Telstra WiFi booster gen 3 setup is easy, but setting it up can be a hurdle for some of you!
The Telstra Gen 3 booster has one of the most approachable and quick setup procedures in the networking world, using Advanced Protocol Assigning.
You only need the supplied internet cable and a Telstra modem to kick-start your extended network and reach maximum speeds.
To set up a Telstra Wi-Fi Booster from Gen 3, establish a physical connection with the Telstra modem and power on the booster.
Let’s learn more!
Does Telstra Wi-Fi Booster Work With Any Modem?
The Telstra Wi-Fi booster can only be set up through a Telstra Wi-Fi modem.
Before extending your network, the booster requires a wired setup procedure, saving you time from adjusting the settings manually, assigning the static IP address and adjusting the DNS/DHCP configuration.
Since the Gen 3 Telstra booster uses automatic protocol assignment, it cannot be set up from an unidentified or third-party modem not powered by Telstra service.
Pro Tip: Run a network test and note your results, so you can perform another test later and compare.
Telstra WiFi Booster Gen 3 Setup – Quick & Easy Steps
Tip: Follow the guide consecutively!
1. Check Your Booster Compatibility
The variety of available Telstra modems have independent service features, and not all are compatible with boosters.
Let’s determine whether your modem can set up a Wi-Fi booster:
- Telstra Smart Modem Gen 3 and Gen 2 – Yes, on nbn fixed broadband plans only.
- Telstra Smart Modem – Yes, on nbn FTTP, FTTC, FTTB or HTC plans.
- Telstra Frontier Gateway – No, the gateway does not support boosters.
Note: You can always upgrade if your Telstra modem does not support booster coverage!
2. Power On the Telstra Wi-Fi Booster
If your modem and Wi-Fi booster are compatible, it’s time to power the Telstra Wi-Fi booster to complete the wired modem setup and extend your network.
So, take out the power adapter of the Telstra booster’s delivery package and connect it to a nearby power source close to the Telstra modem required for the setup.
How to Know If Telstra Booster Is On?
The Telstra Wi-Fi booster’s LED lamp has a flashing and a solid state.
So, upon connecting your booster for the first time, the lamp will turn solid blue, indicating that the device receives power.
Info: The flashing state of the booster only occurs during the wired setup of the device!
3. Connect the Booster to the Modem
The Telstra Smart WiFi booster Gen 3 setup requires a wired initialisation with your modem!
Once the booster has been powered on and the LED light has turned solid blue, it’s time to proceed with the next step and start the wired setup of the booster.
This step is unique to Telstra modems, as the booster cannot be set up through third-party or unidentified routers.
What Do I Need to Set up a Telstra Gen 3 Booster?
All you’ll need for the wireless setup of the Telstra booster is the yellow-ended internet cable supplied with the booster.
The Telstra booster and the Telstra modem have two identical LAN ports compatible with each end of the required yellow-ended cable.
How to Connect Telstra Booster to Telstra Modem?
Here’s how to start the wired setup of the Telstra booster:
- Identify a compatible LAN port on your booster and modem.
- Position the Telstra booster within a wide range of the modem.
- Connect one end of the Telstra internet cable to your booster.
- Plug the other end into an available LAN port on your modem.
- Wait until the frontal LED of the booster starts flashing in blue.
The repetitive blue flashing light will indicate the start of the booster’s wired setup.
Note: The pairing could last up to 5 minutes, based on the performance of the Wi-Fi network!
4. Wait for Pairing Finalisation
After the LED light of the Telstra booster has started flashing, the pairing procedure may last for a few minutes before the network device is connected successfully.
During that time, the booster will acquire all necessary network settings to start boosting the network of the wireless modem.
How to Know When Pairing is Complete?
The setup of the Telstra booster is complete whenever the LED light turns solid blue.
So, as established, the indicator will remain flashing while the wired modem setup is fully completed.
| Telstra Gen 3 Wi-Fi Booster LED Lights | |
| LED Color | Meaning |
| Blue(solid) | The booster setup has been successful. The connection to modem is reliable. |
| Flashing Blue(flashing) | The booster setup is currently ongoing. Do not unplug or power off the Telstra booster. |
| Purple(solid) | The device’s OS is currently being updated. Keep the device switched on for 5 minutes. |
| Amber (solid) | The Telstra WiFi booster’s signal is poor. Relocate the booster closer to the modem. |
| Red(solid) | The booster has lost its modem connection. The wired modem setup must be completed again. |
| No Light | The Telstra WiFi booster has no power. Inspect the power supply and the equipment. |
Note: Power cycle your equipment if the solid blue light does not appear!
5. Move the Telstra Wi-Fi Booster
Once the setup is complete, it’s time to relocate the Telstra Wi-Fi booster to start extending your network efficiently.
Your Telstra Wi-Fi booster must be positioned strategically to sustain a wireless connection to the modem and cover dead zones across your home.
Tips for Telstra WiFi Booster Positioning:
- Your booster must be between the modem and the dead zone.
- Position the Telstra Gen 3 booster in an open or central position.
- Avoid placing the booster in enclosed spaces or behind objects.
- Sustain a 15-metre distance between the booster and the modem.
- There mustn’t be large appliances near your Telstra Wi-Fi booster.
- Your Telstra Wi-Fi booster must not be covered with any objects.
Following these simple guidelines while positioning the booster will ensure robust and sustained modem connectivity and adequately boost your home Wi-Fi network!
6. Test the Boosted Wi-Fi Network
After setting up the booster and assigning it to a suitable position, it’s time to test the network.
The Telstra Gen 3 booster can magnify your network’s speed and data transfer, allowing for more optimised downloads, uploads and high-data streaming through all connected devices.
To test the boosted network, connect one of your devices via Wi-Fi and stand next to the booster.
The next step is to access speedtest.net and tap the “GO” button for another round of results for comparison.
The results will uncover how much the network is boosted and show the download and upload speeds of the boosted Wi-Fi in your home.
Note: If your speeds are similar, relocate your Wi-Fi booster!
7. Connect Your Devices to Wi-Fi
When everything is ready and your Telstra booster is working, it’s time to connect your devices to the Wi-Fi by going into the Settings → Wi-Fi.
There, you’ll discover the Wi-Fi network of your booster, which should now be substantial when compared with a direct connection to your modem from this spot.
Note: Power cycle your booster if you cannot connect with the booster’s Wi-Fi!
Do I Have a Telstra Modem?
It is necessary to own a Telstra modem to complete the wired initialisation of the booster.
Using a third-party modem will disallow the transfer of essential DHCP protocol and prevent the setup.
How to Identify Modem Type?
All Telstra modems have a logo icon on the frontal panel, but if yours doesn’t, or you can’t seem to notice it, you can check the model number.
- Telstra Smart modem Gen 3 – Model no. Cobra XH
- Telstra Smart Modem Gen 2 – Model no. LH 1000/DJA 0231
- Telstra Smart Modem – Model no. DJA 0230
- Telstra Frontier Gateway – Model no. DJN 0231
If your modem has either of these models, it is powered by Telstra, and it can successfully activate the Gen 3 booster and assign the necessary network protocols.
Note: For more support, contact Telstra Customer Service!
Quick Recap:
To complete the Telstra WiFi booster Gen 3 setup, connect the Wi-Fi booster to the power supply and use the yellow-ended cable to connect the device to your modem.
Then, wait for the pairing procedure to complete, pick a spot for the booster and test your network.
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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.