Your Wi-Fi router distributes the internet throughout your home. If it's a bit old, it may not be up to the job of delivering the constant, reliable speed you want.

• Ensure your Wi-Fi router supports at least Wi-Fi 5 or newer standards to enjoy high-speed internet.
• You should also check the compatibility of your connected devices and your Wi-Fi router. If your connected devices aren't compatible with Wi-Fi 5 or above, they may be unable to access the full speed of your Wi-Fi router or nbn plan.
• Remember, the more connected devices downloading, streaming, or gaming at once could also affect your internet performance.
• You should also review your internet plan regularly. Talk to your service provider to ensure your plan meets your needs for speed, reliability, and value for money.

Is something interfering with your Wi-Fi coverage?

Many objects and materials in the home can reflect or absorb your Wi-Fi signal, either slowing the speed as they pass through, or blocking it altogether. 

• Metal doors, appliances, mirrors, solid walls, floors, and ceilings significantly reduce signal efficiency and effective distance. 
• Interior walls, furniture, and even windows can do the same, but to a lesser degree. 
• Liquids, like those in fishtanks, fridges, hot water systems, and even bottles, can absorb Wi-Fi signal, preventing it from reaching your devices. 
• Other technology, including radios, baby monitors, microwave ovens, Bluetooth devices use signals that can interfere with your Wi-Fi. 
• Wi-Fi routers should be kept in the open, never in cupboards or behind furniture, and away from interference. 

Are you using the right signal band?

Wi-Fi Band Steering is a feature in routers that assigns devices to the appropriate Wi-Fi band to improve Wi-Fi performance. There are traditionally two frequency bands: either 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz, and more recently 6 GHz.

Most modern routers have Wi-Fi Band Steering turned on by default, however, this may vary depending on your router's manufacturer or previous settings. 

If you would like to check the settings or change them, speak to your preferred internet retailer or technology provider for further assistance. 

CAN YOUR WI-FI ROUTER REACH YOUR DEVICES?

The layout of your property can present a challenge for your Wi-Fi coverage. Solid brick or complex walls, including those containing water pipes, air-conditioning ducts, or insulation, can cause signal loss and decrease effective distance.

To help maintain effective coverage:

• Place your Wi-Fi router as close as possible to where the most connected devices are used most often.
• Position your Wi-Fi router off the floor in a raised and central location.
• Aim for line-of-sight between your Wi-Fi router and connected devices, with the signal passing through as few objects as possible.
• Consider installing ethernet cabling to provide additional access points, or ports for direct device connections. 
• Consider a Wi-Fi Mesh Network, linking multiple routers or access points throughout the home to provide reliable scalable coverage. Speak to your preferred internet provider or tech retailer to help you make an informed decision. 

CAN YOUR WI-FI ROUTER REACH YOUR DEVICES?

The layout of your property can present a challenge for your Wi-Fi coverage. Solid brick or complex walls, including those containing water pipes, air-conditioning ducts, or insulation, can cause signal loss and decrease effective distance.

To help maintain effective coverage:

• Place your Wi-Fi router as close as possible to where the most connected devices are used most often.
• Position your Wi-Fi router off the floor in a raised and central location.
• Aim for line-of-sight between your Wi-Fi router and connected devices, with the signal passing through as few objects as possible.
• Consider installing Ethernet cabling to provide additional access points, or ports for direct device connections. 
• Consider a Wi-Fi Mesh Network, linking multiple routers of access points throughout the home to provide reliable, scalable coverage. Speak to your preferred internet provider or tech retailer to help you make an informed decision. 

Can you plug devices directly into your network?

Ethernet cabling delivers stable, speedy, and secure connections to the internet and between devices. You can purchase cables from tech retailers and plug fixed devices, like TVs and computers, directly into your router. For longer distances, consider engaging a registered cabler to install ethernet cables professionally.

What is an Ethernet cable?

• An Ethernet cable connects devices like computers, routers, and switches within a local area network (LAN) to efficiently transmit data between these devices.
• Ethernet cables are used in homes and offices to connect devices such as smart TVs, gaming consoles, and printers.
• Ethernet cables offer a faster and more stable connection compared to Wi-Fi, without signal interference, reflection, and absorption.

Are old cables impacting your internet speed?

Cables used to connect to the internet can deteriorate over time, and old cables can lead to slower speeds. If you have internal cabling and your speed isn't meeting your expectations, it's worth having your cabling and wiring assessed by a registered cabler.

If you need to update the cables, consider Category 6 (CAT6) ethernet cables and above for best performance. You may require a registered cabler if you need extra Ethernet wall sockets installed.

• Ensure Compatibility: Ideally, your connected devices, including laptops, smartphones and tablets, and your Wi-Fi router should be using the same Wi-Fi generation to get the most of your speed plan. If you need a new Wi-Fi router, the most commonly available current technology is Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) or above.
• Update Old Devices: If your phone, tablet, or computer seems slower than it used to be, taking longer to open apps, load web pages, or respond to commands, it might be time for an upgrade. If upgrading is not an option, turn older devices off when not in use. 

It's important to speak to your device provider or manufacturer to find out whether your devices work on the nbn network. 

If not, they may suggest alternatives or upgrading to a new device with a back-up battery that connects via a mobile network, so it will still work during a power or nbn network outage. 

Devices that may no longer be compatible:

• Medical alarms, auto diallers or emergency call buttons. If you have a medical condition or require a safety-critical device to work during outages, refer to nbn.com.au/compatibility for additional information.
• Lift emergency phones.
• Monitored fire alarms.
• Security monitoring systems.
• Fax and teletypewriter devices.
• Existing landline phone services that are impacted (the copper network within nbn™ Fixed Wireless and Sky Muster™ satellite areas will not be switched off).^{^}

^ Services provided over the nbn network will be replacing phone and internet services provided over most of the existing landline networks, including copper and the majority of HFC networks within the fixed line footprint. There are some services that should not be impacted, including those provided over non-nbn fibre networks and some business and special services. To find out if your services are impacted, contact your current phone and internet provider. The switch off date is subject to change. For more information, visit nbn.com.au/switchoff or call 1800 687 626.