Learn how to set up and use your Spark Smart Modem 3.
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Technical specifications
Features
Quad-Stream AX3500 WiFi – up to 5.66 Gbps (860.3+ 4803.9 Mbps) *
WiFi6 11ax
Downlink and Uplink Multi-User MIMO technology in both 2.4GHz and 5GHz
1024QAM modulation for higher throughput
2 Ghz dual-core processor
Support DDR4 faster than DDR3
5-core packet acceleration for CPU offload
2GHz ARM dual core for more computing power
Gigabit internet capable over ethernet **
DSL technology
Comply with ITU-T G.993.2 – Annex A with 998 asymmetric band plan and vectoring (profile 8x,12x,17a,30a)
Comply with ITU-T G.992.1 (G.dmt), ITU-T G.992.3 (ADSL2), ITU-T G.992.5 ADSL2+ standard
WiFi technology
802.11n: up to 450Mbps
802.11ac: up to 3466.7 Mbps
WiFi 4 256QAM (2.4GHz): up to 600Mbps
WiFi 4 1024QAM (2.4GHz): up to 750Mbps
WiFi 5 1024QAM (5GHz) : up to 4333Mbps
WiFi 6 1024 QAM(2.4Ghz) up to 860.3 Mbps
WIFI 6 1024 QAM(5 Ghz) up to 4803.9 Mbps
Data rate
(860.3+ 4803.9 Mbps)
WiFi band
Simultaneous dual band 2.4 & 5GHz
WiFi standards
IEEE® 802.11 b/g/n/ax 2.4GHz
IEEE® 802.11 a/n/ac/ax 5GHz
Beamforming
Beamforming+ — Boosts speed, reliability and range of WiFi connections in 5GHz
Memory
RAM DDR4 1GB
Internal Storage eMMC 8GB
Security
DMZ
Stateful Packet Inspection Firewall
WiFi Protected Access® (WPA3, WPA2, AES and TKIP)
Intrusion Detection and Prevention (DoS, SYN Flood, Ping of Death, Fraggle, etc.)
Customizable Firewall Security Levels
Physical specifications
Dimensions: 265 x 170 x 85mm (with stand)
Weight: 536g (device)
Number of ethernet ports
1 x 2.5GB WAN port
3 x gigabit ethernet LAN port
Number of USB ports
1 x USB 2.0 port
* Maximum wireless signal rate derived from IEEE 802.11 specifications. Actual data throughput and wireless coverage will vary and may be lowered by network and environmental conditions, including network traffic volume and building construction. Spark makes no representations or warranties about this product’s compatibility with future standards.
** Gigabit Internet speeds require a compatible broadband plan and device.
How to set up your modem
Learn how to set up and connect your modem.
You'll find a quick start guide printed on the inside of your modem's box lid. Inside the box you'll find:
- Spark Smart Modem 3
- Power supply unit
- Blue Fibre ethernet cable
- Yellow LAN ethernet cable
- Black VDSL cable
- Grey ADSL cable
- Safety information
Set up your modem on fibre broadband
- Plug your modem into a power supply near your Fibre box. The Fibre box is also known as an Optical Network Terminal (ONT). It can usually be found on your internal wall.
- Turn on your modem by pressing the Power button and wait for the lights to turn on.
- Plug one end of the blue ethernet cable into the port labelled Fibre on your modem.
- Plug the other end of the blue ethernet cable into the port on the Fibre box labelled LAN1 or GE1. If there's already something plugged in there, try LAN2 or GE2 instead.
- The light next to the port name will come on. If it doesn't, try plugging the ethernet cable into the next port until the light comes on.
Set up your modem on VDSL broadband
For your VDSL connection, a technician will first install a VDSL splitter and a VDSL jackpoint (RJ45).
- Plug your modem into a power supply near your VDSL jackpoint.
- Turn on your modem by pressing the Power button and wait 30 seconds for the lights to turn on.
- Plug one end of the black VDSL cable to the port labelled DSL on your modem.
- Plug the other end of the black VDSL cable into your VDSL jackpoint..
Set up your modem on ADSL broadband
You will need to have an ADSL filter on every phone socket in use, including phone lines, faxes or anything else that gets plugged into a phone socket. Filters remove interference on your phone line and improve your broadband service, even if you don’t have a home phone plugged in.
- Plug your modem into a power supply near your jackpoint.
- Turn on your modem by pressing the Power button and wait 30 seconds for the lights to turn on.
- Plug one end of the grey ADSL cable to the port labelled DSL on your modem.
- Plug the other end of the grey ADSL cable into the ADSL port of your ADSL filter.
- Plug your filter into a jackpoint in your home.
How to connect your landline
Learn how to connect your landline phone on a Fibre connection.
There are two ways you can connect your landline on a Fibre connection. Instructions have been provided below for both methods.
If you have integrated wiring
- Find an empty phone socket within your house and plug your phone into it.
If you don't have integrated wiring
- Plug one end of the supplied grey phone cable into your phone.
- Plug the other end into the port on the Fibre box labelled POTS1, TEL or TEL1.
- The light next to the port name will come on. If it doesn't and your Fibre box has a second phone port named POTS2 or TEL2, plug your cable into that port instead.
How to check if you have integrated wiring
- On your Fibre box (also known as as the Optical Network Terminal or ONT), check if there is a cable already plugged into the phone port.
- The port will be labelled POTS1, TEL, TEL1, POTS2 or TEL2.
- If the cable is connected to a phone socket or another device, this means that integrated wiring has been installed.
How to connect your devices to WiFi or ethernet
Learn how to connect your devices to your Smart Modem 3 by WiFi or an Ethernet cable.
Find your WiFi password
To ensure the protection of your WiFi network, your modem comes with a pre-configured password. Only devices that have connected using this password will have access to your WiFi network.
You can find the default password on the back of your modem.
If you later change your WiFi password and forget what it is, you can factory reset your modem to restore it to the default WiFi password.
Connect your devices to WiFi
- Open your device's WiFi menu.
- Look for and select your WiFi network name.
- Enter the WiFi password to connect.
You're now connected to your WiFi network. We recommend going to one of your favourite websites to check it's working.
Connect your devices using an ethernet cable
To give you the best speed, we recommend using the yellow ethernet cable included with your Smart Modem 2. If you're using your own ethernet cable, check that it's CAT5e or above.
- Connect one end of the ethernet cable to the modem's ethernet port.
- Connect the other end of the cable to your device.
How to check your modem lights
Confirm your Smart Modem 3 has been set up correctly by looking at the LED lights.
How to log in to your modem
Learn how to access the modem interface for your Smart Modem 3 so you can change its settings.
- Open any web browser such as Chrome, Firefox, Edge.
- In the address bar, type 192.168.1.254and press enter.
- Enter your modem login information. By default, the User name and Password will both be admin.
This information is also located on the back of your modem. It's underneath the sticker that has your WiFi name and password on it. Slide the sticker across to see it.
The modem management page will now appear. You can make changes to the modem settings including the WiFi name, WiFi password or modem password.
How to reset your modem to factory settings
Learn how to restore your modem back to its factory default state. This returns your modem to its out-of-the-box settings. In many cases, a reset may fix connection issues and problems.
Factory reset using reset button
Follow these steps to factory reset your Spark Smart Modem 3. Please note that by factory resetting your modem, any changes you've made to the modem settings will be restored back to default. This includes your WiFi name and password.
- Power on your modem. Place a paper clip or pin into the hole on the back of the modem labelled RESET.
- Hold the paper clip or pin down for 10 to 15 seconds and release.
- The modem will reboot on its own. Once the WLAN light stops flashing, the reset process is complete.
Please note that factory resetting your modem does not reset the modem firmware to an earlier version. It will only change all settings back to factory default.
Factory reset using modem interface
- Open any web browser such as Chrome, Firefox, Edge.
- In the address bar, type 192.168.1.254 and press enter.
- Enter your modem login information. By default, the User name and Password will both be admin. This information is also located on the back of your modem, underneath the sticker with your WiFi details on it.
- Select Administration on the left hand side menu.
- Select Restore/Save/Upload Setting.
- Select the Restore to Factory Defaults button.
- Select OK then OK again to confirm the factory reset.
All data and settings saved on your modem will be reset to their defaults. Your modem will automatically reboot.
How to set up guest WiFi
Learn how to set up a guest WiFi network on your Spark Smart Modem 3. Guest Wi-Fi networks are a great way to offer your house guests easy access to the internet without also giving them access to the rest of your network and WiFi connected devices.
- Open any web browser such as Chrome, Firefox, Edge.
- In the address bar, type 192.168.1.254 and press enter.
- Enter your modem login information and click Login. By default, the User name and Password will both be admin. This information is also located on the back of your modem. It's underneath the sticker with your WiFi details on it.
- Select WLAN from the left hand side menu.
- Select Guest Network from the menu bar on the top.
- Under Wireless 2.4GHz, select Edit if you wish to enable guest access on the 2.4 GHz frequency.
- Select the slider to enable SSID Enable.
- Enter your WiFi network name in the Network Name (SSID) field, and password (if you wish to have one) in the WPA Pre-shared Key field.
- Select Save Settings.
- Repeat steps 6 to 9 for Wireless 5GHz, if you wish to also enable guest access on the 5 GHz band.
How to change your WiFi name (SSID) and password
Learn how to change your WiFi network name and password on the Spark Smart Modem 3.
- Open any web browser such as Chrome, Firefox, Edge.
- In the address bar, type 192.168.1.254 and press enter.
- Enter your modem login information. By default, the User name and Password will both be admin. This information is also located on the back of your modem. It's underneath the sticker with your WiFi details on it.
- Select WLAN from the left hand side menu.
- In the SSID field, enter your new WiFi network name. In the WPA Pre-shared Key, enter your new WiFi network password. Ensure your password is at least 8 characters.
- Select Save Settings.
Your WiFi network name and password are now updated. You'll need to connect all devices that have previously connected to your WiFi network using these new details.
How to change your WiFi channel
Learn how to update your WiFi channel and why you may do this.
Locate the best WiFi channel for you
Changing channels can often reduce WiFi interference. This can be especially useful if you live in an apartment with a lot of WiFi networks nearby. To get an idea of which channels are already in use in your home or nearby, try the following mobile apps:
- InSSIDer
- WiFi Analyser free from FarProc
How to change your WiFi channel
- Open any web browser such as Chrome, Firefox, Edge.
- In the address bar, type 192.168.1.254 and press enter.
- Enter your modem login information. By default, the User name and Password will both be admin. This information is also located on the back of your modem. It's underneath the sticker with your WiFi details on it.
- Select WLAN from the left hand side menu.
- Update the WiFi channel in the Channel field by selecting a new channel from the dropdown menu. To adjust the 5GHz WiFi network channel, update the Channel field under WLAN 5GHz.
- Select Save Settings.
Your WiFi channel is now updated. We recommend testing for at least two hours before changing WiFi channels again.
How to enable WiFi Protected Setup (WPS)
Learn how to enable the WPS (WiFi Protected Setup) functionality on your Spark Smart Modem 3. WPS allows you to connect your devices to your modem without having to enter the WiFi password.
- Open any web browser such as Chrome, Firefox, Edge.
- In the address bar, type 192.168.1.254 and press enter.
- Enter your modem login information. By default, the User name and Password will both be admin. This information is also located on the back of your modem. It's underneath the sticker that has your WiFi details on it.
- Select WLAN from the left hand side menu.
- Under Wi-Fi Protected Setup, check Enable.
- Select Start. WPS will now be enabled.
If you wish to connect your mobile device to your WiFi, go to the WiFi settings on your device and select WPS PIN Entry. It may have a different but similar name. Your mobile device will connect via WPS to your Smart Modem 3.
How to disable your modem's WiFi
Learn how to turn off the WiFi on your modem.
- Open any web browser such as Chrome, Firefox, Edge.
- In the address bar, type 192.168.1.254 and press enter.
- Enter your modem login information. By default, the Username and Password will both be admin. This information is also located on the back of your modem. It's underneath the sticker that has your WiFi details on it.
- Select WLAN from the menu on the left hand side.
- Under SSID Enable, select No.
- Select Save Settings.
WiFi on your modem has now been disabled. To connect to the internet you will need to do one of the following:
- Connect your device to your modem using an ethernet cable
- Connect your device to a mesh WiFi network, where one of the mesh units is connected to your modem by an ethernet cable.
FAQs
Can I upgrade my spark modem? ›
If the firmware is an older version, you can proceed to update your modem. Select the “Administration” tab on the left navigation bar. Then select the “Firmware Upgrade” tab on the top navigation bar. Click “Choose file” button to select the firmware file from your local file storage.
What lights should be on my spark modem? ›Power and WAN light should be GREEN and steady. Internet light and a LAN light (if using yellow LAN port) should be GREEN and blinking. WLAN light should be GREEN and steady or blinking (if using WiFi).
How do I setup a wireless spark modem? ›NOTE: You can find the default Wi-Fi name and password located underneath the modem. From your device's Wi-Fi menu select the matching Wi-Fi name and enter the Wi-Fi password to connect. Connect the YELLOW ethernet cable to modem's “ETHERNET” port and then to the device's “ETHERNET” port.
Does the spark smart modem have a WPS button? ›Learn how to enable the WPS (WiFi Protected Setup) functionality on your Spark Smart Modem 2. WPS allows you to easily connect your wireless devices (computer, laptop, mobile phone etc.) to your modem without having to enter the WiFi password.
Can I buy a new modem for my internet? ›You may be able to save money and get faster speeds by buying a cable modem instead of renting one from your ISP. Here's what you need to know. If you have cable internet, you probably rent your modem from your internet service provider for a monthly fee on top of your internet plan.
How much is a new modem? ›Price: We've found that you should expect to pay $50 to $90 for a DOCSIS 3.0 modem that works with most plans and has the features you need to get the highest speeds available to you.
What do the modem lights mean? ›If the light is blinking green, data is being transmitted or received at 100 Mbps. If the light is on and yellow, the port has detected link with a 10 Mbps device. If the light is blinking yellow, data is being transmitted or received at 10 Mbps. If the light is off, no link is detected on that port.
Why isn't my modem connecting to the internet? ›Examine all of your cables and make sure nothing is loose or damaged. Also, test your coax outlets to make sure you are getting an Internet signal. Reboot/Restart your router and modem. Sometimes your cable modem and router need a reboot/restart.
Should the lights on my modem be flashing? ›A blinking light means you are having difficulty connecting to the internet. Ensure all telephone cable connections are tight and secure and reboot the modem and router (if applicable). POWER: A solid green light indicates the unit is properly connected to power. A blinking red light indicates a possible modem failure.
How do I access my modem settings? ›Open a web browser and type http://192.168.0.1 into the web address field. 3. Log in to the modem's settings interface (Modem GUI) using your Admin Username and Admin Password. Note that these are different from your wireless network name (SSID) and WiFi password (security key).
What does mean WPS? ›
Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) is a feature supplied with many routers. It is designed to make the process of connecting to a secure wireless network from a computer or other device easier. IMPORTANT for Android TV™ models.
How do I connect my landline to my modem? ›What to Know. Connect your router to your modem, then plug the phone line into the “Phone 1” or “Tel 1” port on your router. If you have a modem-router combo, just plug the phone line into the “Phone 1” or “Tel 1” port. For DSL modems, you must use an additional telephone cable to connect the DSL port to a wall jack.
Can I use any modem for my internet NZ? ›On Fibre broadband - your modem must be Fibre ready/capable (WAN VLAN tagging and IPoE) and have a WAN or Internet port to connect to the Fibre ONT (Optical Network Terminal). On VDSL/ADSL broadband - your modem must be VDSL/ADSL ready/capable (New Zealand PPPoA DSL).
How long does it take for a new modem to connect? ›This usually takes about two to five minutes, but may take up to 20 minutes if your modem needs a firmware update. When the status light turns solid, you'll know your modem is updated and connected.
Is spark smart modem 5G? ›Learn how you can set up and connect your modem. The Spark Smart Modem package contains: 5G Spark Smart Modem.
How do I replace my old modem with a new one? ›- Step 1: Disconnect Your Old Modem. Identify the modem that's currently connected to your computer or WiFi router by an Ethernet cable. ...
- Step 2: Connect Your Replacement Modem. Connect the coax cable and Ethernet cables to your replacement modem. ...
- Step 3: Activate the Modem.
- #1 It breaks or experiences problems. ...
- #2 You change Internet service providers (ISPs) ...
- #3 Your modem can't handle your new Internet speed. ...
- #4 You have confirmed your modem has degraded performance. ...
- #5 You want to use services your modem doesn't support. ...
- Surge Protector.
- You can't connect to the internet.
- Your Internet connection randomly drops out.
- You frequently have to reset or restart your modem.
- Your streaming is lagging.
- Your internet speeds are inconsistent.
- Your modem's indicator light remains unlit.
- Your modem runs constantly hot.
- You need to reset the modem regularly.
- Your internet connection drops out frequently.
- Your internet connection is either slow or inconsistent.
- Buzzing or humming noise from the modem.
- The lights on the modem aren't the expected color.
- The lights on the modem don't light up.
How Long Does a Modem Last? Most modems last for about 2-3 years but higher quality modems can last for 5-8 years. Most high quality modems end up being replaced because they become outdated, not because they have broken down.
Is it cheaper to buy your own modem? ›
The up-front cost of purchasing a modem or router can be higher than renting one, but you will save money over time by owning your equipment. If you do the math, then you'll realize buying a modem-and-router combo is cheaper than renting from an ISP.
What are the 3 lights on router? ›Modem indicators vary by manufacturer, but typically, a router with a good internet and Wi-Fi connection will show solid green or blue lights near the power, internet, and Wi-Fi symbols. Your modem might show additional lights, depending on its connections and functions.
How do I know if my modem is working? ›The lights on the side of your modem can tell you whether or not your modem is connected to your router and the internet. If none of the lights on your modem are glowing, then your modem isn't turn on, so you should check the power cable. Check the power supply and coax cables.
What is the difference between a modem and a router? ›Have you ever asked, "do I need a modem and router?" To put it simply, the modem connects your home to the Internet, while a router creates the network inside your house.
Why is my router not connecting to the internet after reset? ›Update your Router Firmware
If you still have no internet connection after modem reset, one possible reason is that your router firmware may be outdated already. This can cause several bugs and problems, one of which is not being able to establish an internet connection.
Most of the time you should have 6 main lights on your modem. When it comes to troubleshooting internet problems, the first indicator of trouble besides not having internet, will usually be that the lights on the modem will have either changed colour, they are blinking, or they are not on at all.
What happens when I press the WPS button on my router? ›The WPS button simplifies the connection process
Press the WPS button on your router to turn on the discovery of new devices. Then, go to your device and select the network you want to connect to. The device is automatically connected to the wireless network without having to enter the network password.
Internet (Green) - The Internet LED lights up when the router is connected to your cable or DSL modem. If the LED is flashing, the router is sending or receiving data over the Internet port. POWER (Blue/Red) - The POWER LED lights up blue when the router is powered ON.
How do I find my Wi-Fi router username and password? ›These passwords are sometimes printed on a sticker on the router itself. Try a common username and password combination: By default, many routers use a blank username and the password “admin” (don't type the quotes), the username “admin” and a blank password, or “admin” as both the username and password.
How do I find my modem password? ›In Network and Sharing Center, next to Connections, select your Wi-Fi network name. In Wi-Fi Status, select Wireless Properties. In Wireless Network Properties, select the Security tab, then select the Show characters check box. Your Wi-Fi network password is displayed in the Network security key box.
What is the IP address of my modem? ›
Right-click the Start button then select Command Prompt. Step 2: On the Command Prompt window, enter “ipconfig” and press the [Enter]. The numbers indicated on the Default Gateway section is your router's IP Address.
Should I press the WPS button on my router? ›On most wireless routers, WPS is enabled by default. The intent is to make it easy for users to set up their network and add all their devices to their Wi-Fi. Therefore, after you set up your network and add the devices you want on your Wi-Fi, if security is a concern, it is a good idea to disable WPS on your router.
How do I know if WPS is on or off? ›Note: To check if your router is WPS-enabled, look for a button labeled WPS on your router or access point. If there is no hardware button, there may be a virtual WPS button in the software for the device.
Should I disable WPS? ›WPS works by allow us to join a wi-fi network without needing to know the network password. You simply push the WPS button on the router, join the network and you're in. Unfortunately, WPS is horribly insecure and can be used as a means for attackers to gain access to your network. This is why we disable WPS.
Can I plug my modem into any phone line? ›Yes, you can plug your modem into any phone line, provided it has a telephone port corresponding internet-voice plan. However, if you have a DSL modem with you, the port shouldn't be a concern as the DSL port works well with any RJ11 cable and a phone socket.
Does my modem need to be connected to a phone line? ›You don't need a phone line in order to get Internet service. In fact, most cable companies offer Internet service by hooking up the coaxial cable line to a special cable modem. The cable modem is able to transform the cable signal into an Ethernet signal, which can be attached to a port on your computer.
What cable do I need to connect modem to phone line? ›Fiber Modem
A fiber modem probably comes with a GPON port if you have a fiber modem. You just need to connect the landline telephone to an RJ11 cable. Further, plug the other end into the phone port on the device.
- Connect the router to your computer with an Ethernet cable.
- Download the firmware update from the router manufacturer's website.
- Log in to your router's web management page.
- On that page, select the downloaded firmware to update your router.
- Reboot your router to finish the upgrade.
Where you choose to buy a Spark modem with your broadband or landline plan, Spark will provide you with the modem of our choice which will work with your plan. If you want to purchase a Spark modem without a Spark broadband or landline plan, please visit your nearest Spark store.
How do I replace my modem? ›- Step 1: Disconnect Your Old Modem. Identify the modem that's currently connected to your computer or WiFi router by an Ethernet cable. ...
- Step 2: Connect Your Replacement Modem. Connect the coax cable and Ethernet cables to your replacement modem. ...
- Step 3: Activate the Modem.
Do I need to upgrade my modem? ›
Typically, you should look to upgrade or replace your cable modem every two to four years. Newer cable modem technology, such as DOCSIS 3.1, can have a variety of improvements, including faster download speeds, faster uplink speeds, enhanced streaming capabilities, DOCSIS 3.1 capabilities and more.
How long should a modem last? ›How Long Does a Modem Last? Most modems last for about 2-3 years but higher quality modems can last for 5-8 years. Most high quality modems end up being replaced because they become outdated, not because they have broken down.
Why does my modem keep losing connection? ›For example, your modem may be faulty, your router may be out of date, or you may have too many devices using too much data simultaneously. Cables may be damaged. Network congestion may slow speeds. Some slowdowns are out of your control, while others are easily fixed.
Do modems slow down over time? ›That's a serious problem because that old, outdated modem will often throttle their Internet connection down to a speed that's often a lot slower than the speed they should rightfully be enjoying. And in case you're wondering, the speed lost due to an outdated modem can be quite substantial.
How do I check the health of my modem? ›Open Google Search and type "internet speed test," and select Run Speed Test. If the resulting download and upload speeds are far below what you should be getting, this may indicate a failing modem.
What is the difference between a router and a modem? ›Have you ever asked, "do I need a modem and router?" To put it simply, the modem connects your home to the Internet, while a router creates the network inside your house.
Can I use any modem for my internet NZ? ›On Fibre broadband - your modem must be Fibre ready/capable (WAN VLAN tagging and IPoE) and have a WAN or Internet port to connect to the Fibre ONT (Optical Network Terminal). On VDSL/ADSL broadband - your modem must be VDSL/ADSL ready/capable (New Zealand PPPoA DSL).
How often should you replace your modem and router? ›Technology changes quickly. Upgrading your router periodically makes sure you get to take advantage of improvements to wireless speeds, efficiency, range, and network security. Every five years is a good timeline to replace (or at least consider replacing) your old home networking equipment.
Is it hard to replace a modem? ›As anyone with cable internet knows, ISPs charge a rental fee on cable modems, which most pay since they often think it is too hard to replace one with their own. Replacing a cable modem is an easy task that almost anyone can do and save on the monthly rental fee.
How do I know if my modem is outdated? ›- You need to reset the modem regularly.
- Your internet connection drops out frequently.
- Your internet connection is either slow or inconsistent.
- Buzzing or humming noise from the modem.
- The lights on the modem aren't the expected color.
- The lights on the modem don't light up.
Can I replace my modem myself? ›
Installing or replacing your modem is usually a fairly straightforward process. You can follow the instructions that come with the new modem, but frankly you can probably figure out what to do just by looking at your existing modem and swapping it for the new one.
Does a new modem make a difference? ›No, not any modem will do. In fact, using the wrong modem can significantly limit the speed of your internet connection. In this post we'll take a close look at modems and what you can do to make sure your modem is helping to optimize your internet connection.