High Speed Router for Gigabit Plus Plans

Uncategorised | 29 September 2025

Gigabit internet isn’t just for tech nerds anymore. More Aussie homes are getting access to these lightning-fast connections from September, and frankly, it’s about time. Ultra HD streaming and massive game downloads have us all craving faster speeds. Plus, Wi-Fi 7 technology is hitting the market, making it the perfect moment to think about upgrading your home setup.

But here’s the thing, your shiny new gigabit plan is only as good as the router pushing it around your house.

Most Wi-Fi 6 modems can support speeds up to 1000Mbps (1Gbps), and some even pack Ethernet ports capable of 2.5Gbps or higher. Even better news? September 2025 is bringing faster NBN plans for eligible homes on FTTP or HFC connections, with some NBN 100 plans potentially jumping up to NBN 500 speeds.

Whether you’re streaming the latest series, gaming with mates online, or working from your kitchen table, upgrading to a decent gigabit router can seriously supercharge your internet experience. We’re here to help you cut through the tech jargon and find the perfect router to unleash what you’re actually paying for.

Understanding Gigabit Plus Internet Plans

Gigabit-plus internet plans are the fastest residential connections you can get in Australia right now. These ultra-fast options are changing how we connect, work and play online, but they need the right gear to actually deliver what you’re paying for.

What is a Gigabit Plus plan?

Gigabit internet delivers download speeds of 1,000 megabits (or one gigabit) per second with new nbn Home Hyperfast plan reaching up to 2,000Mbps (2 Gig). That’s seriously fast. To put it in perspective, a two-hour HD movie (around 2GB) would download in just 16 seconds at gigabit speeds. 

Most gigabit-plus speeds run on fibre-optic infrastructure. For NBN connections, two technologies can handle these ultra-fast speeds: Fibre to the Premises (FTTP) and Hybrid Fibre Coaxial (HFC) . Even better news coming in September 2025, NBN 100 plans on eligible technologies jump up to NBN 500Mbps speeds

Why router choice matters for high-speed plans

Here’s where things get interesting. Your router acts as the central hub for internet throughout your home, and with gigabit-plus plans, it can easily become your biggest headache. You could be paying for lightning-fast connectivity, but an incompatible router will create a bottleneck faster than you can say “buffering”.

For NBN plans beyond 100Mbps, your router absolutely must have:

• A Gigabit WAN port (look for labels like 10/100/1000 Mbps or Gigabit Ethernet) 
• Gigabit LAN ports for wired connections 
• At least Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) support, though Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 7 is what you really want 

What about those upcoming NBN 2000 plans? You’ll need a router with a 2.5Gbps internet port to hit the maximum 2,000Mbps download speeds. Using an older router with only 1Gbps ports would literally cut your potential speed in half.

Don’t forget about processing power either. Routing multi-gigabit speeds while managing firewall rules and other network services demands serious computational grunt. Without enough processing power, your router gets overwhelmed and slows everything down, regardless of how fast your plan should be.

Common bottlenecks in home networks

Ever wondered why your internet feels slower than advertised? There are quite a few culprits that could be throttling your connection. As one network specialist put it, “In networking, data is the water, and the network components are the pipes”.

Your modem often creates the first bottleneck. Many older modems or gateways only have 1 Gbps Ethernet ports, immediately capping speeds for plans faster than 1 Gbps . Then there are Ethernet cables – Cat 5 cables only support 100Mbps, Cat 5e and Cat 6 reach up to 1Gbps, while you need Cat 6a cables (or newer) for speeds up to 10Gbps.

Network switches can be another pain point. Most basic unmanaged switches limit speeds to 1 Gbps per port, creating a ceiling for connected devices no matter how fast your internet plan is.

Device compatibility gets overlooked all the time. Your older laptop, phone, or tablet might not support higher speeds. Even newer devices like gaming consoles often have gigabit Ethernet ports that restrict them to 1Gbps speeds regardless of your plan.

Wireless connections add their own complications. Despite impressive Wi-Fi speeds on paper, many access points only have a 1 Gbps Ethernet port for the “uplink” connection back to your network, creating a bottleneck that limits actual internet speed over Wi-Fi.

Physical interference can be a real killer too. Metal doors, appliances, mirrors, solid walls, and even fish tanks can reduce signal efficiency or block it completely. Proper router placement (keeping it in the open, away from interference) becomes essential for getting what you’re paying for. 

Key Features to Look for in a High-Speed Router

Choosing a router for gigabit-plus speeds isn’t just about finding the flashiest model on the shelf. You need to understand what actually matters for performance. The right router means getting every bit of speed you’re paying for, the wrong one leaves you with expensive internet that feels sluggish.

Wi-Fi 6, 6E, and 7 explained

Wi-Fi standards basically tell you how fast and capable your router’s wireless connection can be. Right now, three standards are worth your attention: Wi-Fi 6, 6E, and 7.

Wi-Fi 6E extends Wi-Fi 6 to include the 6GHz band, maintaining the same 9.6Gbps speed potential but with significantly less interference. The 6GHz band works best for devices within approximately 15 feet of your router. As one manufacturer notes, this band offers “more bandwidth, faster speeds, and near-zero latency”. Think of it as adding an extra lane to a busy highway.

Importance of Gigabit and Multi-Gig Ethernet ports

A router’s Ethernet ports are crucial for maximising performance, especially for wired connections. Standard Ethernet ports support speeds up to 1Gbps, which worked fine until gigabit-plus plans started hitting the market.

For plans exceeding 1Gbps, Multi-Gig Ethernet ports become essential. These ports support various speeds between 1Gbps and 10Gbps, including 2.5Gbps and 5Gbps connections. Without these ports, your network speed is immediately capped at 1Gbps regardless of your internet plan. It’s like buying a Ferrari and only being able to drive it in first gear.

Multi-Gig ports are particularly valuable for:

• Connecting to high-speed internet services (WAN port)
• Linking to devices that benefit from faster speeds, like NAS servers
• Supporting bandwidth-intensive applications such as video streaming and online gaming

Many newer routers offer at least one 2.5Gbps port, with premium models featuring multiple 10Gbps ports. Here’s the good news: Multi-Gig Ethernet works with existing Cat5e and Cat6 cables, no rewiring required.

Dual-band vs tri-band vs quad-band

Modern routers use multiple frequency bands to optimise performance and reduce interference. Think of it like having multiple roads to get to the same destination.

Dual-band routers operate on 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequencies. The 2.4GHz band provides better range and wall penetration but slower speeds, making it ideal for devices that don’t require high bandwidth. The 5GHz band delivers faster speeds but over shorter distances. It’s a trade-off between reach and speed.

Tri-band routers generally feature one 2.4GHz and two 5GHz bands, effectively doubling available 5GHz bandwidth. This configuration excels in homes with numerous devices, as traffic can be distributed across different bands to prevent congestion. More lanes, less traffic jams.

With Wi-Fi 6E, tri-band takes a different form: 2.4GHz, 5GHz, and 6GHz bands. This combination offers both compatibility with older devices and access to the uncongested 6GHz spectrum.

Quad-band routers represent the pinnacle of wireless networking, typically including one 2.4GHz, two 5GHz, and one 6GHz band. Some Wi-Fi 7 models split the 6GHz band into two portions (6GHz-1 and 6GHz-2), creating a different quad-band configuration. These routers excel in demanding environments where multiple high-bandwidth activities occur simultaneously.

Router CPU and RAM considerations

A router’s processing power matters more than most people realise, particularly when handling gigabit-plus speeds. Modern high-speed routers typically feature multi-core processors ranging from 1.5GHz to 2.2GHz.

RAM capacity is equally important. Entry-level routers often include 256MB RAM, mid-range models offer 512MB, and premium options provide 1GB or more. This memory becomes crucial when managing multiple connected devices, complex firewall rules, and QoS (Quality of Service) settings.

For gigabit-plus connections, look for routers with at least:

• 1.5GHz quad-core processor
• 512MB RAM for moderate usage
• 1GB RAM for heavy usage or homes with numerous devices

As one manufacturer emphasises, “With an advanced chipset and high memory, experience fast connections with minimal latency even under heavy loads”. Don’t skimp on processing power. it’s what keeps everything running smoothly when the pressure’s on.

Top High-Speed Routers for Gigabit Plus Plans

Finding the perfect router for your gigabit-plus connection comes down to matching performance with your budget and needs. Here are the standout options that actually deliver on their promises.

1. Netgear Nighthawk RS700S (Wi-Fi 7)

The Nighthawk RS700S isn’t just another router with flashy marketing claims. This tri-band beast delivers combined Wi-Fi speeds up to 19Gbps thanks to a solid quad-core 2.6GHz processor and 2GB RAM that actually handles heavy loads. What sets it apart? Two 10Gbps ports (one WAN, one LAN) that won’t bottleneck your multi-gig internet.

Coverage reaches about 325 square metres, connecting up to 200 devices without breaking a sweat. At around AUD $1100, it’s pricey but worth it if you want future-proof performance.

2. Asus RT-BE58U (Wi-Fi 7)

Want Wi-Fi 7 without selling a kidney? The Asus RT-BE58U offers dual-band 3600Mbps speeds with a quad-core 2.0GHz processor and 1GB RAM. Multi-Link Operation (MLO) technology keeps connections lag-free, while 4K-QAM boosts data transfers by up to 20%.

The 2.5Gbps WAN/LAN port handles multi-gig connections, plus you get mobile tethering backup, handy if your main connection drops. At roughly AUD $300, it strikes a sweet spot between cutting-edge features and reasonable pricing.

3. TP-Link Archer BE800 (Wi-Fi 7)

The Archer BE800 doesn’t just perform, it puts on a show. This tri-band router pumps out 19Gbps across 12 streams, while dual 10Gbps ports (including an SFP+/RJ45 combo) give you serious flexibility for fibre or copper connections.

The LED screen displaying weather and time might seem gimmicky, but it adds personality to your setup. Eight internal antennas provide solid coverage for up to 100 connected devices and comes in around $399.

4. Amazon Eero Max 7 (Mesh Wi-Fi 7)

Amazon’s first crack at Wi-Fi 7 mesh delivers wireless speeds up to 4.3Gbps and wired speeds hitting 9.4Gbps through dual 10GbE ports. The mesh system covers up about 697 square metres while managing over 750 connected devices and retails for around $500 for a single or $1200 for a 3 pack.

Each unit packs two 10Gbps and two 2.5Gbps ports for plenty of connectivity options. Perfect if you need whole-home coverage without compromise.

5. Asus ROG Rapture GT-BE98 (Gaming)

Serious about gaming? The ROG Rapture GT-BE98 quad-band router delivers combined speeds up to 25Gbps. Eight external antennas with dual-feed design ensure your signal stays strong, while dual 10Gbps ports and four 2.5Gbps ports handle bandwidth-intensive gaming without hiccups.

The aluminium top plate with nanocarbon layer improves heat dissipation by 18%, keeping things stable during marathon gaming sessions. It’s built for performance, not looks and starts at $1499.

6. TP-Link Deco PX50 (Mesh Wi-Fi 6)

Here’s something different. The Deco PX50 combines Wi-Fi 6 with powerline technology, using your home’s electrical wiring to strengthen mesh connections. Brilliant for homes with thick walls or metal that kills Wi-Fi signals.

This dual-band AX3000 system hits 3000Mbps speeds. A three-pack covers 600 square metres and supports over 150 devices. A smart solution for tricky home layouts and a 3 pack comes in under $500.

Choosing Between Mesh and Traditional Routers

The router world isn’t as simple as it used to be. These days, you’ve got mesh systems competing with traditional single-router setups, and picking the wrong one can leave you with dead zones or an empty wallet.

When to choose a mesh system

Size matters when it comes to routers. If your home is bigger than 300 square metres, a single router is going to struggle to reach every corner. Even smaller homes can benefit from mesh systems if you want rock-solid signal in every room.

You’ll want to consider mesh if you’ve got:

• A multi-storey home or weird layout with WiFi dead zones
• Multiple people streaming, gaming, and working simultaneously
• Smart home devices scattered throughout the house (we’re talking 100+ connected gadgets)
• The need to wander around without your video calls dropping out

On the flip side, if you’re in a small apartment or open-plan home, a traditional router will do the job just fine and save you some cash.

Best gigabit mesh options for Aussie homes

For gigabit-plus speeds, some mesh systems really shine. The Netgear Orbi 970 Series covers up to 1,000 square metres and handles 200 devices at once, pushing speeds up to 27Gbps. Pretty impressive stuff. It even splits your network into three separate channels, one for general use, one for guests, and one just for smart home gear.

For top-tier performance, the ASUS ZenWiFi XT8 stands out with comprehensive parental controls and quality settings, no subscription fees required.

Setup Tips for Maximum Speed and Coverage

Getting the right router is only half the battle. Even the most expensive router will disappoint if you’ve got it sitting in the wrong spot or haven’t set it up properly.

Router placement and elevation

Where you put your router makes a massive difference to performance. Position it centrally in your home to get even signal coverage throughout . Get it off the floor (onto a shelf or table) and you’ll see a noticeable improvement in range and coverage.

Placement dos and don’ts:

• Keep it in open spaces with minimal obstructions
• Stay away from microwave ovens, cordless phones and other electronics
• Avoid corners, cabinets or closets that will kill your signal strength
• Keep it away from large metal objects and reflective surfaces like mirrors

Got a two-storey house? Try positioning it centrally on the first floor or near where the ceiling meets the floor between levels.

Using CAT6a or CAT7 Ethernet cables

For devices that need rock-solid connections, wired is still the way to go. CAT6a cables support 10Gbps speeds over distances up to 100 metres with 500MHz frequency support. CAT7 cables offer enhanced shielding and slightly higher 600MHz frequency capability.

Both handle gigabit-plus connections well, but CAT7 maintains better signal quality in challenging environments, think near electrical equipment or fluorescent lighting. For most Aussie homes with gigabit connections, CAT6a gives you excellent performance without breaking the bank, whilst CAT7 offers maximum protection in high-interference settings.

Firmware updates and security settings

Regular firmware updates are crucial for keeping your router performing at its best and staying secure. These updates improve device compatibility, add new functionality, and patch security vulnerabilities.

Most modern routers offer automatic updates, turn this on if you can. 

Pro tip: Always back up your router’s configuration settings before updating to avoid losing your preferences. This way, you can quickly restore your network if something goes wrong during the update process.

Common Mistakes to Avoid with Gigabit Routers

Got the perfect gigabit router? Great! But even the best hardware can’t save you from a few classic mistakes that’ll kill your speeds faster than you can say “buffering.”

Using outdated Ethernet cables

Your network is only as strong as its weakest link. Those old Cat5 cables lying around? They cap speeds at just 100 Mbps, which means your gigabit connection just became a tenth-gigabit connection. Not ideal. For speeds exceeding 100Mbps, Cat5e or newer cables are essential [33].

Here’s what you need for optimal performance:

• Use at least Cat5e for connections up to 1Gbps
• Opt for Cat6a for speeds between 1-10Gbps
• Consider Cat7 in high-interference environments

And here’s a fun fact, damaged cables, regardless of category, will throttle your connection speed just as badly. That cable your cat’s been using as a chew toy? Time for a replacement.

Ignoring device compatibility

Your shiny WiFi 6 router might deliver 1200 Mbps per wireless stream, but that 2015 laptop can’t exceed 150 Mbps. It’s like putting premium fuel in a car that can only handle regular. you’re not getting the benefit you’re paying for.

Even worse? Connecting to the 2.4GHz band instead of 5GHz significantly reduces potential speed [8]. Always check your device specs to ensure compatibility with faster bands and verify your Ethernet ports support appropriate speeds.

Overlooking router cooling and ventilation

Routers get hot. Really hot. And when they overheat, you’ll experience slower speeds, disrupted service, or complete network shutdowns. Keep letting it happen, and you’ll shorten your router’s lifespan.

Prevention is simple:

• Position your router in an open space with adequate airflow
• Keep it elevated off the ground
• Ensure all vents remain unobstructed 
• Maintain distance from other heat-generating electronics 
• Avoid enclosed spaces like cabinets

Proper ventilation extends your router’s life whilst maintaining consistent performance. It’s not rocket science, but it makes all the difference.

Conclusion

Look, getting the right router for your gigabit-plus plan isn’t rocket science, but it does make a massive difference. Your expensive high-speed connection deserves gear that can actually deliver what you’re paying for throughout your entire home. Otherwise, you might as well stick with a cheaper, slower plan and pocket the savings.

Wi-Fi 7 technology is pushing the boundaries with speeds up to 46Gbps and features like Multi-Link Operation that would’ve seemed impossible just a few years ago. That said, Wi-Fi 6 and 6E routers still pack plenty of punch for most Aussie households, especially if you’re watching your budget.

The technical stuff matters, sure. But don’t overlook the basics, where you stick your router, the quality of your cables, and keeping that firmware updated. These simple things can make or break your network performance. Plus, understanding whether you need a traditional router or mesh system depends entirely on your home’s size and layout.

Here’s something worth remembering: future-proofing your network actually saves you money in the long run. A router with multi-gig Ethernet ports sets you up for those upcoming NBN 2000 plans while eliminating bottlenecks that could cripple your current setup.

The sweet spot? Finding a router that handles your current needs while leaving room to grow. Premium models cost more upfront, but they typically deliver better performance, broader coverage, and longer lifespans than budget options. It all comes down to your home size, how many devices you’re connecting, and what you actually use your internet for.

Armed with what you’ve learned here, you can confidently pick a router that turns your gigabit-plus plan from a number on your bill into lightning-fast internet that actually works in every corner of your home.

Key Takeaways

Upgrading to a gigabit-plus internet plan requires the right router to avoid performance bottlenecks and maximise your investment in high-speed connectivity.

• Wi-Fi 7 routers offer future-proof performance with speeds up to 46Gbps and Multi-Link Operation technology for seamless device connectivity.
• Multi-Gig Ethernet ports are essential for plans exceeding 1Gbps, standard gigabit ports will cap your speed regardless of your plan’s potential.
• Mesh systems excel in larger homes over 3,000 square feet, providing seamless coverage without dead zones or connection drops between rooms.
• Router placement significantly impacts performance, position centrally, elevate off the floor, and ensure proper ventilation to prevent overheating issues.
• Use quality Ethernet cables (Cat6a or Cat7) and keep firmware updated to maintain optimal speeds and security for your gigabit connection.

The key to maximising gigabit-plus internet lies in matching your router’s capabilities to your plan’s potential. Whether choosing Wi-Fi 7 for cutting-edge performance or Wi-Fi 6 for excellent value, proper setup and quality components ensure you experience the lightning-fast speeds you’re paying for throughout your entire home.

FAQs

Q1. What features should I look for in a router for gigabit internet? For gigabit internet, look for a router with Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 7 capability, multi-gig Ethernet ports (2.5Gbps or higher), a powerful processor (1.5GHz quad-core or better), and at least 512MB RAM. Tri-band or quad-band options can also help manage multiple high-bandwidth devices.

Q2. Do I need to upgrade my router for a gigabit-plus internet plan? Yes, upgrading your router is essential for gigabit-plus plans. Older routers often have 1Gbps Ethernet ports that will bottleneck faster connections. Look for routers with multi-gig ports (2.5Gbps or higher) to fully utilise speeds beyond 1Gbps.

Q3. What’s the difference between mesh systems and traditional routers for gigabit Wi-Fi? Mesh systems create a unified network with multiple nodes, ideal for larger homes or complex layouts. They offer seamless coverage and device handoff. Traditional routers are suitable for smaller spaces but may struggle to cover larger areas. For gigabit speeds, both options can work well if they support the necessary speeds and features.

Q4. How can I optimise my router setup for maximum speed and coverage? Place your router centrally and elevate it off the floor. Use CAT6a or CAT7 Ethernet cables for wired connections. Optimise 5GHz and 6GHz bands by selecting less congested channels. Keep firmware updated and enable security settings. Ensure proper ventilation to prevent overheating, which can impact performance.

Q5. Are Wi-Fi 7 routers worth the investment for gigabit-plus plans? Wi-Fi 7 routers offer future-proof performance with theoretical speeds up to 46Gbps and advanced features like Multi-Link Operation. While they come at a premium price, they’re worth considering if you want to maximise a gigabit-plus connection and prepare for future speed increases. However, a good Wi-Fi 6 or 6E router can still provide excellent performance for most current gigabit plans at a lower cost.

Over 2500 5-star reviews

Are you ready to be our mate? Call now 13 14 13

• See our internet plans
• See our mobile plans
• See our bundle plans