What your router needs to support
VLAN Tagging | VLAN ID 10, tagged |
Connection Type | DHCP or PPPoE |
For IPV6 | /56 prefix via DHCPv6-PD, WAN must support DHCPv6 Client |
Ethernet WAN Port | >1Gb/s |
VLAN 10 is the one that catches people out. It's standard for NZ fibre, and most routers sold here handle it — but a router bought overseas, or a very old one, may not. If your router can't tag VLAN 10, it won't connect, no matter what else it does.
Check your router's WAN or Internet settings for "VLAN" or "802.1Q" before you order. If you can't find it, it probably isn't there.
What you're taking on
We can't troubleshoot your router. If your Wi-Fi is patchy, or a port won't forward, or the thing needs a firmware update — that's yours to sort. We'll help you confirm the connection is fine up to the ONT, and everything past that is your equipment.
A rented Plio modem arrives working. Plug it into the ONT, plug in the power, done. No settings, no VLAN, nothing to configure. That's most of what the $6 buys.
No discount beyond the $6. Your plan costs the same either way — you're just not paying rental.
Which is right for you?
Rent one if you'd rather it just worked, or if the words "VLAN tagging" made your eyes glaze. Genuinely, no judgement — it's what most people should pick.
Bring your own if you already have a decent router you like, or you run something specific (pfSense, UniFi, a mesh system you've already set up) and want to keep it.
You can switch later. If your own router turns out to be a headache, message us and we'll post you one. [TBC: how does adding a rental to a live subscription work?]
Can I use my own router *as well* as the Plio one?
Yes — as an access point to extend coverage. The important bit:
1. Connect an ethernet cable from a LAN port on the Plio router to your own router's LAN port.
2. Turn DHCP off on your router. Two devices handing out addresses will cause dropouts that look like a connection fault but aren't.
3. Give it a different Wi-Fi name to the Plio network, so you can tell which one your devices are on.
4. Forget the old network on your devices, or they'll keep hopping back.
Do I need my own ONT?
No — and you can't supply one anyway. The ONT belongs to the fibre company and is installed by them. If there's already fibre at your address, the ONT is almost certainly on the wall already.