Optus Ultra Wi-Fi Gen 2 review: Hold off for Gen 3

Nathan Lawrence - Freelance Contributor

Last updated 21 August 2025

Optus Ultra Wi-Fi Gen 2

Our verdict

The Optus Ultra Wi-Fi Gen 2 is a decent modem-router that ultimately launched too late to be impressive. Optus customers will get the most out of it, but it may be able to travel with you as a reliable modem-router. Still, it's incompatible with several NBN providers and not as futureproofed as we'd like for 2025.

$306 RRP

What we love

Super easy configuration (even for non-Optus users)
Whole-home WiFi (including with interference)
Tinkering-encouraged web portal

What could be improved

Limited 5GHz WiFi range
Doesn't travel well with credentials-required providers
Not ready for NBN 2000

The essentials

Setup

Effectively plug-and-play setup for Optus and other zero-credentials providers. But it's basically a paperweight if you shift to a credentials-required NBN provider.

Ports

Solid modem-router port selection, including four Ethernet ports, two phone ports, a USB 3.0 port for network file sharing, and a 4G SIM backup (for Optus customers).

Performance

Reliable set-and-forget networking for almost every internet task with low latency and decent speeds. It's missing Quality of Service, though, so some manual intervention is required.

Versatility

Optus customers can add a home phone line, plus they have access to 4G backup and straightforward support. Non-Optus users lose those features but can still extend their network with a booster.

NBN PRICE CHECK

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*nbn fixed line residential connections only.

On paper, modem-routers are attractive hardware because they're built to work with every NBN connection type. In practice, they typically trip over because they have to manage more than dedicated routers and mesh WiFi systems. Thankfully, there are some better examples of modem-routers, including options from Telstra, Optus, and Vodafone.

The Optus Ultra Wi-Fi Gen 2 modem-router is an optional inclusion for Optus NBN customers, made more attractive by a $0 upfront fee and 4G backup. If, like me, you're not with Optus, you lose some of the Optus Ultra Wi-Fi Gen 2's functionality, but it still proves to be a modem-router that can travel with you in a pinch. That is, as long as you shift to the 'right' NBN provider. Before we get into the full breakdown, here's a list of popular NBN plans from our database.

#1	Dodo Editor's Pick	Dodo FTTP, HFC Editor's Pick nbn500 Unlimited Plan FTTP, HFC nbn® 500/48 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Incl. $30/mth discount for 6 months based on the standard price $92.99/mth. Ends 08.12.26. T&Cs apply. $62.99/mth for first 6 mths, then $92.99/mth Min. cost $62.99 Go to Site*	$62.99/mth for first 6 mths, then $92.99/mth Min. cost $62.99	Go to Site
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Network testing conditions

Home networking equipment is tested in a first-floor apartment with thick WiFi-interfering walls using an FTTC NBN 100/20 connection. The networking device is deliberately placed at one end of the apartment (instead of a central location) to test wireless range and penetration. Basic speed tests are performed at multiple locations inside and outside the apartment, first with a Synology RT6600ax router and then with the networking device being reviewed for comparative results. Everyday, internet tests are also performed with relevant results mentioned for streaming, web browsing, online gaming, video and voice calls, as well as downloading large files and transferring them across devices on the local network.

What we like about the Optus Ultra Wi-Fi Gen 2

On the surface, there's a lot to like about the Optus Ultra Wi-Fi Gen 2 modem-router. It works with every NBN technology, and it's an easy 'yes' toggle away from $0 inclusion if you sign up for an Optus NBN plan. When it arrives, it has everything you need in the box: a DSL cable for FTTN and FTTB users, plus a colour-coded Ethernet cable for everyone else. There's even a spare Ethernet cable in the box, which is a much-appreciated rarity.

The pros continue for the initial Optus modem setup. I'm not an Optus NBN customer, so I was expecting some configuration issues with my new-in-box second-hand Optus Ultra Wi-Fi Gen 2 modem-router. But there weren't any. I didn't even have to reset it; it just worked after I connected the power and Ethernet cable, then power-cycled my NBN connection box.

While I can't use the Optus app for network monitoring, I was impressed at the user-friendliness of the Optus Ultra Wi-Fi Gen 2's web portal. Sure, web portals are antiquated nowadays, but the layout is logical with the right amount of information to encourage tinkering. After an Optus modem login, I didn't have any issues finding the settings I usually tweak, and even without logging in, there's still meaningful information on the login page, including LED status.

When I moved on to the internet speed tests, the Optus router offered mostly impressive performance. While there were some speed dips, the Optus WiFi modem offered whole-home wireless coverage, and the 2.4GHz network had some comparatively impressive performance outside my apartment building. Latency, too, was low throughout my tests, making the Optus NBN modem a faithful networking companion for real-time tasks like video calls and online gaming.

It helps that the Optus Gen 2 modem doesn't have the kind of shaky uptime unreliability of other modem-routers I've tested in the past year. Effectively, the Optus Ultra Wi-Fi Gen 2 tackled every internet task I threw at it, including simultaneous 4K streams, video calls, web browsing, social media, and online gaming. Once the Optus modem-router is set up, you shouldn't have to tinker with it again, which is how it should be for networking equipment.

Networking gear compatibility

Routers, modem-routers and mesh WiFi systems are compatible with most NBN connections, including FTTP, HFC, FTTC, Fixed Wireless and Sky Muster satellite. All of these NBN technologies use respective network termination devices (NTDs), which is a fancy term for “connection box” or “modem”. If you live in an FTTB or FTTN home, you’ll need a modem-router to get online. You can still connect a router or mesh WiFi system to a modem-router, but the modem-router first needs to be in bridge mode so it can then connect to a router or mesh WiFi system.

What we dislike about the Optus Ultra Wi-Fi Gen 2

That $0 upfront fee doesn't tell the full story. Practically speaking, the Optus Ultra Wi-Fi Gen 2 costs $306, and part of your NBN plan's monthly fee covers the cost of repaying the Optus modem-router. That won't be an issue if you stick with Optus for two years, but you may have a hardware exit fee if you want to switch NBN providers within 24 months.

While the Optus Ultra Wi-Fi Gen 2 can technically travel with you, there are some disclaimers. There are the obvious ones, like you can forget about 4G backup or a home phone line, unless you're comfortable with installing custom firmware. And custom firmware is seemingly the only choice if you shift to a PPPoE NBN provider that requires internet credentials to get online. If that's you, there's nowhere to input an internet username and password in the Optus modem-router web portal, which makes it less versatile than the Telstra Smart Modem 3 and the TP-Link VX420-G2v/h.

During my initial speed tests, it became apparent that the Optus Ultra Wi-Fi Gen 2 either has a small 5GHz wireless footprint or it's too gung-ho in dropping to the 2.4GHz band. While the 2.4GHz speeds were good with my NBN 100 plan, you'll start to notice the download speed impact if you're on anything faster. That's an issue if you can't get your priority wireless devices inside the 5GHz coverage, which may necessitate buying one or more second-gen Optus Ultra WiFi Boosters for $216 a pop.

Like other modem-routers, the Optus Ultra Wi-Fi Gen 2 isn't up to snuff for NBN 2000 plans, specifically because of across-the-board gigabit Ethernet ports. It's also strange that Optus launched its second-gen modem-router so late in the WiFi 6 life cycle, given WiFi 7 launched a year after the Optus Ultra Wi-Fi Gen 2. If Optus wants to offer NBN 2000 plans, it means it'll either have to offer an alternative router or a third-generation modem-router.

In the context of its 2023 launch, it's bizarre that the Optus Ultra Wi-Fi Gen 2 doesn't have Quality of Service (QoS). This feature is arguably critical for set-and-forget networking equipment these days, particularly in homes that are juggling devices that are streaming bandwidth-hungry content while other devices are downloading files. You will experience fidelity dips and potentially buffering if someone attempts to download files at full speed while you're streaming (I did).

Optus modem lights meaning

The Optus Ultra Wi-Fi Gen 2 is such a fan of lights it has one on the power adaptor. Here's a full breakdown of what the lights mean on your Optus Ultra Wi-Fi Gen 2 modem-router:

Power light: solid green = powered on; off = no power.
DSL light (FTTB and FTTN only): solid green = sync successful; flashing green = sync in progress; off = no sync.
Internet light: solid blue = LTE online; flashing blue = LTE activating; solid red = DHCP error; solid green = WAN online; flashing green = DHCP in progress; off = no activity.
WiFi light: solid blue = separate 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands; solid green = combined 2.4GHz/5GHz bands; flashing blue/green = WPS pairing mode.
Telephone light: solid green = successfully registered; flashing green = phone is off the hook; solid red = register failure; off = no account.
4G backup light: solid red = no signal or connection; solid green = good or medium signal; solid orange = poor signal.

Optus Ultra Wi-Fi Gen 2 – Final Thoughts

The Optus Ultra Wi-Fi Gen 2 is tricky to recommend in 2025, particularly given how close we are to faster NBN plans. If you're an Optus customer using a plan up to and including NBN 100, you should be fine with the Optus Ultra Wi-Fi Gen 2.

But if you're looking to leave Optus and want to save money by sticking with your Optus modem-router, you'll have to shop providers based on whether they use internet credentials to get online. Couple that versatility-hampering with a lack of QoS, and it makes the Optus Ultra Wi-Fi Gen 2 a tougher sell when there are competing modem-routers that aren't destined to be e-waste if you shift from the provider who bundled them.

How we review modems and routers

We consider several factors when reviewing networking equipment, including:

Type: Router, modem-router or mesh WiFi system. Supported NBN technologies and plan speeds.
Design: Size, weight and standing options. Internal or external antennae. Available ports, WiFi version, and single, dual or triband wireless.
Setup: Plug-and-play configurations vs laborious setup. Companion apps and guided setups are a plus.
Performance: Ethernet and WiFi speed tests for downloads, uploads and latency. Real-time latency test for online gaming, VoIP and/or video calls. Plus, everyday use like downloading, uploading, browsing and streaming.
Versatility: Band steering (single SSID), quality of service and other features. Ease of configuration, plus mesh expansion.

Looking for a new NBN plan?

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Nathan Lawrence

Freelance Contributor

Nathan Lawrence is a freelance writer with over 11 years of experience. He has contributed to publications including WhistleOut Australia, Review.org/au, IGN, STACK, Fandom, Red Bull, and AusGamers. Nathan specialises in researching, writing, and editing content around technology, telecommunications, and gaming.

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