Contrary to the advice nbn provides, we don’t recommend Wi-Fi extenders or Power over Ethernet adapters (sometimes called powerline adapters) if you want to extend your Wi-Fi coverage. These devices can cause other issues, such as dropouts and speed problems, so they’re not recommended by MATE.
To explain why: when you use a Wi-Fi extender, your network signal has to travel from your nbn device (if applicable) to your modem/router, and then to your extender. This can cause poor speeds, because the extender receives the signal, processes it, then rebroadcasts it. If you use a Wi-Fi extender, you’re likely to experience slower internet and reduced performance on your connection.
If you need stronger Wi-Fi to cover a wider area of your home, we’d highly recommend a Mesh Wi-Fi router system instead.
These consist of a main router that connects directly to your nbn equipment or modem, plus a series of modules placed around your house for full Wi-Fi coverage. The main advantage is that all the mesh units form part of a single wireless network and share the same wireless name and password, unlike traditional Wi-Fi routers or extenders.
Here are some quality Mesh Wi-Fi routers we’d recommend using with your internet service:
- TP-Link Deco
- NETGEAR Orbi
These can be bought from most major electronics stores, such as JB Hi-Fi, Harvey Norman and Officeworks, and come in a range of options depending on the size of your home.
If your nbn connection is Fibre to the Premises (FTTP), Hybrid Fibre Coaxial (HFC), Fibre to the Curb (FTTC) or Fixed Wireless, you can plug your mesh router straight into the nbn device, with no other modem/router needed.
If you’re not sure what nbn connection type you have, just enter your full address (including any unit number) into our nbn address checker to find out.
