Telstra Smart Modem 4: A Comprehensive Review

The Telstra Smart Modem 4 has been making waves in the Australian telecommunications market. As Telstra's latest flagship modem, it promises enhanced performance, better coverage, and smarter features. But does it deliver on these promises?

What's New in the Smart Modem 4?

Telstra's most advanced modem yet brings significant upgrades:

Wi-Fi 7 Technology: Next-generation 802.11be dual-band router for Wi-Fi 7 devices
Massive Device Support: Connect up to 256 devices simultaneously
Enhanced Performance: 2GB RAM (double the previous modem) handles more devices without slowdown
Intelligent Wi-Fi: Automatically sends the best frequency to each device
Better Coverage: Greater range than previous modems with R6 EasyMesh support
Enhanced Security: WPA3 security protocol

While it is only a dual-band Wi-Fi 7 modem, which is a slight limitation compared to tri-band options, the Smart Modem 4 is still competitively priced at just over $200. For cutting-edge technology at this price point, it’s solid value.

Upgrading from the Telstra Smart Modem 2

Coming from the Telstra Smart Modem 2, the upgrade to Smart Modem 4 has been a noticeable step up. I deliberately chose to stick with the Smart Modem series even though I'm no longer a Telstra customer. This was a strategic move: given Telstra's dominant market share, the Smart Modem line is likely the most widely used modem range in Australia, so it benefits from extensive support and community knowledge online.

Having the latest Smart Modem means access to the newest features like Wi-Fi 7 and smarter device management, while still relying on a platform with plenty of resources for troubleshooting and optimisation. For anyone considering their next modem, this continuity and ecosystem support can be just as important as raw performance.

Real-World Testing: High-Demand Network

My home network presents some unique challenges that really put the Smart Modem 4 to the test:

Network Setup

8 adults using internet simultaneously
40+ connected devices including smart home devices, laptops, phones, tablets
FTTN connection using VDSL with Aussie Broadband
External Wi-Fi extender serving a separate building on the property
Ethernet-connected access point in the garage
Mixed usage patterns from streaming and video calls to IoT devices

Performance Results

Device Capacity: The Smart Modem 4's ability to handle 256 devices is genuinely useful here. With 40+ devices connected, there's no noticeable slowdown compared to our previous setup.

Multi-Building Coverage: The improved range and R6 EasyMesh support work well with our external extender setup. The intelligent band steering helps manage device connections across the extended network.

Concurrent Usage: With 8 adults simultaneously streaming, video calling, and browsing, the 2GB RAM and Wi-Fi 7 technology maintain stable performance. The automatic channel selection helps avoid congestion.

VDSL Compatibility: Works seamlessly with FTTN connections via VDSL. The built-in VDSL modem handles the connection reliably, and the Wi-Fi 7 capabilities aren't bottlenecked by the FTTN speeds.

Ethernet Backbone: The 4x Gigabit LAN ports provide solid wired connections for our garage access point and other high-bandwidth devices.

Device Compatibility Challenges

One major drawback I’ve encountered is with device compatibility. Specifically, one of my Wi-Fi strip lights and my Ring doorbell experienced connection issues on the Smart Modem 4. I experimented by turning off band steering and reverting to Wi-Fi 6 mode, but the connection problems persisted.

For me, it wasn’t worth sacrificing the full benefits of Wi-Fi 7, so I switched back to band steering and Wi-Fi 7 mode. When band steering is off, this modem essentially cannot utilise Wi-Fi 7 features, limiting its performance and smart connectivity benefits.

Setup and Configuration

Setting up the Smart Modem 4 is straightforward:

Connect the modem to your NBN connection point
Power on and wait for the status lights to stabilise
Connect your devices using the default Wi-Fi credentials
Access the admin panel at 192.168.0.1 for advanced configuration

Pros and Cons

Pros

Handles 40+ devices without performance degradation
Wi-Fi 7 provides excellent throughput for high-demand scenarios
2GB RAM prevents slowdowns during peak usage
Works seamlessly with existing network extenders and access points
Intelligent band steering optimises multi-device performance
Reliable 4G backup for business continuity

Cons

Limited customisation options for advanced network configurations
No advanced QoS controls for prioritising specific devices/applications
Some device compatibility issues with Wi-Fi 7 and band steering settings

Conclusion

For high-demand networks like mine with multiple buildings, numerous devices, and heavy concurrent usage, the Telstra Smart Modem 4 delivers solid performance. The Wi-Fi 7 technology and increased RAM make a noticeable difference when managing 40+ devices and 8 simultaneous users.

While it lacks the advanced configuration options that network enthusiasts might want, it excels at handling complex scenarios without requiring technical expertise. The automatic optimisation features work well in practice, even if you can't fine-tune them manually.

Best for: Telstra customers with high device counts, multiple users, or extended network setups who want reliable performance without complex configuration.

Consider alternatives if: You need advanced QoS controls, want to use non-Telstra internet, or require extensive customisation options.

Have you used the Telstra Smart Modem 4? Share your experience in the comments below.