22 APR 2025
In today’s hyper connected world, your internet setup is the unsung hero of your daily life. Whether you’re binge watching your favourite show, conquering Teams meetings, or scrolling through social media, your modem is working overtime to keep you online. But for some, modems can be a box full of mystery. You don’t notice it until something goes wrong, and suddenly you’re “breaking the internet” (and not in the fun viral way). A simple few changes can improve your internet setup. Let’s crack open this mystery box and take a look at what it’s all about.
What does a modem do?
It’s the middleman of the internet world. In simple terms it makes sure your devices and internet service provider (ISP) can have a chat without any awkward silences.
Your modem is like a translator, converting your ISP’s digital signals into something your devices can use. It also is the gatekeeper to your internet connection, making sure your Wi-Fi dreams come true.
Modems come in different flavours depending on the type of internet connected into your home such as Fibre broadband or Wireless. They’re quiet achievers but they deserve a little love to make sure they’re working optimally for your home.
That’s a modem but what is an ONT and what is the difference?
Ever heard of an ONT (Optical Network Terminal) and thought “What the heck is that?”. Don’t worry, you’re not alone.
ONT’s take the fancy optical fibre signals and turn them into data that your modem can understand. Think of ONTs as the fibre network’s answer to a modem. If you’re lucky enough to have fibre installed in your home its most likely your Local Fibre Company (LFC) has already installed an ONT within your home. It looks like a modem but it’s usually a white box fixed somewhere to the interior of your house.
Where should you place your modem?
Now that you know what a modem does, let’s talk about where to put it. Spoiler alert: shoving it in a cupboard or on the floor isn’t the answer.
If you can give your modem the VIP treatment by placing it in a central location within your home that is elevated and away from obstacles. Things like thick walls, metal appliances and even fish tanks are Wi-Fi’s mortal enemy for signal blocking. However, since your modem needs to be plugged into the ONT, positioning it centrally can be tricky if the ONT is in a garage or bedroom. If you’re in a newer home with internal wiring, you can plug the modem into a wall port instead of connecting it directly to the ONT, ensuring better Wi-Fi coverage throughout your home.
Lastly ensure your modem is in a cool and ventilated space, they’re not fans of saunas. Give them a breezy spot to chill and do their thing.
What is a Wi-Fi extender and when do I need one?
Even with a perfectly placed modem, sometimes your Wi-Fi doesn’t reach every nook and cranny of your home. Enter the Wi-Fi extender, the superhero of dead zones. Sometimes if your home is too large, has multiple stories or you have thick concrete walls, your Wi-Fi needs a little bit of help to get to all areas of your home. It amplifies the signal and pushes it to those places your modem can’t reach. For the best results, place the extender halfway between your modem and the dead zone.
Setting up your internet can feel daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. With the right approach, you can create a network that delivers seamless connectivity throughout your home. If you hit a snag our friendly team of experts is ready to help. Reach out to us via WhatsApp, Facebook, or give us a call at 0800 641 502 between 8 am and 5 pm.
Stay connected Aotearoa!
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