security, Gaming & Streaming, Smart Home (Archer AX72)
- Gigabit WiFi for 8K Streaming – 5400 Mbps WiFi for faster browsing, streamings, and downloading, all at the same time
- Fully Featured Wi-Fi 6 – Equips with the top structure of 4T4R and HE160 on the 5 GHz band to enable a 4.8 Gbps ultra-fast connection
- Connect 100+ Devices§ – Supports MU-MIMO and OFDMA to reduce congestion and quadruple the average throughput
- Extensive Coverage – 6× antennas and Beamforming ensure broad coverage
- TP-Link - World's No. 1 Provider of WLAN Products within last 13 years. Leading support - Industry leading 3-year warranty and 24/7 technical support
SaleBestseller No. 4
TP-Link AX1500 Dual-Band Gigabit Wi-Fi 6 Router, Gigabit Ports, up to 1.5 Gbps, WPA3 Security, Boosted Coverage, Easy Setup & Use, Tether App Control, Gaming & Streaming, Smart Home (Archer AX12)
- Wi-Fi 6 Technology: Archer AX12 comes equipped with the latest wireless technology, Wi-Fi 6, for faster speeds, greater capacity and reduced network congestion
- Next-Gen 1.5 Gbps Speeds: Archer AX12 dual-band router reaches even faster speeds up to 1.5 Gbps (1201 Mbps on 5 GHz band and 300 Mbps on 2.4 GHz band)
- Connect More Devices: Wi-Fi 6 technology communicates more data to more devices using revolutionary OFDMA and MU-MIMO technology while simultaneously reducing lag
- More Reliable Coverage: Achieve the strongest, most reliable WiFi coverage with Archer AX12 as it focuses signal strength to your devices using Beamforming technology and four antennas
- Increased Battery Life: Target Wake Time technology reduces your devices' power consumption to extend their battery life
SaleBestseller No. 5
ASUS RT-AX3000P Dual Band WiFi 6 (802.11ax) Router supporting MU-MIMO and OFDMA technology, with AiProtection Classic network security powered by Trend Micro™
- New-Gen WiFi Standard – Supporting 802.11ax WiFi standard for better efficiency and throughput.
- Ultra-fast WiFi Speed – RT-AX3000P supports 1024-QAM for dramatically faster wireless connections. With a total networking speed of about 3000Mbps — 574 Mbps on the 2.4GHz band and 2402 Mbps on the 5GHz band.
- Increase Capacity and Efficiency – Supporting not only MU-MIMO but also OFDMA technique to efficiently allocate channels, communicating with multiple devices simultaneously
- Protection for Your Home Network – Lifetime free AiProtection, powered by Trend Micro, blocks internet security threats for all your connected smart devices.
- Better Partner with Mesh System – Compatible with ASUS AiMesh WiFi system for seamless whole-home coverage.
SaleBestseller No. 6
TP-Link AC1200 Dual Band Wi-Fi Router, Wireless, Smart Home, Streaming, Full Gigabit Ethernet Ports, MU-MIMO, Beamforming, Long Range Coverage, OneMesh Supported (Archer A6)
- AC1200 Dual-Band Wi-Fi – 867 Mbps at 5 GHz and 400 Mbps at 2.4 GHz band
- MU-MIMO Technology – Simultaneously transfers data to multiple devices for 2× faster performance
- Boosted Coverage – Four external antennas equipped with Beamforming technology extend and concentrate the Wi-Fi signals
- Access Point Mode –Supports AP Mode to transform your wired connection into the wireless network
- TP-Link - World's No. 1 Provider of WLAN Products within last 13 years. Leading support - Industry leading 3-year warranty and 24/7 technical support
Bestseller No. 7
ASUS ZenWiFi XD4S AX1800 WiFi 6 Mesh Router (2 Pack), Coverage up to 4800 sq ft, Subscription-Free Network Security, Built-in Parental Control, Instant Guard, VPN, Easy Setup via ASUS Router App
- Ultrafast WiFi 6 mesh significantly increases network capacity for more devices, with speeds of up to 1,800 Mbps
- Reliable, extensive coverage of up to 5,400 square feet
- Subscription-free network security with commercial-grade AiProtection Classic powered by Trend Micro
- Built-in Parental Controls protect your kids online with instant monitoring and content filters for every connected device
- 3-step easy setup and hassle-free management via the highly rated ASUS Router mobile app
Bestseller No. 8
TP-Link 300Mbps Wireless N Router, IPv6, IPTV, 4 Fast LAN Ports, Supports AP/ RE/ WISP Modes, Bandwidth Control, Parent Control, Guest Network, Easy Setup & Use, Tehter App Control (TL-WR841N)
- Performance: 300Mbps wireless speed ideal for interruption sensitive applications like HD video streaming
- Guest Network: provides separate access for guests while securing the home network
- IPv6: compatible with IPv6 (Internet Protocol version 6)
- WPS button: easy wireless security encryption at a push of WPS button
- TP-Link - World's No. 1 Provider of WLAN Products within last 13 years. Leading support - Industry leading 3-year warranty and 24/7 technical support
SaleBestseller No. 9
ASUS RT-AX86U Pro (AX5700) Dual Band WiFi 6 Extendable Gaming Router, 2.5G Port, Gaming Port, Mobile Game Mode, Port Forwarding, Subscription-free Network Security, VPN, AiMesh Compatible
- Ultrafast WiFi 6 dual-band router boosts speed up to 5700 Mbps, with 160 MHz channels for better efficiency and throughput
- Minimize lag and latency for mobile gaming with just a tap on the ASUS Router app
- The exclusive ASUS RangeBoost Plus improves signal range and overall coverage
- Block undesirable content with ASUS Safe Browsing, and protect your kids online by filtering explicit content from search results
- Protect your home network with a free lifetime subscription to AiProtection Pro, powered by Trend Micro
SaleBestseller No. 10
TP-Link AX1500 Wi-Fi 6 Router, Dual-Band, MU-MIMO, OFDMA, OneMesh Supported (Archer AX1500) AU Version
- Wi-Fi 6 Technology: Archer AX1500 comes equipped with the latest wireless technology, Wi-Fi 6, for faster speeds, greater capacity and reduced network congestion
- Next-Gen 1.5 Gbps Speeds: Archer AX1500 dual-band router reaches even faster speeds up to 1.5 Gbps (1201 Mbps on 5 GHz band and 300 Mbps on 2.4 GHz band)
- Connect More Devices: Wi-Fi 6 technology communicates more data to more devices using revolutionary OFDMA and MU-MIMO technology while simultaneously reducing lag
- Triple-Core Processing: The 1.5 GHz tri-core processor ensures communications between your router and all connected devices are smooth and buffer-free. System requirements:Internet Explorer 11+, Firefox 12.0+, Chrome 20.0+, Safari 4.0+, or other JavaScript-enabled browser
- TP-Link - World's No. 1 Provider of WLAN Products within last 13 years. Leading support - Industry leading 3-year warranty and 24/7 technical support
SaleBestseller No. 11
TP-Link Omada Gigabit VPN Router, Omada SDN, Centralised Management System, 5x Gigabit Ports, Up to 3 WAN Ethernet Ports, Secure VPN, Access Control, App Remote Control, Load Balance (ER605)
- Integrated into Omada SDN: Zero-Touch Provisioning (ZTP), Centralized Cloud Management, and Intelligent Monitoring.
- Centralised Management: Cloud access and Omada app for ultra convenience and easy management.
- Five Gigabit Ports: High-speed wired connectivity.
- Up to 4 WAN Ports: 1 gigabit WAN port and 3 gigabit WAN/LAN ports optimize bandwidth usage.
- TP-Link - World's No. 1 Provider of WLAN Products within last 13 years. Leading support - Industry leading 5-year warranty and 24/7 technical support
Bestseller No. 12
ASUS RT-AX59U (AX4200) Dual Band WiFi 6 Extendable Router, Subscription-Free Network Security, Instant Guard, Advanced Parental Controls, Built-in VPN, AiMesh Compatible, Smart Home, SMB, Wall Mount
- WiFi for Smart Homes – Ultrafast WiFi 6 router delivering up to 4,200 Mbps speed, with a powerful quad-core CPU for better efficiency to handle more devices
- Aesthetic and Functional Design – An innovative foot stand for both desktops and wall mount, and the ultra-minimalist design can fit into your home or business environments.
- One-Tap Safe Browsing – Block undesirable content with ASUS Safe Browsing, and protect your kids online by filtering explicit content from search results.
- Commercial-Grade Security Anywhere – Protect your home network with AiProtection Pro, powered by Trend Micro. And when away from home, ASUS Instant Guard gives you a one-click sharable secure VPN.
- Easy Extendable Network – Enjoy seamless roaming with rich, advanced features by adding any AiMesh-compatible router.
Bestseller No. 13
TP-LINK AC1200 Wireless VDSL/ADSL Modem Router, Dual Band, Enhanced Safety Parental Control, Guest Network, Firewall Security, IPTV IGMP Proxy/Snooping, IPv6, 6KV, VDSL2, Remote Contol (Archer VR300)
- Parental Controls: manage responsible internet access for your children
- Guest Network|: provides separate access for guests while securing the home network
- Firewall Security: supports DoS, SPI Firewall, IP Addressing/Domain Filter, IP/MAC Address Binding
- Quality of Service: prioritizes network traffic by device or application
- TP-Link - World's No. 1 Provider of WLAN Products within last 13 years. Leading support - Industry leading 3-year warranty and 24/7 technical support
SaleBestseller No. 14
ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AX11000 Pro Tri-Band WiFi 6 Extendable Gaming Router, 10G & 2.5G Ports, ASUS RangeBoost Plus, Triple-level Game Acceleration, Subscription-free Network Security, AiMesh Compatible
- High-efficiency WiFi 6 – Ultrafast WiFi 6 tri-band boosts speeds up to 11,000 Mbps, with 160 MHz channels for better efficiency and throughput
- Expanded coverage – Exclusive ASUS RangeBoost Plus improves signal range and overall coverage
- Flexible networking ports – One 2.5G port and one 10G port can be configured for either WAN or LAN operation
- Extreme quad-core CPU power – High-performance WiFi chipsets and 64-bit 2.0 GHz quad-core CPU take wireless signal processing to the next level
- Triple-level game acceleration – Online gaming gets network prioritization every step of the way, from PC to game server
SaleBestseller No. 15
NETGEAR Nighthawk WiFi 6 Tri-Band Router (RAX70) | AX6600 Wireless Speed (Up to 6.6Gbps)
- Eight WiFi streams give you more available bandwidth and less congestion on your network.
- Experience the best wireless performance for high-bandwidth applications, such as UHD video streaming and massive file transfers, with tri-band WiFi.
- Enjoy greater than 1Gbps WiFi speeds for blazing fast streaming and downloading to your devices that support 160MHz bandwidth.
- Fast AX6600 Gigabit speed with WiFi 6 technology for uninterrupted streaming, HD video gaming, and web conferencing
- Connects to your existing cable modem and replaces your WiFi router. Compatible with any internet Service Provider up to 2Gbps including cable, satellite, fiber, and DSL
SaleBestseller No. 16
TP-Link AC750 Dual-Band Wi-Fi Router, Wireless, Smart Home, HD Streaming, Boost Coverage, Supports Router/AP/RE Modes, Parental Control, Guest Network, Compact & Mountable Design (Archer C24)
- High-Speed Wi-Fi—AC750 dual-band is ideal for HD video streaming, high-speed downloading
- Far-Reaching Coverage—4× antennas deliver far-reaching Wi-Fi and reliable connections
- Multi-Mode 3 in 1—Supports Router, Access Point, and Range Extender to add flexibilities
- Parental Controls—Manages when and how connected devices can access the internet
- TP-Link - World's No. 1 Provider of WLAN Products within last 13 years. Leading support - Industry leading 3-year warranty and 24/7 technical support
Bestseller No. 17
ASUS TUF Gaming AX4200 Dual Band WiFi 6 Gaming Router with Mobile Game Mode, 3 Steps Port Forwarding, 2.5Gbps Port, AiMesh for mesh WiFi, AiProtection Pro Network Security
- Ultrafast WiFi 6 - Enjoy speeds up to 4200 Mbps and 4X network efficiency with OFDMA and 160 MHz channels.
- True Multi-Gigabit wired speeds - Aggregated 2 Gigabit LAN connections, wired 2.5Gbps port and WiFi 6.
- Easy Port Forwarding in 3 Steps - Open NAT makes port forwarding simple, eliminating frustrating and complicated manual configuration.
- ASUS AiMesh Support – Create a flexible, seamless whole-home mesh network with AiMesh-compatible routers.
- Tested Durability and Stable Operation - TUF Gaming AX4200 is built to be durable and undergoes verified testing to ensure reliable, stable operation.
SaleBestseller No. 18
TP-Link AX5400 Dual-Band WiFi 6 Router, 2.5G WAN/LAN Port, 160MHz Bandwidth, USB 3.0 Port, 8K Streaming, EasyMesh-Compatible, HomeShield Security, Gaming & Streaming, Smart Home (Archer AX72 Pro)
- Gigabit WiFi for 8K Streaming – 5400 Mbps WiFi for faster browsing, streamings, and downloading, all at the same time.
- Fully Featured Wi-Fi 6 – Equips with the top structure of 4T4R and HE160 on the 5 GHz bands to enable a 4.8 Gbps ultra-fast connection.
- Connect 100+ Devices§ – Supports MU-MIMO and OFDMA to reduce congestion and quadruple the average throughput.**
- Extensive Coverage – 6× antennas and Beamforming ensure broad coverage.
- HomeShield – TP-Link's premium security services keep your home network safe with cutting-edge features for network and IoT protection.*
Bestseller No. 19
Amazon eero 6+ dual-band mesh Wi-Fi 6 router, with built-in Zigbee smart home hub and 160 MHz client device support
- A gigabit speed router, for less - Supports wifi speeds up to a gigabit, without the premium price tag. eero 6+ is our most affordable gigabit router ever.
- Wi-Fi 6 gets a bandwidth boost - eero 6+ supports additional wifi bandwidth on the 160 MHz radio channel (that’s just wifi talk for faster connectivity). With the eero 6+, you’ll get enough wifi for the whole family to work, stream, and video chat—all at the same time.
- Experience the eero TrueMesh difference - Patented TrueMesh technology intelligently routes traffic to reduce drop-offs and eliminate dead spots. Each eero 6+ covers up to 140 sq. m.
- Set up in minutes - The eero app guides you through setup and allows you to manage your network from anywhere.
- Gets better over time - Receive automatic updates to help keep your network safe and secure. Online security tools and additional network management features available via a separate subscription.
Bestseller No. 20
Tenda AC1200 Smart WiFi Router, High Speed Dual Band Wireless Internet Router with Smart APP, 4 x 100 Mbps Fast Ethernet Ports, Supports Guest WiFi, Access Point Mode, IPv6 and Parental Controls(AC6)
- 【Dual-Band 2.4Ghz + 5 Ghz】Get lightning quick connections for all your wireless devices by upgrading oo Tenda's enhanced 1200 Mbps high speed Wi-Fi technology (300Mbps at 2. 4Ghz Plus 867Mbps at 5Ghz)
- 【Powerful Belt Capacity】Link up to 20 Wireless Devices Like Google Assistant, Alexa and various streaming devices, etc. Simultaneously, while maintaining optimum network conditions
- 【Antennas Maximum Signal Coverage】The Tenda AC6 is equipped with 4 Powerful 5DBI Antennas, delivering high speed internet throughout your home and provides seamless coverage for up to 2000 Sq. Ft. Output: DC 9V1A
- 【Mu-Mimo Technology】The network can accommodate more users simultaneously, thanks to the advanced Mu-Mimo technology. This enables users to engage in gaming, streaming, and data transmission simultaneously. The guest network also benefits from Mu-Mimo technology
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