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

Step 1: Locate the nbn connection box

Locate the nbn HFC connection box

Find the indoor nbn HFC connection box in your home. The model may vary depending on what was installed by nbn, but it will be similar to the black device shown below.

Nbn HFC Connection Box

nbn supplied equipment may be installed in several different ways depending on your premises. The image below shows the two main combinations of nbn supplied equipment for an HFC connection, including installation without a pay TV service and installation with a splitter for pay TV.

Nbn Connection Equipment Troubleshooting

Step 2: Plug in the nbn connection box

Plug in the nbn HFC connection box

Ensure the coaxial cable is connected via the included white cable from the back of the nbn HFC connection box to the cable wall outlet or socket in your premises.

Nbn HFC Connection Box Plug

Plug the included black power cable from the power port on the back of the nbn HFC connection box into a power wall outlet and switch it on. Wait for all four lights (POWER, DOWNSTREAM, UPSTREAM, ONLINE) on the front of the nbn HFC connection box to turn solid green. This may take up to 10 minutes. Do not unplug the device during this time.

Nbn HFC Connection Box Green Lights

💡 Tip: If the lights don’t turn solid green within 10 minutes, contact our support team for troubleshooting.

Step 3: Plug in your modem/router

Plug in your BYO 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 yellow UNI-D1 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).

The 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

Connect and configure your BYO modem/router

  1. Ensure the Ethernet cable is connected from the yellow UNI-D1 port on your nbn HFC connection box to the WAN port on your modem/router (labelled INTERNET, LAN/WAN or FIBRE).
  2. Connect a computer, laptop, tablet or smartphone to your modem/router via Wi-Fi or Ethernet cable.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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
  6. If using PPPoE, enter the username and password from your MATE welcome email.
  7. Enable IPv6 if available, set to DHCPv6 or Auto Config (SLAAC).
  8. Save your settings and wait for the modem to connect. Lights should be green, blue or another ‘positive’ colour. Flashing lights usually indicate activity.
  9. Test your connection by visiting a website. If it works, you’re online.
💡 Tip: If you get stuck during setup or your modem/router won’t connect, contact our support team.
$
46
per mth*

Crikey nbn 25/10

Best plan for a small family
(2-4 users)

Unlimited

*For first 6 mths with MATE30

Then reverts to $76/mth

25 mbps

Typical busy period download speed (7pm to 11 pm)

*Speeds may be lower on FTTN/B, FTTC
Critical Information Summary
nbn Key Facts Sheet
More information
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