nbn Fibre to the Node (FTTN) – BYO modem setup guide

Step 1: Find the telephone wall socket

Find the telephone wall socket in your home. They’re most commonly found in the main living room space or bedrooms, but can sometimes be in the kitchen area. It should look something like the photo below. Make a note of all the sockets in your home, even ones that may be in non-ideal locations such as bedrooms.

Locate A Telephone Wall Socket

If your home has an older style wall socket shown below (typically the plug is a yellow square with 3 prongs), you’ll need to purchase a Jackson adapter that allows you to plug in a modern RJ11 phone cable. These adapters can be purchased at most electronics and computer stores.

Older Style Telephone Socket

Disconnect all devices in your home such as telephones, modems, fax machines or anything else that is plugged into a telephone wall socket. It is very important that you have no other devices plugged into sockets in your home.

❗ Important: If you are porting your existing landline telephone number to an nbn phone (VoIP) service and need to keep using your landline phone until the port is completed (which can take up to six weeks), you’ll need to use a VDSL in-line filter/splitter. These can be purchased at most electronics stores. Learn more here.

Step 2: Connect your modem

Disconnect all devices such as telephones, fax machines, or other modems from any wall sockets in your home. It’s important to have only your modem connected during setup.

Connect your modem’s power supply to an electrical outlet and switch it on. Use a telephone cable to connect the DSL/VDSL port on your modem to the telephone wall socket. The setup should look like the image below once complete.

VDSL2 modem installation

Wait for the DSL light on your modem to turn solid. This can take up to 15 minutes. Do not unplug the device during this time.

If the DSL light on your modem does not turn solid after 15 minutes, and you have more than one wall socket in your home, try connecting the modem to each socket one by one. Power the modem off and on at each socket and leave it connected for up to 15 minutes until the DSL light turns solid.

💬 Need help? If the DSL light doesn’t turn solid after trying all sockets, contact our Aussie-based support team for assistance.

Step 3: Configure your modem

If you’re using your own modem/router, it needs to be configured with your MATE nbn settings. You’ll need a VDSL-capable modem/router for FTTN connections.

  1. Ensure the supplied telephone cable is connected from the DSL/VDSL port on your modem to the wall socket. Confirm the power cable is connected and switched on.
  2. Connect a device (computer, laptop, smartphone, or tablet) to your modem using Wi-Fi or an Ethernet cable.
  3. Open a web browser and enter your modem’s default IP address in the address bar (commonly 192.168.1.1, 192.168.20.1, 10.1.1.1, or 10.0.0.138). This is usually printed on the bottom or back of your device.
  4. Log in with the default credentials (often username: admin, password: admin or password). If these don’t work, check your modem’s manual, the manufacturer’s website, or perform a factory reset.
  5. Locate the setup section (often called Setup Wizard, Quick Setup, or Internet Settings).
  6. Enter the internet connection settings:
    • Connection type/encapsulation: PPPoE (preferred) or IPoE/DHCP
    • Access type/service type: VDSL
    • If using PPPoE, enter the username and password from your MATE welcome email.
  7. Enable IPv6 (set to DHCPv6 or Auto Config/SLAAC if available) for future-proof connectivity.
  8. Save your settings and wait for the modem to apply them. This may involve an automatic reboot or a short wait while the connection establishes.
  9. Check your modem lights – a stable green, blue, or similar colour usually means you’re connected.
  10. Test your connection by visiting a website on your connected device. If it works, you’re online.
💬 Need help? If you get stuck setting up your BYO modem, contact our Aussie-based support team for troubleshooting help.