Skip to the article content

A good internet set-up makes for a great nbn experience


Lay the foundation for a great experience


Your nbn service provides your connection to the internet, but your internal set-up helps shape your online experience in your home or business – it can also have an impact on the speed and reliability of your connection.

Want faster, more reliable internet at home? The following How to optimise your home internet setup video (duration 3:18) shares practical tips on improving your connection, including where to place your Wi-Fi router and how to get better coverage if you live in a larger or multi-storey home.


[Upbeat electronic music plays and continues throughout]

Female narrator: Get ready to make your in-home setup faster. Let's optimise your home for speed.

[Text on screen] Optimise your home for speed. How to get the best nbn experience.

How to connect

Female narrator: To get started, you'll need to connect your Wi-Fi router to the nbn connection box using an Ethernet cable. nbn connection boxes can all look a little different, but it'll be the box with an nbn logo on it. If you don't have one, go to nbn.com.au and enter your address. If it says your home's fibre connection is FTB or FTTN, then your home won't have a box. In that case, connect your Wi-Fi router directly into the wall socket. Otherwise, please contact your internet provider and they'll organise for a new one to be installed. Your Wi-Fi router and nbn box are now connected.

Here's a few other things you can check to help you make the most of your nbn connection.

[Text on screen] A few other things you can check. Make the most of your nbn connection.

How to choose the best spot for your Wi-Fi router

[Text on screen] How to choose the best spot for your Wi-Fi router.

Female narrator: Did you know that where you put your router can affect the Wi-Fi signal? To find the best spot, look for an uncluttered location with a clear line of sight to where you use the internet most.

[Text on screen] Remember.

Remember, don't block it, or put your router next to items that can interfere with Wi-Fi signal, like Bluetooth speakers, a baby monitor, microwave, fridge, even a mirror or fish tank near your router can slow your Wi-Fi.

[Text on screen] Bluetooth speakers, baby monitor, microwave, fridge.

Now, you're in the perfect position to make the most of your internet. But could your devices be slowing you down? Let's check.

How to check your devices are up to speed?

[Text on screen] How to check your devices up to speed.

Female narrator: Your older devices still work, but are you getting the most out of them? Because they use outdated Wi-Fi technology, older devices can have slower speeds. 

[Text on screen] Loading.... Slower.

Take, for instance, your Wi-Fi router. As you can see, there have been many generations of routers. 

[Text on screen] 2009 - Wi-Fi 4, 802.11n; 2013: Wi-Fi 5, 802.11ac; 2019 - Wi-Fi 6, 802.11ax; 2024 - Wi-Fi 7, 802.11be

If it's older and you're connecting to newer devices, you might want to contact your internet provider to discuss your setup.

Now to make sure you're getting the most out of your connection, there's one last thing. 

[Text on screen] One last thing.

How to make the most of your connection when it's further from the router

[Text on screen] How to make the most of your connection, further from the router.

Female narrator: The closer you are to your router, the faster your Wi-Fi will work. So what do you do when you're further away, especially in a larger home or multi-story? We recommend looking into a mesh network, where multiple devices, called nodes, work together to evenly spread Wi-Fi throughout the home.

[Text on screen] Talk to your provider for more information.

And if you're going to use large amounts of data, like when you're gaming or streaming, you might need more than Wi-Fi. 

[Text on screen] Talk to a licensed cabler for more information.

Connecting with an Ethernet cable could give you a more stable, and faster connection.

Okay, that's it! You're now all set up and ready to go. Just don't forget to set a secure Wi-Fi password on your router.

[Text on screen] Remember: Your home internet setup is just one part of your overall internet experience. Your experience on the nbn network can also depend on other factors, such as your nbn technology and whether you are using the internet during the busy period. Satellite customers may experience latency and your internet experience could be impacted by signal reception.

If you'd like more information, check out nbn.com.au/optimise. And if you still need a hand, feel free to get in touch with your internet provider.

[Music fades]

[End of transcript]


We’ve identified four key building blocks that are essential in helping you to do great things online, regardless of whether you’re at work or play. Explore how these building blocks come together in your home or business with our series of support articles aimed to help you optimise your internal set-up. You may want to read the full series or jump straight to the topics most important to you, or use our assistant to find the right advice for your set-up at home.


Your optimisation journey starts here



Understanding your nbn connection box

Discover how your nbn® connection box connects your home or business to the nbn network.


What to look for in a Wi‑Fi router

We’ve pulled together some info to help you find the best Wi-Fi router for your set-up.


Wired vs wireless – what’s the difference?

Learn more about what could work best for you when it comes to wired and wireless connections.



Are your connected devices lagging behind?

Check your devices are compatible with your Wi-Fi router, ports and any cabling, so you’re set up for the best experience.


Unleash your Wi‑Fi

Check out some simple tips and hints we’ve put together to help improve your Wi-Fi experience.


The right speed for you

Choosing the right speed can unleash a richer experience.



Interactive guides to optimising your set-up



Tips for your home

Check out our interactive guide with tips on how to get the most out of your internal set-up at home.


Tips for your office

Improve your internal set-up with these interactive tips for your office.





Our fact sheets summarise key tips for setting up and optimising your internet connection. Keep them on hand for advice on improving your set-up and basic troubleshooting.


Fact sheet: Internet set-up for home 101

Learn the basics of setting up a great home internet connection.

(PDF 75 KB)

Fact sheet: Optimising your home internet set-up

Make the most of your nbn connection with our tips for optimising your home internet set-up.

(PDF 111 KB)

Fact sheet: Optimising your business internet set-up

Help your business thrive online with our tips for optimising your business internet set-up.

(PDF 1 MB)

Fact sheet: Optimising your internet set-up when building or renovating

Building a new home or renovating? Plan ahead with our tips for optimising your internal set-up to help get the best from your nbn connection.

(PDF 1 MB)