nbn Hybrid Fibre Coaxial (HFC) – BYO modem/router setup guide

Step 1: Locate the nbn HFC connection box

Find the nbn HFC connection box in your home. There are two versions that may be installed, and your setup may include either of the models shown below:

New nbn HFC connection box

New HFC connection box

Old nbn HFC connection box

Old HFC connection box

Step 2: Plug in the nbn HFC connection box

You will need to plug in your nbn HFC connection box. Ensure the coaxial cable connection is plugged in via the included white cable from the back of the HFC connection box. The other end of the white coaxial cable should plug into the cable wall outlet or socket in your premises.

New nbn HFC box - back view

New HFC connection box

Old nbn HFC box - rear view

Old HFC connection box

Plug the included power cable into the power port on the back of the HFC connection box. Plug the other end of the power cable into a power wall outlet in your home and switch the power outlet on.

You will now need to wait for all four lights (POWER, DOWNSTREAM, UPSTREAM, ONLINE) on the front of the HFC connection box to turn solid green.

❗️ Important: This may take up to 10 minutes. DO NOT unplug the device during this time as it could interrupt the setup process.

New HFC device - light status

New HFC connection box

Old HFC device - light status

Old HFC connection box

💬 Need help? If the POWER, DOWNSTREAM, UPSTREAM, ONLINE lights on the front of the HFC connection box do not turn solid green within 10 minutes, contact our support team for troubleshooting.

Step 3: Plug in your modem/router

Connect your modem/router’s power supply cable to a power outlet and switch it on.

Take your Ethernet cable (typically blue, yellow, grey or white) and plug one end into the port on the back of the nbn HFC connection box.

Plug the other end into the WAN port on your modem/router – this may also be labelled as INTERNET, WAN/LAN or FIBRE depending on the make and model of your device.

❗️Important: An Ethernet cable is larger than a telephone cable — do not use a telephone cable to connect your modem/router to the nbn HFC connection box.

Step 4: Connect & configure your modem/router

Ensure the Ethernet cable is connected from the port on your nbn HFC connection box to the WAN port on your modem/router – this may also be labelled as INTERNET, WAN/LAN or FIBRE depending on the make and model of your device.
Connect a computer, laptop, tablet or smartphone to your modem/router via Wi-Fi or Ethernet cable.
Open a web browser and enter your modem/router’s default IP address (often 192.168.1.1, 192.168.20.1, 10.1.1.1 or 10.0.0.138). You can usually find this printed on the back or bottom of the device.
Log in with the default username (usually admin) and password (usually admin or password). If these don’t work, check your modem’s manual, manufacturer’s website, or perform a factory reset.
Locate the Internet Setup or WAN Setup section. If your modem has a Setup Wizard, follow it. When prompted, enter:
- Connection Type / Encapsulation: PPPoE (preferred) or IPoE/DHCP
- Service Type / Access Type: Ethernet WAN
If using PPPoE, enter the username and password from your MATE welcome email.
Enable IPv6 if available, set to DHCPv6 or Auto Config (SLAAC).
Save your settings and wait for the modem to connect. Lights should be green, blue or another ‘positive’ colour. Flashing lights usually indicate activity.
Test your connection by visiting a website. If it works, you’re online.