Don’t know how to connect Optus modem to nbn? Fear not, because this guide will help you!
Connecting an Optus modem is as easy as plugging one cable on both sides, but the procedure may involve many extra steps based on your equipment.
This guide will review all possible nbn connection types and how to connect your Optus modem based on your setup and instalment.
To connect your Optus modem to an nbn box, you must first verify your equipment and the type of nbn connection. As per the type of nbn installation, you must connect your modem to the nbn connection box via an Ethernet cable and configure the nbn settings.
This may sound simple to the more experienced of you, but if you haven’t connected a modem before, the guide below will get you your internet access.
How to Connect Optus Modem to nbn in Easy Steps?
Tip: If you’re just unboxing your Optus modem, follow the steps from the start!
1. Check Your Equipment
The first step in the setup process is to verify that you have the equipment necessary to connect with the nbn box.
If you’ve unpackaged everything, check whether everything needed is there!
Here’s the Optus equipment you must have at your disposal:
You must have everything available as per your subscription and nbn service.
If you still haven’t set up your modem, continue with the next step.
Reminder: Confirm that your nbn equipment is available and working!
2. Install the Optus Modem
One of the first steps before you can connect the Optus modem to the nbn box is to ensure your device is correctly set up.
There is one important factor to consider, which is the position of your Optus modem based on the nearby power outlets and the distance to your nbn connection box.
Here are the two essential rules when setting up your Optus modem:
- You must be able to connect your modem to power.
- The Ethernet cable must reach the modem and nbn.
When you plug your modem into the power, the Power LED must become green, indicating that the modem is powered on.
So, when you see a green light, you can continue with the next step!
Tip: Use a central spot to position your Optus modem for broader Wi-Fi coverage!
3. Connect to the nbn Box
When your Optus modem is set up and ready for connection, it’s time to lead the cable to your nbn connection box.
The primary connection is “Ethernet,” but with different nbn installations, you may need to use different ports in your equipment.
Here’s how to connect Optus modem to nbn box:
Connect Optus Modem to FTTP nbn:
FTTP (Fibre to the Premises) is considered the best-performing nbn connection type, using an optical fibre cable leading directly to your premises.
However, this is the least common option due to the complexity of leading the line individually to your premises.
The Optus modem connects to the nbn via the white Ethernet cable with the red connectors into the “Uni-D1” port.
On your modem’s side, connect the Ethernet cable’s plug to the “WAN” port.
Connect Optus Modem to FTTC nbn:
FTTC (Fibre to the Curb) delivers service to your home from a small telecommunication pole outdoors via optical fibre cable.
You must connect one side of the Ethernet cable to the “Gateway” port on your nbn box and the other side to the “WAN” (red-coloured port) on the modem.
Connect Optus Modem to HFC nbn:
HFC (Hybrid Fibre Coaxial) is a technology that delivers the service to a node on your street with a final coaxial stretch to your premises.
Your Optus modem connects via Ethernet cable to the “Uni-D1” port on the nbn box, and the other end goes to the “WAN” port on the modem.
Connect Optus Modem to FTTB/FTTN nbn:
The FTTB (Fibre to the Building) and FTTN (Fibre to the Node) use internal wiring to deliver the service from a centralised node in the street or building.
The grey telephone cable must be plugged in the “XDSL” port on the Optus modem and into the nbn wall outlet, where the service is delivered.
Note: Ensure that the Ethernet cable is connected tightly to your nbn box and modem ports to prevent internet disruptions.
4. Configure the nbn Settings
When you connect your Optus modem to the nbn, you may not immediately receive access to the internet because the device may not acquire the configuration automatically.
So first, you must check the connection/online or “Uni-DN” light on your modem based on the nbn type.
If it’s not lit, you need to manually configure the nbn settings from the modem’s admin tool.
How to Access the Optus Modem?
- Connect a PC/laptop to the modem via Ethernet.
- OR connect a smartphone to the default Wi-Fi.
- Open any web browser and insert “192.168.1.1”.
- Info: Check your details from the Optus modem.
- When you log in, go to “Settings” → “Advanced.”
How to Configure the nbn Settings?
Here’s the correct nbn settings configuration suitable for nbn configuration types:
| nbn Settings (FTTP, FTTC, HFC, FTTB, FTTN) | |
| Encapsulation | IPoE |
| nbn username | None |
| Connection Type FTTB/FTTN | VDSL2 Annex B FTTB/FTTN(vectoring) |
| Connection Type FTTC, FTTB, HFC or Fixed Wireless | WAN Ethernet |
| VLAN ID | None/Disabled |
Specific VDSL2 options for FTTN/FTTB, as per the nbn specification | Enable: Seamless Rate Adaptation |
| Enable: ROC/SOC | |
| Enable: G.993.5/G.Vector | |
| Enable: G.998.4/G.INP | |
| Modulation: Annex B VDSL2(vectoring) | |
| VDSL2 Profiles: 30a & 17a | |
When you’re ready with the configuration, you must exit and save your changes.
We also advise restarting the Optus modem after the options are set and checking the internet light on the front.
Reminder: Verify that your nbn connection box is connected and working!
5. Test Your Internet Access
If the Optus modem connection to the nbn box is working, the “Internet,” “Connection,” or “Online” light must be solid green/blue.
This means that the Optus modem is communicating with the nbn connection box. You should have access to the internet on your Wi-Fi or Ethernet.
- Option #1: Connect a smartphone to the Wi-Fi using the default credentials on the bottom of your Optus modem.
- Option #2: Connect a PC/laptop to your Optus modem via Ethernet cable to one of the yellow “LAN” ports.
That’s it, this is how to connect Optus nbn modem.
You should be able to access the internet on your connected device, whether it’s via Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection.
Note: If you don’t have internet access, check the lights on your nbn box since you may be out of service from the provider.
6. Configure the Wi-Fi Settings
If you want a custom Wi-Fi name and password, configure it using the Optus modem’s admin tool.
So, on a connected machine, go to “192.168.1.1,” sign into the control panel and go to the “My Wi-Fi” settings to begin the configuration.
Turn ON or OFF the “Band Steering”
The band steering is a feature that is enabled by default on your Optus modem and combines your 2.4GHz and 5GHz networks into one single Wi-Fi.
This allows all devices to connect to one central Wi-Fi, whether they support only 2.4GHz Wi-Fi frequency or both.
Note: Disabling the band steering will separate your Wi-Fi on two networks, so you must set a custom SSID and password for each.
Set a Custom SSID and Password
You can find the SSID and password fields for both your network frequencies from the “My Wi-Fi” tab on your Optus modem’s settings.
So, use a custom SSID and a strong password to protect your wireless network from unwanted connections.
Enable Your Guest Wi-Fi Network
You can enable a guest Wi-Fi network designed for everyone by entering the “My Wi-Fi” tab and clicking “Guest Wi-Fi.”
From there, you must set a custom SSID and password and set “WPA Personal” next to the “Wi-Fi Security” section.
Note: When your Wi-Fi configuration is done, reboot your Optus wireless modem!
Quick Recap:
So, you now know how to connect Optus modem to nbn, by identifying the type of your nbn setup and using the provided Ethernet cable to connect the Optus modem with the nbn box.
Finally, you must configure the wireless settings to connect with your devices.
Follow us for more Optus guides and configuration!
Finn Wheatley holds a Master’s Degree in Computer Science from UCL, London. He helped small data science consultancy firms, helping large corporations to grow their data capabilities, deploy advanced machine learning-based analytics and troubleshoot tech-related issues. Check out more about him here.