Why is the light on my Telstra modem Blue?

A Blue light indicates your Telstra Smart Modem has switched to 4G Backup because the NBN connection is down. Speeds will be capped (typically 25/5 Mbps) until the NBN connection (Green light) is restored.

What is the Telstra Smart Modem IP Address?

The default login IP for Telstra Smart Modem Gen 2 and Gen 3 is 192.168.0.1.

Why am I only getting 25 Mbps on Telstra?

If you are stuck at exactly 25 Mbps, check the front of your modem. If the light is Blue, you are on 4G Backup. If it is Green, you may be on the 'NBN 25' (Basic) speed tier.

How do I login to my Telstra modem?

Go to http://192.168.0.1 in your browser. The default username is 'admin'. The password is printed on the bottom/back sticker of the modem (Gen 2/3).

What is the difference between NBN 50 and NBN 100?

NBN 50 offers max download speeds of 50 Mbps (good for 1-2 people). NBN 100 offers 100 Mbps (better for families/4K streaming). Uploads are typically 20 Mbps on NBN 50 and 20 or 40 Mbps on NBN 100.

Telstra Speed Test

This page helps Telstra NBN customers understand their internet speed test results and determine whether the connection is performing within the normal range for Telstra NBN services.

Telstra is Australia's largest ISP, providing NBN services via FTTP, FTTN, HFC, and FTTC. A unique feature of Telstra plans is the Smart Modem with 4G Backup, which keeps you online even if the NBN line is cut.

How to interpret your Telstra speed test result

A Telstra speed test measures three core performance metrics:

Download speed – Should match your plan evening speeds (e.g., ~50 Mbps for NBN 50, ~100 Mbps for NBN 100). If it is exactly 25 Mbps, you might be on 4G Backup.

Upload speed – Dictated by NBN tiers. NBN 50 has 20 Mbps up. NBN 100 has 20 or 40 Mbps up. Critical for cloud backups.

Latency (ping) – Typically 10–20ms for NBN. If it is over 50ms, you might be on the 4G network (Blue Light).

These values should be evaluated based on the type of connection (Ethernet vs. Wi-Fi) and the time of day.

Telstra NBN: Expected Performance

Connection characteristics

Technology: Multi-Technology Mix (MTM). FTTP is fastest, FTTN quality varies by distance from node.

Smart Modem Gen 3: Includes Wi-Fi 6 for better coverage and speeds.

Peak Hours: 7 PM–11 PM. Telstra typically provisions enough bandwidth (CVC) to maintain full speeds during peak times.

Typical real-world performance

Download speed: ~52 Mbps (NBN 50), ~105 Mbps (NBN 100).

Upload speed: 18 Mbps (NBN 50), 36 Mbps (NBN 100).

Latency: 7–12ms (FTTP/HFC), 15–25ms (FTTN).

If your speed is consistently low (e.g., 6 Mbps), you might be suffering from a "bridge tap" (impairment) on your copper line (FTTN/FTTC).

Common Causes of Slow Telstra Speeds

Slow speed test results on Telstra are most often caused by falling back to the 4G mobile backup.

Frequent causes

Blue Light (4G Backup): The modem has lost the NBN signal and is using the mobile network. Speeds are capped at 25 Mbps Down / 5 Mbps Up.

Wi-Fi Distance: 5 GHz is fast but short-range. 2.4 GHz travels far but is slow.

Internal Wiring: Old telephone sockets in the house can degrade NBN FTTN signals.

Telstra Smart Modem Login – Default IP, Username & Password

Access your Telstra Smart Modem Gen 2 or Gen 3 admin panel to change Wi-Fi settings or view connection stats (DSL Sync).

Telstra Modem Details	Information
Login IP Address	192.168.0.1 – Default for Gen 1, Gen 2, and Gen 3 Smart Modems
Default Username	admin
Default Password	(Printed on the sticker on the bottom or back of the modem)

Steps to Login

Connect to your Telstra Wi-Fi
Open a browser
Enter 192.168.0.1
Enter 'admin' and the sticker password
Look for "Broadband" to see your sync speed

Troubleshooting Gateway Lights

Solid Green: Online (NBN). Everything is good.

Solid Blue: Online (Mobile Backup). NBN is down. Check cables.

Solid Red: Offline. No NBN or Mobile signal.

Blinking Orange: Starting up.

Wired vs Wi-Fi Testing on Telstra

Speed test results can vary wildly on Wi-Fi.

For accurate verification of NBN 100 or NBN 250 speeds, always test with a Cat6 Ethernet cable directly connected to a LAN port on the Smart Modem.

When to contact Telstra support

You should consider contacting Telstra support via the MyTelstra App if:

The front light is Blue (4G Backup) for more than 24 hours.

You experience frequent dropouts (light turns orange/red then green).

Your sync speed (in modem settings) is lower than your plan speed.

Telstra Speed Test FAQs

Why is my Telstra internet slow at night? This is usually congestion. However, Telstra is premium-priced and generally avoids this. If slow, check if your light is Blue (4G mode).

Can I use my own router with Telstra NBN? Yes. However, you will lose the 4G Backup feature and ability to use the Telstra landline phone (VoIP) unless you bridge the Smart Modem.

What is NBN Ultrafast? This is the 1000 Mbps tier, available only to FTTP and some HFC customers. You need the Smart Modem Gen 3 w/ Wi-Fi 6 to utilize it effectively.

Competitors & Alternatives

If Telstra NBN isn't working for you, other Aussie ISPs use the same NBN cables but offer different support/pricing:

Optus Speed Test: The main rival, often bundles with Premier League (Optus Sport).
TPG Speed Test: Known for budget-friendly NBN plans.
Aussie Broadband Speed Test: Known for Australian-based support and high CVC (performance).