NBN has changed which modems are fully compatible with the fibre to the node (FTTN) and fibre to the building (FTTB) technology. This change will go into effect on March 31st 2022.
This change is occurring to reduce dropouts; instead of a modem dropping out when “noise bursts” on the line, the modem will dynamically reduce the line rate and stay connected. The modem then checks every 100 seconds to determine if the line rate can be restored. The intent is to improve the stability of FTTN and FTTB connections by reducing dropouts.
For this new functionality to work, the new compatibility standards require modems that support “Save our Show TIME (SOS)” and “Robust Overhead Channel (ROC)” or the earlier standard “Dynamic SRA (Seamless Rate Adaptation)”.
We will contact you via email if NBN tests have shown that you are using an incompatible modem. You have the following options:
If you have any further questions, please contact our support team on 1800 528 683.
Many manufacturers have released new firmware for their models after being made aware of the incompatibility with NBN. Check the manufacturer’s website for the latest version and follow their procedure for upgrading the firmware. We have found some firmware upgrades below.
If you are already running the latest version, proceed to one of the following options.
While your connection will continue to work with these modems, once the change goes live, there may be the need to have a “Stability profile” applied to the NBN connection to work at a reduced speed. NBN also notes that this change could also cause “an inconsistent service experience or in some instances, even loss of service”. It all depends on the quality of the line as to what you may experience. Unfortunately, that can range from no issues to repeated dropouts a day. You may want to try this first before upgrading the modem-router.
If a Firmware upgrade is unavailable and you are experiencing significant dropout issues, your modem will need to be replaced.
You can do this before NBN performs their change to prevent any potential issues that the change may introduce.
The modems that have issues are based on Intel & Metanoia chipsets that Draytek and Netgear use.
Both Draytek and Netgear have firmware updates available for most of their models, but the popular DM200 (as it is at the end of life) does not have an update that gives SOS/ROC compatibility.
The following modems are compatible but may need a firmware update:
The following modems are incompatible and do not have a firmware update at the time of writing this article:
References:
NBN - line rates & noise bursts
Draytek - SOS/ROC
NBN - Inconsistent service expereince