You’ve got the speed – now set up your home to match

If your modem is over 5 years old, it may not be compatible with the latest nbn technologies, especially if you’re upgrading to FTTP or higher-speed plans. Newer modems support faster speeds and improved Wi-Fi coverage, which is crucial for fully utilising your FTTP connection.

To ensure you get the best speeds, nbn recommends upgrading to a modem that supports Wi-Fi 6 or higher. Wi-Fi 6 offers faster speeds, higher capacity, and improved efficiency, especially in homes with many devices. An outdated modem will limit your performance even if you’re on a higher-speed plan.

Moreover, make sure that your modem is compatible with your nbn connection type. nbn provides an online tool to check your equipment’s compatibility with their network. For further details, please refer to nbn’s Wi-Fi Router Guide.

Wi-Fi extenders, on the other hand, can sometimes cause interruptions in signal and may not deliver the same performance in terms of speed and range. They tend to repeat the signal, which can degrade the performance in larger homes or areas with thick walls that block Wi-Fi signals. For best results, nbn recommends a mesh system, particularly in larger homes, as it provides more reliable and faster Wi-Fi.

You can read more about Wi-Fi setup and why Wi-Fi 6 routers and mesh systems are ideal for FTTP speeds on nbn’s optimisation page.

To make sure your Wi-Fi is working at its best, there are a few tips to optimise the setup in your home. First, place your router in a central, open area away from walls or obstructions. This will allow the signal to spread evenly throughout your home.

Additionally, make sure that your router is placed as high as possible, as Wi-Fi signals travel better from higher points. If your home has multiple floors, a mesh system is a great way to ensure seamless coverage across the entire space.

While wireless connections are convenient, wired connections (Ethernet) provide more stable and faster speeds, especially for high-demand activities such as gaming, video calls, or large file downloads. nbn recommends using Ethernet for devices that need reliable, high-speed internet, like gaming consoles or workstations.

Wi-Fi, while flexible and convenient, can sometimes be slower due to interference, the number of connected devices, and physical barriers in your home. For a more stable connection, especially with the higher speeds available on FTTP, consider using Ethernet where possible. For more information on wired vs wireless setups, check nbn’s guide on Wired vs Wireless.

Yes! Ethernet cables are essential for ensuring your devices get the fastest, most stable connection, especially when using high-speed plans like nbn FTTP.

For the best performance, nbn recommends using Cat6 or higher Ethernet cables. These cables can handle the higher speeds of FTTP and ensure a stable, uninterrupted connection. Older cables, like Cat5, may not provide the necessary speed for high-demand activities or high-speed plans.

If you’re not getting the speeds you expected, there are a few things to check. First, ensure your modem is compatible with the FTTP service and supports Wi-Fi 6 or higher. Older routers can limit your connection speed, even if you’re on a high-speed plan.

Secondly, your home layout and the position of your router can significantly affect your Wi-Fi performance. Avoid placing your router in cabinets or behind objects, as this can block the signal. If you’re in a multi-storey home or have thick walls, a mesh system or Ethernet connections for key devices can improve the overall performance.

Lastly, check your connection with nbn’s Speed Test Tool to ensure the speeds are consistent across different devices. If you’re still having issues, consider contacting MATE’s customer support for troubleshooting steps. Visit nbn’s optimisation page for more tips on how to improve your speeds.

• Tips for your home
• Tips for your apartment or townhouse
• nbn’s In-Home Optimisation Guide