HELP! Need help replacing old router/modem (i don't know which is which!)

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ElderMillanial

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#323363 23-Nov-2025 16:19

Hi, I have recently experienced issues with being able to open and use apps on my phone that doesn't happen when i am using my mobile data. Initially the wifi would drop out for around an hour around the same time for about a week, then after getting annoyed i rung ONE who got me to restart the modem and router (i am unsure which was which so turned both of them off then on again). That stopped it dropping out, but ever since i have stuggled with loading apps like Audible, Disney etc they take ages to load or the tv shows buffer alot which never used to happen.

I was thinking about upgrading my modem/router as i think I have had them for a good 5-7 years...but i have no idea where to start or which is which. I am on the unlimited fibre data plan with ONE.

Please help me! I have a small - medium sized home, one story and there are two of us who live here. We use mobiles, a table and chrome for tv.

Any suggestions on what to get? I have included my current devices for reference 😀

Thank you so much in advance! I am too old and tired to try and figure this out.

Spyware

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#3437001 23-Nov-2025 16:29

The HG659 is the router (may be called a modem by your ISP). The 2nd image is of the local fibre companies Optical Network Terminal (ONT) - which geekzone people call a modem. Given you have an analog phone connected to the router you have to go with a OneNZ supplied device.

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#3437004 23-Nov-2025 16:39

I don't remember people calling the ONT (second image) a "modem".

In any case, @ElderMillanial you replace the first one (HG659). That's the router.

You shouldn't touch the ONT. It belongs to Chorus or a fibre provider (if your area is not served by Chorus).

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ElderMillanial

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#3437005 23-Nov-2025 16:41

Thank you so much for you help 😊

freitasm

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#3437006 23-Nov-2025 16:43

You don't have a landline? Do you have a phone on your ISP account? Do you have any phone plugged into any extension?

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ElderMillanial

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#3437007 23-Nov-2025 16:43

Do you have a suggestion of a good one, or should I get one from ONE?

ElderMillanial

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#3437008 23-Nov-2025 16:45

Nope, no landline at all. Used to but disconnected it a few years ago. No phone on plan either. Just mobiles only. This is the jack the cord from the router is going into

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#3437009 23-Nov-2025 16:47

ElderMillanial:

Do you have a suggestion of a good one, or should I get one from ONE?

I am not sure you need to change the router just yet. You problem could be many.

Have you tried a different cable from your ONT to the router?

Are all your devices using Wi-Fi? If so, it could be interference - a new neighbout for example. It would be good to check the router configuration and perhaps change the Wi-Fi settings to a different channel.

You can also unplug the phone cord. No use for it.

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lxsw20

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#3437011 23-Nov-2025 17:06

If you need support with the router in the future i'd reccomend getting what ever OneNZs offering is.

ElderMillanial

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#3437015 23-Nov-2025 17:21

Thank you so much for your help

Eva888

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#3437017 23-Nov-2025 17:26

Might be wise to also fully turn off your phones then restart them on again. That can also help clear some issues. Is your phone operating system up to date and your apps up to date also. Sometimes deleting the app that’s a problem and reinstalling can help fix issues.

As above stick to what One NZ gives you. If you still have issues call them again, tell them that you’ve turned everything on and off a number of times and you still have a problem and can they check it for you at their end and then send someone to fix it.

Tinkerisk

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#3437052 23-Nov-2025 23:27

freitasm:

I don't remember people calling the ONT (second image) a "modem".

Well in fact, technically it is. 😉

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#3437053 23-Nov-2025 23:34

It act as one but has a specific name.

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Tinkerisk

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#3437054 23-Nov-2025 23:38

freitasm:

It act as one but has a specific name.

Telcom speech is ONT (because it terminates their physical layer responsibility). Technically its a fibre optic modem and works as such. To be precise: they are in fact fibre optic routers, but here they are plain modems. A plain ONT can have eth and/or fibre output connectors, a modem has eth output connectors only. Depends highly of the ISPs network strategy.

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#3438059 27-Nov-2025 21:27

Slightly off-topic I know, but I had a client last week who couldn't get any better than 50mb/s showing on Fast.com from their OneNZ UFB with Deco mesh. Oh, & the prehistoric Vodafone Hub router that OneNZ had told them was essential to leave between the ONT & Deco.

Upon removal of this "essential" piece of tech junk, the download rate shot to 600mb/s. After reading this thread & that expeience just last week, I get the feeling that there might just be a whole lot more regular people out there with sadly mismatched equipment who've been guided by a telephone support worker who really knows nothing other than the script on their screen.

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