What Modem Should I Buy?
Thinking about bringing your own modem to GoTroppo? Here’s everything you need to know to choose the right one for your connection type and speed tier.
The Easy Option: GoTroppo Modems
If you’d rather not worry about compatibility, we offer pre-configured modems that work perfectly with our IPoE network:
- TP-Link VX230v – Great for most households, includes VoIP support
- TP-Link Archer HX510 – WiFi 6 for larger homes and more devices
Our modems come pre-configured – just plug in and go! View our plans and modem options
Choosing a BYO Modem
If you prefer to buy your own modem, here’s what you need to know:
Essential Requirements
Your modem MUST support:
- IPoE (IP over Ethernet) – This is how GoTroppo connects. Most modems support this, but double-check!
- VLAN tagging (VLAN ID 100) – Required for NBN connections
- DHCP – To automatically get your IP address
Important: GoTroppo uses IPoE, NOT PPPoE. If a modem only mentions PPPoE support, it may still work with IPoE – but check the specifications or contact the manufacturer.
Match Your Connection Type
Different NBN connection types need different modem features:
| Connection Type | Modem Type Needed | Connects Via |
|---|---|---|
| FTTP | Router only (no modem needed) | Ethernet cable to NBN box |
| HFC | Router only (no modem needed) | Ethernet cable to NBN NCD |
| FTTC / FTTB / FTTN | VDSL2 modem/router | Phone socket (RJ11) |
| Fixed Wireless | Router only (no modem needed) | Ethernet cable to NBN device |
Key point: If you have FTTP, HFC, or Fixed Wireless, your NBN equipment does the “modem” work – you just need a good WiFi router. For FTTN/FTTC/FTTB, you need a modem with a built-in VDSL2 modem.
Match Your Speed Tier
Make sure your modem can handle the speeds you’re paying for:
| Your Plan | Minimum Port Speed | Recommended WiFi Standard |
|---|---|---|
| NBN 25 / NBN 50 | 100 Mbps (Fast Ethernet) | WiFi 5 (802.11ac) or better |
| NBN 100 | 1 Gbps (Gigabit Ethernet) | WiFi 5 or WiFi 6 |
| NBN 250 | 1 Gbps (Gigabit Ethernet) | WiFi 6 (802.11ax) |
| NBN 500+ | 2.5 Gbps preferred | WiFi 6 or WiFi 6E |
| NBN 1000 | 2.5 Gbps required | WiFi 6E (802.11ax) |
Watch out for bottlenecks! If you have a gigabit plan but your modem only has 100 Mbps ports, you’ll be limited to 100 Mbps. Always check the WAN port speed.
Recommended Features
Must Have
- Dual-band WiFi (2.4GHz + 5GHz)
- Gigabit Ethernet ports
- WPA3 security support
- IPoE/DHCP support
- VLAN tagging capability
Nice to Have
- WiFi 6 (802.11ax) – Better for many devices
- MU-MIMO – Handles multiple devices better
- Beamforming – Better WiFi range
- USB ports – For printers/storage sharing
- VoIP ports – If you want a home phone
For Large Homes
- Mesh WiFi support
- External antennas
- Tri-band WiFi
- WiFi 6E (6GHz band)
- High device capacity (50+)
Recommended Brands & Models
These brands are known to work well with Australian NBN connections:
For FTTP / HFC / Fixed Wireless (Router Only)
Budget-Friendly
- TP-Link Archer AX23
- TP-Link Archer AX55
- Netgear RAX40
$100-$200
Mid-Range
- TP-Link Archer AX73
- ASUS RT-AX86U
- Netgear RAX50
$200-$400
High Performance
- ASUS RT-AX88U Pro
- Netgear RAXE500
- TP-Link Archer AXE200
$400+
For FTTN / FTTC / FTTB (VDSL2 Modem/Router Required)
Budget-Friendly
- TP-Link Archer VR2100v
- TP-Link VX230v (our pick!)
- D-Link DSL-3788
$150-$250
Mid-Range with VoIP
- TP-Link Archer VX1800v
- Netgear D7000v2
- ASUS DSL-AX82U
$250-$400
What to Avoid
- ISP-branded modems from other providers – Often locked to that provider or use different settings
- Very old modems – Pre-2018 modems may not support required features
- ADSL-only modems – These won’t work with NBN VDSL connections
- Modems without VLAN support – Required for NBN
- Gaming routers without proper IPoE support – Some prioritise features over basic compatibility
- Cheap unknown brands – Reliability and security concerns
Mesh WiFi Systems
For larger homes or those with WiFi dead spots, a mesh WiFi system might be better than a single router:
Popular Mesh Systems
- TP-Link Deco – Various models, great value
- Google Nest WiFi Pro – Simple setup
- ASUS ZenWiFi – High performance
- Netgear Orbi – Premium option
Mesh vs Single Router
- Single router: Good for apartments, small homes up to ~150m2
- Mesh system: Better for larger homes, multiple floors, thick walls
Learn more in our WiFi improvement guide
Setting Up Your BYO Modem
Once you have your modem, you’ll need to configure it for GoTroppo. The key settings are:
- Connection Type: IPoE (NOT PPPoE)
- VLAN ID: 100
- IP Settings: DHCP (automatic)
- No username or password required
Need Help Choosing?
Not sure which modem is right for you? We’re happy to help! Contact our support team with details about your home size, number of devices, and what you use your internet for, and we can make a recommendation.