Is your internet connection playing up and you suspect the modem could be to blame? Are you switching to the NBN and wanting to know if you need to upgrade your technology? Is your modem just a little bit old and you're wondering if you could get better performance from a new model?
Whatever the reason, from time to time, you will need to replace your home modem or router. In this guide, we'll talk about how to decide if that time is now.
While these aren't steadfast rules, you may need a new modem or router if:
- You've upgraded to FTTP
- You're on one of the new, fast NBN speed tiers
- You don't have WiFi 6 or better
- Your WiFi speed is substantially slower than your speed when connected directly to the modem
- You're switching to a new internet type, like from NBN to 5G Home Wireless
- The internet drops in and out at random
- Your modem tends to need a reset in order to work properly
- The device won't connect to the internet at all
- Your modem doesn't turn on
- The modem has started making loud or strange sounds
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Why buy a new modem?
Maybe your current modem is under-performing, or you've moved to a fast new plan and aren't getting the speeds you're expecting. There are a couple of reasons why you'd think about buying a new modem or router these days, and we're going to dive into each in a bit more detail.
You're on an NBN 500 plan or faster
If you're on an NBN 500 plan or faster, you'll want a WiFi 6 modem or router at a minimum. If your modem or router doesn't support WiFi 6, your devices may not be able to achieve the speeds you're paying for. You might be okay if you have a high-end WiFi 5 modem, but you'll definitely need to upgrade if you've still got a WiFi 4 modem or router.
If you're looking at an NBN 2000 plan, you'll need a WiFi 7 router instead.
You're upgrading to FTTP
If you're taking advantage of NBN Co's free FTTP upgrades, there's a chance you may need to upgrade your networking equipment. FTTN, FTTC, and FTTB connection types require the use of a modem-router to get online. FTTP just needs a router, as the supplied connection box works as a modem.
In some cases, you can get a modem-router to just be a router, but this can create complications.
You have a big house
If you have a bigger house, you may want to upgrade to a mesh WiFi router. Mesh WiFi routers often come in two- or three-packs, and are designed as a simple solution to whole home connectivity. Amazon's eero 7 family is a reliable pick as a starting point.
Many providers offer a free modem or router with their NBN plans. While provider-issued modems used to have a bad reputation, many of the modems and routers on offer now are actually pretty good. We've rated the latest modems from Telstra, Vodafone, and iiNet quite highly, and we're now seeing providers offer modems from the Amazon eero, which tend to be reliable.
You're switching to the NBN
If you're switching to NBN from a different connection type, you may need a new modem or router. If you're coming from 5G home internet, for example, you'll definitely need a new modem or router.
Your NBN connection determines whether you need a modem router or just a router. Read more about this here.
NBN Co did its own investigation into underperforming connections and identified modem problems as a huge contributing factor. In our NBN modem guide, we go through the main modem malfunctions and how to fix them.
How to identify and fix problems with your modem
There are a few easy things you can do to work out if the issue lies with your modem or something else going on with your internet connection.
1. Check your NBN speed
If you're on the NBN, take a look at your plan to check what NBN speed tier you've signed up for. It could be that the speed you're paying for is the cause of the poor performance. There's no point buying a new modem or router if the problem is you're only on a NBN 25 plan.
In general, we recommend NBN 50 as a minimum. NBN 100 is the next step up for those on FTTN, FTTC, or FTTB, while NBN 500 is the best option for those on FTTP and HFC. Compare popular plans on these speed tiers below:
|
#1
|
Dodo
All Fixed Line nbn®
Editor's Pick
nbn50 Unlimited Plan
$57.99/mth
Min. cost $57.99
|
|
#2
|
amaysim
All Fixed Line nbn®
NBN50
$75/mth
Min. cost $75
|
|
#3
|
Belong
All Fixed Line nbn®
NBN Standard Plus – Unlimited
$55/mth
Min. cost $55
|
|
#4
|
Tangerine Telecom
All Fixed Line nbn®
Value Plus NBN 50/20
$64.90/mth
Min. cost $64.90
|
|
#5
|
Superloop
All Fixed Line nbn®
Extra-value nbn50/20
$69/mth
Min. cost $69
|
|
#6
|
TPG
All Fixed Line nbn®
nbn50 Unlimited Plan
$69.99/mth
Min. cost $69.99
Link not supplied
|
|
#7
|
iiNet
All Fixed Line nbn®
nbn50 Liimitless
$69.99/mth
+ $10 Upfront
Min. cost $79.99
Link not supplied
|
|
#8
|
Kogan Internet
All Fixed Line nbn®
Silver Unlimited
$69.90/mth
Min. cost $69.90
|
|
#9
|
Flip
All Fixed Line nbn®
Unlimited Family nbn50
$68/mth
Min. cost $68
|
|
#10
|
Skymesh
Skymesh Ultra 50 Plan
$79.95/mth
Min. cost $79.95
Link not supplied
|
|
#1
|
Dodo
FTTN, FTTB, FTTC
Editor's Pick
nbn100 Unlimited Plan
$62.99/mth
Min. cost $62.99
|
|
#2
|
amaysim
FTTN, FTTB, FTTC
NBN100
$50/mth
Min. cost $50
|
|
#3
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Belong
FTTN, FTTB, FTTC
NBN Premium – Unlimited
$59/mth
Min. cost $59
|
|
#4
|
Superloop
FTTN, FTTB, FTTC
Family nbn100/20
$74/mth
Min. cost $74
|
|
#5
|
iiNet
FTTN, FTTB, FTTC
nbn Home Fast Liimitless
$69.99/mth
+ $10 Upfront
Min. cost $79.99
Link not supplied
|
|
#6
|
Tangerine Telecom
FTTN, FTTB, FTTC
Speedy NBN 100/20
$67.90/mth
Min. cost $67.90
|
|
#7
|
Activ8me
Sky Muster Plus Premium 100
$99/mth
Min. cost $99
|
|
#8
|
TPG
FTTN, FTTB, FTTC
nbn Home Fast Unlimited Plan
$74.99/mth
Min. cost $74.99
Link not supplied
|
|
#9
|
Flip
FTTN, FTTB, FTTC
Unlimited Turbo Boost nbn100
$69/mth
Min. cost $69
|
|
#10
|
Kogan Internet
FTTN, FTTB, FTTC
Gold Unlimited
$69.90/mth
Min. cost $69.90
|
|
#1
|
Dodo
FTTP, HFC
Editor's Pick
nbn500 Unlimited Plan
$62.99/mth
Min. cost $62.99
|
|
#2
|
Tangerine Telecom
FTTP, HFC
Speedy Max NBN 500/50
$59.90/mth
Min. cost $59.90
|
|
#3
|
amaysim
FTTP, HFC
NBN500
$50/mth
Min. cost $50
|
|
#4
|
Belong
FTTP, HFC
NBN Fast – Unlimited
$59/mth
Min. cost $59
|
|
#5
|
Superloop
FTTP, HFC
Family Max nbn500/50
$74/mth
Min. cost $74
|
|
#6
|
Exetel
FTTP, HFC
One Plan 500/50
$80/mth
Min. cost $80
|
|
#7
|
SpinTel
FTTP, HFC
Home Turbo 500/50
$69/mth
Min. cost $69
|
|
#8
|
TPG
FTTP, HFC
nbn Home Fast Unlimited Plan
$74.99/mth
Min. cost $74.99
Link not supplied
|
|
#9
|
Kogan Internet
FTTP, HFC
Gold Plus Unlimited
$69.90/mth
Min. cost $69.90
|
|
#10
|
Flip
FTTP, HFC
Unlimited Fast Speed nbn500
$69/mth
Min. cost $69
|
2. Test your WiFi
WiFi is often the culprit when it comes to poor internet performance, whether that's the WiFi capability of your combined modem router or the separate router that connects to your modem. And if it's not the culprit, isolating it from the issue can often help to identify the real source of the problem.
These steps are designed to isolate WiFi from other issues that could be causing your internet problems.
- Take your device to the location in your house where you're having trouble with the internet. Run an internet speed test. Write down this result.
- Take your device to the same room that your modem is in. Run the speed test again. If you're getting a dramatically higher speed than you were previously, you're likely dealing with an issue with the WiFi range on your modem or router.
- If you can, disable WiFi on your device and then connect your device to your modem using an Ethernet cable. Run the speed test again. If you're getting a dramatically higher speed than either of the previous two tests, the modem's wireless functionality is potentially the culprit.
- If you want to be extra sure, repeat these previous steps with another device to confirm that the issue is with the modem, rather than with the device. If you're getting the same kind of results across multiple devices, the issue probably lies with your modem.
If you've identified the source of the problem as WiFi, the good news is there are a number of fixes you can try:
- You could get a new or more powerful modem and/or router
- You could opt for a mesh router
- You could get a powerline Ethernet adapter
Mesh routers are particularly popular for large homes where your modem could simply be struggling to cover the distance. They can also be a solution for other black spot issues, like areas of your home in which the density of appliances interferes with the WiFi. Read our guide about mesh WiFi here.
Powerline Ethernet adapters, on the other hand, can be a good solution if your problem is only with devices that connect to the internet via Ethernet cable. They essentially work by connecting your device to the modem through the powerlines in your home. Read our guide to powerline Ethernet adapters here.
3. Check for other issues with your connection
There are other things, apart from your modem or Wi-i, that could be causing poor internet performance.
If you're on the NBN, speed and reliability can be affected by issues like distance from the node (if you're on Fibre to the Node technology), network congestion and even connection errors. Read our guide on what slows down NBN and what you can do for more information.
4. Google your modem
Last but not least, it's always worth Googling your current modem to get a feel for what others are saying about it. Australian broadband forum Whirlpool can be a good resource. If feedback is mostly positive, it's possible that your modem isn't the issue (or that you've got a faulty model). If feedback is negative, that's a good sign that it's time to get a new modem.
FAQs
How often should you replace your modem?
Every piece of tech has a lifespan, and for a modem or router, that span is generally between two and five years. Cheaper modems will generally be less efficient and may need replacing sooner, while the higher-end models should last closer to the five-year mark.
How do I know if my modem is outdated?
Modems and routers that don't have at least WiFi 6 are outdated.
Will a new modem increase my WiFi speed?
Modems don't increase your actual connection speed but they can increase WiFi speed. A more powerful modem with better range can make a difference to the download speeds your WiFi-connected devices can achieve, simply because it is transmitting more efficiently.
Jacqui Dent
Editorial Strategist
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