BIRRR recommends that customers use the router offered by their provider; as this ensures ongoing support for both the service and your local network.
Now is an ideal time and opportunity to discuss your evolving network needs with both your RSP and/ or trusted technical advisor.
Before making changes, always talk to your provider and follow their advice.
Your RSP will assist with any troubleshooting of the new Sky Muster connection. This support will work best if you are using the router models that they provide.
Common Questions:
Will my old router work on SKY MUSTER?
Your existing WIFI router may be fine for Sky Muster; as long as it has a WAN port that provides Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP). Note: 99% of ADSL routers are unsuitable for any nbn service.
If your existing WIFI router is less than 5-6 years old, 300n WIFI (minimum), has a WAN port (blue) and a 1-4 10/100Mbps LAN ports (yellow); it should work on your Sky Muster service. It may look something like this:
Even older 802.11g routers which first arrived in 2003, will work, although they may be slower.
Should I upgrade my current router?
It may be worthwhile upgrading your current router if it is old. Current routers can offer more features that may better serve your network requirements. (Discuss this with your RSP in conjunction with your trusted technical advisor). However, a new model router is unlikely to speed up your connection, unless your existing router is too old, faulty or poorly configured.
New model routers also offer improved WIFI and may support both 2.4Ghz and 5Ghz WIFI bands. It is worth noting that 2.4Ghz generally provides better and wider coverage in a large home. If you ‘do a lot’ with your home network e.g it is connected to many devices, includes a media server and/or fast hard drives, printer(s), scanners etc; a newer router will speed up WIFI connections and data transfers within the network.
Newer routers may offer faster LAN ports (1,000Mbps) and USB ports(s) that may support a USB printer and or a hard drive. These devices may then be accessed by anyone on the network. Refer to the router manufacturer website for specifications for further information.
Any new router from your RSP or shop, will be supplied with a suitable Ethernet cable to connect the nbn NTD to your WIFI router.
Do I have to get a router?
If you want to connect more than one computer to your Sky Muster installation you will need WiFi and therefore you will need a router.
If you would prefer to LAN connect your devices (rather than WIFI), you can install a switch to accommodate the extra LAN ports. Your technical advisor can provide further information.
Is there a router that can help me manage my data usage?
It may be useful to install Gargoyle on your router. Gargoyle is a free router firmware that can be installed on certain routers. Gargoyle provides tools to both measure and conserve your precious monthly Sky Muster plan quota. It may sound complicated, but if you can perform a firmware upgrade on a router, you can install and run Gargoyle.
What router should I get?
Some providers configure their supplied routers before sending to the customer. This means they are ‘Plug and Play’ and use the DHCP protocol. Other Sky Muster providers use PPPOE protocol which means you will need to set up your router. You would need to have a username and password with PPPOE, while the configuration of DHCP is automatic.
DHCP = Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol
PPPOE = Point-to-Point Protocol over Ethernet
Sky Muster™ RSP Router offers – August 2018
The following router information is provided by best endeavour.
Please confirm details with your RSP
- VoIP (Voice calls over the Internet) may be provided by the addition of an RSP provided Analogue Telephone Adapter (ATA). This is additional equipment, or a VoIP Compatible Router.
- NOTE: Some providers offer free or discounted routers, if customers sign up to a 12 or 24 month contract.
- Please refer to the Router Manufacturer for further specifics and information on the Router Capabilities.
300n (or 802.11n) are base model single WIFI band 2.4Ghz routers.
AC (or 802.11ac) provide faster WIFI speeds. The higher the ‘AC No.‘ the faster the router. It will likely have more user features.
Links to RSP router offerings and Manufacturer websites
Typical Router Setup
NOTE: The LAN cable (yellow here, can be other colours) generally goes from UNI-D 1 on your Sky Muster Modem (NTD) to the WAN input on the router (usually the yellow socket).
*Please note, while all care has been taken in compiling BIRRR documents, we recommend that you check with your service provider regarding your own connection issues. Updated 29/8/18
Better Internet for Rural, Regional & Remote Australia (BIRRR) 