If your modem looks like the one below, it certainly does need replacing.

This is a picture of a 56k dial-up from the last century.

56k modem

Assuming that your are not receiving speeds near or above the average for your area (how to test your internet speed) we show you some steps to follow to test, tweak and possibly replace your Modem or .

Step 1) Replace your modem if more than 3 years old

Technology marches on pretty quickly these days. And and for only a few hundred dollars it's cost efficient to replace your modem to a new one every few years.

modem test

 

The box or boxes that connect to your phone line and then to your computer or devices are known as a “Modem” or a “Modem-Router” or sometimes a “Wi-Fi Modem Router

Buy popular NBN routers by clicking here

Today one box does both jobs as per these examples.

A few years ago you needed two separate boxes as per this example.

modem-router-old

If your current setup resembles this example then upgrading to a new modern “Modem-Router” will vastly improve your performance. You should do this as a first step

However, all modems are not built the same and spending a few extra dollars can improve your speed, especially WI-FI speed.

We recommend DrayTek modem/routers

Draytek Modems

If you are an NBN customer and you need a land-line phone, then you are advised to use the NBN modem as supplied by your NBN provider.

If you do not need a land-line, you have more flexibility. Modems supplied by your or NBN provider can often be improved upon by using a DrayTek modem/router

Another feature of ISP supplied modems is their poor Wi-Fi capabilities that may supply a reasonably strong Wi-Fi signal into the next room, but not much further.

For powerful Wi-Fi through the house consider one of these options.

Does your Wi-Fi reach all corners of your house?

If your NBN technology is , FTTP or FTTC, consider replacing your old modem with one of these

Wi-Fi Internet Extenders

Step 2) Reboot your Modem/Router/NBN Box at least once per week

It's the stock advice, but it solves an astonishing number of problems.

And if you have an NBN Connection box such as this

NBN Connection box

also restart that at the same time as restarting your modem

Step 3) Check for Modem Firmware Upgrades Regularly

Manufactures often have newer firmware or drivers for than what comes with the device. Ensuring you are using the latest of both can often improve both the stability and speeds of your wireless network.

So it pays to check for a “Firmware” (the software embedded in the modem) update or periodically.

To do so. Access the admin page of your router by entering your default Internet Gateway  or DHCP Gateway  address into the address bar of your modem.

For information on how you can find this information, click here “How to find the ip address of my Internet Gateway or DHCP Gateway

Once found, enter the Internet Gateway or DHCP Gateway IP address into the address bar of any browser

modem test

If the IP address is correct, you will be prompted to login

login-to-router-panel

 

If you do not know the specific login and password try:

User Name: admin

Password: password

or

User Name: admin

Password: admin

Once logged into your modem's admin interface you can do lots of things but we advise you NOT to change anything unless you know what you are doing. It should look something like the following but will differ according to make and model.

modem test

 

modem testmodem test

The above shows options available on different modems to perform a Router-Upgrade or Firmware-Upgrade to your Modem-Router

If in doubt, look at the documentation supplied with your modem-router

Need expert in fixing Internet & Wi-Fi Issues and live in , Western Australia then call The IT Guys () on :phone:

 

Step 4) Upgrade to a NBN, Fibre or Fixed Wireless connection.

If none of the above works, you may have no alternative but to Upgrade to NBN, Fibre or Fixed Wireless connections

internet testing

 

Step 5)  General tips on increasing your internet and Wi-Fi speed

For a small fee we can remotely login to your computer, run the tests and present to your results and alternatives by . For this to happen you need to be on a computer physically connected to the modem (by Ethernet wire, not wireless) and be available on that computer between 8.30 and 5pm, Monday to Friday). If we cannot complete the tests remotely, we will need to come to your home or .

If you would like us to perform the Internet Service, please call :phone: and make a booking.

If you would like The IT Guys(WA) to analyse, test and advise you on how to fix any of the above issues, click on Internet and Wi-Fi Testing and Consultancy Services where we offer paid remote on on-site services.

Related Issues

How to Fix Wi-Fi Problems

How to increase the speed of your Internet Connection

How to increase the speed of your Modem Router or Wireless Modem Router

How to increase your Internet Browsing Speed

Fixing Wi-Fi problems relating to Mobile/Broadband Internet

How To Test Your Internet Speed 

:jk:

2 comments to “How to test my modem – Does my Modem need replacing?”

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  1. Vince - May 11, 2017 Reply

    Hi, your webpage is very helpful & informative! Great idea.
    I have constantly battled rubbish speeds (& dropouts) over a long period with Optus ADSL+2 so I have run the speed tests on OOKLA for my suburb (Hillarys) & was dismayed /upset at the crap reading of about 2mbps!! They claim its 5-6 at the exchange.
    I also checked the Govt. database map you suggested & also found that the median download speed for this area is 7.08!!
    Not wanting to turn this into a giant whinge session but I’ve given up complaining to Optus because they run me through the usual hoops & it amounts to nothing!
    My question is, can I complain to any Govt body as I think I’m being ripped off?? Thanks

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