Complete Modem Setup Guide

Created at : January 8, 2026
Before You Start: The Pre-Setup Checklist📦 Unboxing Your Hardware🌐 Identifying Your NZ Connection TypePhysical Setup: Plugging Everything In🔌 Connecting to Fibre (ONT Box)☎️ Connecting to a DSL Wall Socket🚥 Understanding Your Modem LightsAccessing Your Router Admin Panel🔍 Finding Your Router’s IP Address🔑 Default Login CredentialsEssential Configuration (The First 5 Minutes)1️⃣ Changing the Default Admin Password2️⃣ Setting Up Your WiFi Name (SSID)3️⃣ Choosing a Strong WiFi PasswordAdvanced Settings for BYO ModemsTroubleshooting Common Setup Issues🔴 "Internet" Light is Red or Off💻 Can’t Access the Admin Panel🐌 Slow WiFi SpeedsAre You Getting the Best Speed for Your Setup?

Setting up a new internet connection can feel like a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. Whether you’ve just moved house, switched to a better broadband deal, or bought one of the best modems/routers on the market, this guide will walk you through every step.

  • Estimated Time: 15–20 minutes

  • Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

  • What You’ll Need: Your modem/router, power cables, Ethernet cables, and your ISP account details.

Before You Start: The Pre-Setup Checklist

Before you start plugging things in, make sure you have everything you need to avoid a mid-setup "where is that cable?" moment.

📦 Unboxing Your Hardware

Check that your box contains:

  • The Modem/Router: The main device.

  • Power Adapter: To plug into the wall.

  • Ethernet/LAN Cable: Usually yellow or blue, used for the main connection.

  • DSL Cable: Only if you are on an ADSL or VDSL (copper) connection.

🌐 Identifying Your NZ Connection Type

In New Zealand, your setup process depends on how the internet enters your home:

  1. Fibre (UFB): Look for a small white box fixed to your wall, usually near the front of the house or in a cupboard. This is the ONT (Optical Network Terminal).

  2. DSL (ADSL/VDSL): You will connect directly to a standard phone jack point. Note that these are being phased out due to the copper shutdown.

  3. Wireless Broadband: No wall connection required! You just plug the modem into power. This is common for rural internet or providers like Starlink.

Physical Setup: Plugging Everything In

🔌 Connecting to Fibre (ONT Box)

If you have Fibre, the ONT is your gateway to the internet.

  1. Locate Port 1 (or LAN1) on your ONT box.

  2. Plug one end of your Ethernet cable into this port.

  3. Plug the other end into the WAN or Internet port on your router (usually a different color from the other ports).

☎️ Connecting to a DSL Wall Socket

  1. Plug your DSL cable into the DSL/ADSL port on the back of your modem.

  2. Plug the other end into the wall jack.

  3. If you find your connection is dropping, you may need to fix slow internet issues by checking for signal interference.

🚥 Understanding Your Modem Lights

Wait 2–5 minutes for the lights to stabilize:

  • Power: Should be solid green or white.

  • Internet/WAN: Needs to be green. If it’s red, your router isn't communicating with your broadband provider.

  • WiFi (2.4G/5G): Indicates your wireless network is active.

Accessing Your Router Admin Panel

To configure your settings, you need to log into the "brain" of the router via a web browser.

🔍 Finding Your Router’s IP Address

On a device connected to the router, type one of these common New Zealand default IP addresses into your browser's address bar:

  • 192.168.1.1 (Common for TP-Link, ASUS)

  • 192.168.1.254 (Common for Spark, One NZ, and Netgear)

  • 192.168.0.1 (Common for 2degrees)

🔑 Default Login Credentials

You can usually find these on a sticker on the bottom of your modem.

  • Username: Often admin

  • Password: Often admin, password, or a unique code.

Essential Configuration (The First 5 Minutes)

1️⃣ Changing the Default Admin Password

The default "admin/admin" login is a security risk. Change this immediately in the System Tools or Administration section.

2️⃣ Setting Up Your WiFi Name (SSID)

Change the default name to something recognizable. If you're struggling with coverage in certain rooms, check our guide on how to improve WiFi.

3️⃣ Choosing a Strong WiFi Password

Use a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols. Ensure the security protocol is set to WPA2 or WPA3.

Advanced Settings for BYO Modems

If you didn’t get a free modem from your ISP, you might need manual settings:

  • Connection Type: Most NZ Fibre providers use PPPoE (requires a username/password) or Dynamic IP (DHCP).

  • VLAN Tagging (The "VLAN 10" Rule): Most UFB providers require you to enable VLAN tagging and set the VLAN ID to 10.

  • Quality of Service (QoS): Crucial for those following a gaming internet guide to prioritize gaming traffic over other household downloads.

Troubleshooting Common Setup Issues

🔴 "Internet" Light is Red or Off

  • Check the ONT: Ensure the ONT box is plugged in and the 'Optical' light is green.

  • The WAN Port: Ensure the cable is in the WAN port, not a standard LAN port.

  • Activation: If you just switched providers, check if your connection has been officially activated.

💻 Can’t Access the Admin Panel

  • Direct Connection: Try connecting via an Ethernet cable.

  • Factory Reset: Hold a paperclip in the "Reset" hole for 10 seconds.

🐌 Slow WiFi Speeds

If your broadband speed isn't what you expected:

  • Placement: Keep your modem in an open space, away from metal objects.

  • Frequency: Use the 5GHz band for devices close to the router.

Are You Getting the Best Speed for Your Setup?

Now that your hardware is ready, make sure your plan is keeping up. High-spec routers work best on Gigabit Fibre or Hyperfibre plans.

Compare the latest NZ broadband deals and plans here at Broadband.co.nz to ensure you are on the fastest and best broadband plan for your home.

Bookmark this page for information on our Complete Modem Setup Guide.

Disclaimer: Pricing and offers subject to change. Always confirm current rates and terms with providers before signing up. Rankings based on publicly available data and may not reflect individual experiences.