A cheap modem router can look like a bargain until the video call freezes in the back bedroom, the kids’ game drops out, or the connection slows whenever everyone gets home. This modem router buying guide cuts through the specs to help Australian households choose hardware that suits their NBN connection, home layout and everyday internet use.
The right device is not necessarily the one with the biggest number on the box. It is the one that works with your connection type, reaches the places you use Wi-Fi and remains reliable when several people are online at once.
Start with your NBN connection type
Before comparing Wi-Fi standards or antenna numbers, check the technology serving your address. This determines whether you need a modem router, a router only, or equipment supplied with an NBN connection device.
FTTN and FTTB services generally need a VDSL2-compatible modem router. The modem connects to the telephone wall socket and translates the signal for your home network. If you are on an older ADSL service, confirm that the device also supports ADSL2+, although this is becoming less common.
FTTP, HFC, FTTC and most fixed wireless services usually use an NBN connection box or network termination device. In these setups, you normally need a router with a WAN or Ethernet port, rather than a built-in DSL modem. OptiComm and private fibre services can also use a supplied network termination device, so the same principle often applies.
Buying a VDSL modem router for a fibre connection will not usually stop it working if it includes an Ethernet WAN port, but it may mean paying for a modem function you do not need. On the other hand, a router-only unit cannot connect directly to an FTTN phone socket. Checking this first avoids the most frustrating kind of hardware problem: one that cannot be fixed with a settings change.
Modem router buying guide: choose Wi-Fi for your home
Wi-Fi coverage is shaped by more than the speed of your internet plan. Brick walls, concrete floors, metal roofing, appliances and the distance from the router all affect signal strength. A fast NBN plan will not feel fast in a weak Wi-Fi zone.
For a small flat or compact home, a good dual-band Wi-Fi 6 router is often a sensible starting point. Wi-Fi 6 is designed to manage busy households more efficiently than older Wi-Fi 5 equipment, particularly when mobiles, smart TVs, laptops, cameras and gaming devices are all connected.
Larger homes, multi-storey properties and long layouts may benefit from a mesh Wi-Fi system. Mesh units use two or more access points to extend coverage through the home under one network name. They are often a better answer than a single expensive router placed at one end of the house. Position the main unit near the NBN connection point, then place additional units where they can still receive a strong signal, not in the dead spot itself.
Tri-band mesh systems can be worthwhile for heavy-use homes because they may reserve a dedicated wireless band for communication between mesh units. That can help maintain performance when traffic is moving across several rooms. For a smaller household with moderate use, a well-placed dual-band unit may offer better value.
If possible, use Ethernet cabling for stationary devices that need the most stable connection. A smart TV, gaming console, desktop computer or home office dock will generally perform more consistently on a wired connection than on Wi-Fi. Look for enough Gigabit Ethernet ports for the devices you expect to connect. If you need more later, an Ethernet switch can expand the available ports.
Understand the speed figures
Router packaging can advertise very large combined Wi-Fi speeds. Those figures combine multiple bands and represent theoretical local wireless capacity, not the download speed you will receive from your broadband plan. A router advertised at several gigabits per second cannot make a 50 Mbps plan run at gigabit speed.
Instead, match the hardware to the plan you have now and the plan you may move to later. For most households, Gigabit Ethernet ports are appropriate. If you have a high-speed fibre service, a faster-than-gigabit WAN port can provide useful headroom, but only if your NBN service and connected devices can use it.
Features that make a real difference
A modem router should make your connection easier to manage, not create another technical job. Prioritise features that improve reliability, visibility and security over marketing extras you are unlikely to use.
Wi-Fi 6 is a practical choice for a new purchase, especially when replacing older Wi-Fi 4 or Wi-Fi 5 hardware. Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7 can offer further benefits for compatible devices, including access to newer frequency bands and improved capacity. They can be a sound long-term investment, but they cost more and their benefit is smaller if most devices in the home are older.
Security settings deserve close attention. Choose equipment that supports WPA3 security, or at minimum WPA2, and receives regular firmware updates from a recognised manufacturer. Avoid devices with no clear support policy. An unpatched router sits at the edge of your network, so it should not be treated as a set-and-forget purchase.
Guest Wi-Fi is useful when visitors need access but you do not want to share devices such as printers, storage drives or smart home equipment. Parental controls can also help families manage screen time and unsuitable content, though their quality varies by brand. For more advanced users, features such as VPN support, traffic prioritisation and separate networks for smart devices can provide greater control.
Do not overlook the power supply and physical placement. Keep the router upright where designed, in an open central location and away from enclosed cupboards, fish tanks and large metal objects. It needs airflow as well as a clear path for its signal. If your household relies on internet for work, security cameras or phone services, consider a small uninterruptible power supply to keep compatible network equipment running during short power interruptions.
When provider-supplied hardware is the better choice
Bringing your own modem router gives you more choice, but provider-supplied hardware can be the more practical option. It is commonly pre-configured, tested for the relevant service and easier for the support team to troubleshoot. That matters when you would rather spend your evening watching a show than entering VLAN settings or hunting through connection logs.
This is especially relevant for households using VoIP home phones, where the router may need specific voice settings, and for businesses that rely on a stable connection for cloud systems, EFTPOS, phones and remote staff. A business-grade router may also be worth considering where multiple users, guest Wi-Fi, security requirements or failover connectivity are involved.
At InfiNET Broadband, local Aussie support can help customers confirm what hardware is suitable for their service before they buy. Compatibility is not just about getting online on day one. It is about having a setup that can be supported properly if something changes.
Avoid these common buying mistakes
The first mistake is buying based on price alone. Entry-level hardware can be adequate for a one-bedroom unit with light browsing, but it may struggle in a busy family home with 4K streaming, gaming and work-from-home devices.
The second is assuming every connection needs the same device. Your NBN technology determines whether a built-in DSL modem is essential, optional or irrelevant. Check the service type at your address before placing an order.
The third is expecting a new router to solve every speed issue. If the problem is a line fault, poor fixed wireless signal, a congested connection or an internet plan that does not suit your household, replacing the Wi-Fi hardware may not resolve it. Test a computer connected directly by Ethernet where possible. If wired performance is good but Wi-Fi is poor, the router placement or wireless coverage is the likely issue.
Finally, avoid leaving default admin passwords in place. Set a strong unique router password, update the firmware and turn off remote management unless you genuinely need it. These few steps protect the network used by every device in your home.
A well-chosen modem router should disappear into the background: calls stay clear, streaming keeps moving and work gets done without everyone asking who changed the Wi-Fi. Start with your connection type, choose coverage that fits the home you actually live in, and leave enough capacity for the way your household will use the internet next year as well as today.