How to Prepare Your Home Network for NBN Speed Upgrade: A Simple Guide

Home & Business Internet Blog | MATE | 12 June 2025

Here’s a stat that might surprise you: Australia’s internet speed is slower than Singapore’s. While our neighbours are cruising at 345.33Mbps, most Aussies are still crawling along at just 80.49Mbps – on average over four times slower.

That gap gets even more frustrating when you realise the average Australian home now has over 30 connected devices fighting for bandwidth. Many of us are still stuck on copper connections that max out at 100Mbps, and that’s on a good day when they’re actually working properly.

The good news?

Eligible households can now transition to fibre connections through NBN’s complimentary speed enhancement initiative without incurring any additional expenses. And for those on Fibre to the Premises (FTTP) or HFC technologies, there are some big speed upgrades coming in September.

But here’s the thing, just upgrading your NBN plan won’t automatically make everything faster. Your home network needs to be ready for those speeds, or you’ll be paying for performance you’re not actually getting.

Whether you’re streaming the footy, gaming with mates, or trying to work from home without your video calls dropping out, there’s a bit of prep work involved. We’re talking about checking if you’re eligible, sorting out your router situation, and making sure your devices can actually handle the upgrade.

Don’t worry — we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make the most of your NBN speed boost.

Getting the no extra cost Fibre upgrade

Got copper-based internet like FTTN or FTTC? You might still be in luck for a free upgrade to full Fibre.

NBN Co has already hooked up more than nine million homes and businesses with Ultrafast speeds through fibre and HFC networks. They’re aiming to hit 10 million premises — that’s about 90% of the Fixed Line network by the end of 2025.

Recently, they announced another 145,000 homes and businesses across 389 suburbs and towns will become eligible for fibre upgrades before 2025 wraps up. Demand’s pretty solid too, with over 500,000 premises already ordering their fibre upgrade.

To get your no extra cost upgrade sorted:

• Your address needs to be eligible (check here)
• You usually need to order at least an NBN Home Fast plan (currently 100Mbps)
• You’ve gotta go through a participating internet provider (Like Us!!)

Once you’ve ticked those boxes, NBN will run a fibre optic cable from the street to your place, ditching the old copper connection. Usually takes a couple of technician visits, and your provider will help coordinate everything.

The whole process typically takes between two to six weeks. Don’t worry — you’ll stay connected on your current setup until the upgrade’s done.

What’s coming in the September 2025 rollout

NBN Co is seriously boosting speeds across their top three residential plans from mid-September 2025.

• Home Fast: Jumping from 100/20 Mbps to 500/50 Mbps — that’s five times faster downloads
• Home Superfast: Going from 250/25 Mbps to 750/50 Mbps — triple the download speed
• Home Ultrafast: Upgrading from 1000/50 Mbps to 1000/100 Mbps — double the upload power

They’re also launching a new “Home Hyperfast” tier with speeds up to 2,000/200 Mbps for FTTP connections and 2,000/100 Mbps for HFC.

Why the big push? Australian homes have gone from 7 connected devices using 40GB per month a decade ago to 22 devices chewing through 443GB monthly today. By 2026, we’re looking at 33 devices per household.

Here’s the catch though — these speeds are only available if you’re connected via FTTP or HFC technology. When you actually get access depends on your internet provider joining the party.

Are You Actually Eligible for NBN’s Speed Boost?

“Customers that have already purchased one of these higher speed tiers, or upgrade at any time in the future, will automatically accelerate to the new, faster speeds when the accelerated plans are made available by participating retailers.” — NBN Co

Before you get too excited about faster internet, let’s make sure you can actually get it. NBN Co’s been rolling out upgrades across the country, but not everyone’s in the queue yet.

Check your address on NBN’s website

The easiest way to find out what’s available at your place is NBN Co’s address checker tool. It’s pretty straightforward:

1. Head to the NBN Co website – www.nbnco.com.au
2. Find the “Check your address” search box
3. Chuck in your full address
4. See what connection type you’ve got and what upgrades are on offer

Once you’ve entered your details, you’ll see whether you’re on FTTP, HFC, FTTN, or one of the other connection types. More importantly, it’ll tell you if you’re eligible for any upgrades.

Can’t find your address or getting weird results? Try the Connectivity Report service instead — it’s usually more accurate for tricky locations.

If your area shows “Construction has started” or “More work required,” don’t give up. NBN Co updates this stuff regularly, so it’s worth checking back every few months.

Sort Out Your Modem and Router Situation

“A bigger concern for retailers leading into September is the proportion of customers that will actually see upgraded speeds, owing to the customer premises equipment (CPE) they use.” — Australian Competition and Consumer Commission

So you’ve confirmed you’re eligible for faster speeds — great! But here’s where most people trip up. They upgrade their plan and wonder why their internet still feels sluggish. The culprit? That old router tucked away in the corner that’s been chugging along since 2018.

Most households completely ignore this bit, then wonder why they’re paying for premium speeds but getting budget performance.

Work Out What Modem You Actually Need

The modem situation depends on what type of NBN connection you’ve got. If you’re on FTTP (Fibre to the Premises) or HFC (Hybrid Fibre Coaxial), you’re in luck — you typically don’t need a separate modem because the NBN connection box does that job for you.

If you have FTTP, you don’t need a standard NBN modem unless you need to have a landline phone.

But if you’re stuck with FTTN (Fibre to the Node) or FTTB (Fibre to the Building), you’ll need a VDSL2 compatible router. Got an old ADSL router gathering dust? It won’t work. Using the wrong gear can seriously mess with your service quality and stop you from getting the speeds you’re paying for.

Pick a Router That Won’t Hold You Back

Your router needs to keep up with your new speed tier, otherwise you’re creating a traffic jam in your own home network. It’s like trying to fill a swimming pool through a garden hose.

What should you look for in a router that can handle the good stuff?

• Support for PPPoE connection types
• Gigabit Ethernet ports
• WiFi 6 (or better) technology
• Band steering to automatically connect devices to the best signal

Got a bigger place? Mesh systems are your friend, especially if you’re going for NBN Ultrafast speeds. These setups work as a team to blanket your whole home with solid coverage, getting rid of those annoying dead spots that kill your connection.

Why Your ISP’s Basic Router Might Not Be Enough for Your Home

Your internet provider’s standard modem/router is just the beginning of creating a truly connected home. While these devices get you online, they often fall short in delivering comprehensive coverage throughout your entire living space.

Most ISP-provided equipment is designed with basic functionality in mind — not optimal performance. With limited range and antenna strength, these standard units struggle to broadcast strong signals to every corner of your home, especially in larger houses or buildings with multiple floors.

Think of your home network like a sprinkler system — a single sprinkler in one corner can’t effectively water your entire yard. Similarly, a lone router can’t project consistent WiFi across your whole home. You’ll likely encounter frustrating dead zones where streaming buffers, video calls drop, and online games lag.

For complete home coverage, consider supplementing your ISP equipment with mesh WiFi systems. These technologies work together to blanket your entire space with strong, reliable signals. While your provider’s equipment serves as your connection to the internet, additional networking gear ensures that connection reaches everywhere you need it.

Remember that proper placement of networking equipment matters too. Centrally located devices generally provide better coverage than those tucked away in distant corners. For mission-critical connections like home offices or gaming setups, wired Ethernet connections will always deliver the most reliable performance.

Setting Up Your Network to Actually Get Those Speeds

Right, so you’ve sorted out your router situation. Now comes the fun part — making sure those faster speeds actually reach every corner of your home. Single router setups are notorious for creating dead zones where your fancy new speeds just… disappear.

Why mesh Wi-Fi beats the old single-router setup

Traditional routers are a bit like having one really loud speaker in the corner of your house — great if you’re standing right next to it, not so much if you’re trying to hear it from the bedroom. Mesh Wi-Fi systems use multiple devices (nodes) that work as a team to spread your connection evenly throughout your home.

Here’s what makes mesh systems different: instead of one router doing all the heavy lifting, you’ve got multiple units sharing the load and talking to each other. Each device automatically connects to the strongest signal as you move around, so you’re not constantly switching between networks like you had to with those old extenders.

For your NBN speed upgrade to actually work properly, look for:

• Wi-Fi 6 or higher (trust us, it makes a difference)
• Tri-band design so the nodes can chat to each other without slowing down your devices
• Gigabit Ethernet+ ports for when you need that wired connection

The good news? Mesh systems with tri-band Wi-Fi 6 technology are way more affordable than they used to be. No more choosing between good coverage and your mortgage payments.

Where to put your mesh nodes (and where not to)

Your home’s layout and what it’s built from will make or break your Wi-Fi performance. But here’s the thing — even the best mesh system won’t help if you stick the nodes in all the wrong spots.

First rule: put your main router somewhere central, not hidden away in a cupboard or tucked behind the TV. Then place your additional nodes roughly halfway between the main router and any dead zones.

What kills your Wi-Fi signal:

• Thick brick or concrete walls
• Metal stuff like mirrors and appliance doors
• Big appliances (your fridge is not your router’s friend)
• Fish tanks and water features
• Other gadgets that use radio signals

Don’t make the rookie mistake of putting nodes too close together — they’ll just interfere with each other. A good rule of thumb is keeping them about two rooms apart. And if you can get them up high, even better. Table height to ceiling height can make a surprising difference.

Use the app to keep everything running smoothly

Most mesh systems come with apps that actually make sense (finally!). These aren’t just for setup — they’re your ongoing network management tools.

What you can do with most mesh apps:

• Get walked through setup step-by-step with pictures
• Check how your network’s performing
• Run speed tests to see if you’re getting what you’re paying for
• Manage which devices get priority
• Set up guest networks and parental controls

Here’s a pro tip: once everything’s set up, run speed tests in different rooms. If some areas are still slow, you might need to move a node or add another one.

The beauty of modern mesh systems is they handle most of the techy stuff automatically — choosing the best channels, managing traffic, that sort of thing. Set it up once, and it pretty much looks after itself. Perfect for those of us who just want our internet to work without becoming network engineers.

Making Sure Your Devices Can Keep Up

Even the best NBN plan and flash new router won’t help if your devices are stuck in the past. It’s like having a Ferrari engine in an old Holden — the speed’s there, but you’re not going to feel it.

Does your gear support Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 7?

Your phone, laptop, and smart TV need to be able to handle what you’re throwing at them. Newer Wi-Fi standards make a massive difference, especially once you’ve got that NBN speed boost.

Wi-Fi 6 (or Wi-Fi 7 if you’re really future-proofing) can handle way more data. Here’s what to look for:

• Phones: iPhone 11 or newer, Samsung Galaxy S20 or newer, Google Pixel 6 or newer
• Laptops: Pretty much anything made after 2020
• Smart TVs: Premium models from 2021 onwards

Got older devices? They might struggle to make the most of your upgraded speeds. Think of it like trying to pour a bucket of water through a straw — the water’s there, but it’s not getting through very fast.

Where you put your router actually matters

Your Wi-Fi signal is basically radio waves bouncing around your house. Some things help it along, others block it completely.

Common signal killers include:

• Fish tanks and water features
• Microwaves and baby monitors
• Thick brick or concrete walls
• Mirrors and metal surfaces
• Big appliances like fridges

The sweet spot? About two meters off the ground in a central, open area. If you can see your router from where you use your devices most, you’re on the right track.

Consider going wired for the important stuff

Wi-Fi’s great for convenience, but sometimes you need that rock-solid connection. That’s where Ethernet cables come in handy.

Worth connecting via cable:

• Gaming consoles and PCs
• Smart TVs and streaming boxes
• Desktop computers

Wired connections give you:

• Way less lag — crucial for gaming and video calls
• Consistent speeds without dropouts
• Better security
• No interference from walls or other devices

Many homes already have Ethernet ports built in. If yours doesn’t, those flat cables can run along skirting boards pretty easily without making your place look like a tech shop.

Plus, connecting your bandwidth-hungry devices directly frees up Wi-Fi capacity for your phone and tablet — everyone wins.

Making Sure You’re Actually Getting What You’re Paying For

Ever wondered if you’re actually getting the speeds you’re paying for? After all that router upgrading and network tweaking, it’s time to put your connection to the test. There’s no point paying for NBN Ultrafast if you’re still getting dial-up speeds, right?

Test your speeds like a pro

Here’s how to get an accurate picture of what your connection’s really doing:

1. Grab an ethernet cable and plug your laptop straight into your modem
2. Make sure no one else is streaming Netflix or downloading games
3. Head to a reliable speed test site like Speedtest.net
4. Hit start and see what you’re actually getting.

Your fancy new Mesh system can probably run a speed test directly through its app as well if you don’t have an ethernet port in your laptop!

Once you’ve tested the wired connection, try the same test over Wi-Fi while standing right next to your router. This comparison will tell you whether your internet service is the problem or if it’s your Wi-Fi setup that’s letting you down.

Speed tests give you three key numbers:

• Download speed: How fast stuff comes to your device
• Upload speed: How fast you can send things out
• Ping/latency: How quickly your connection responds

Don’t just test once and call it done. Run a few tests at different times, especially during peak hours (7pm-11pm) when everyone’s online and the network’s busiest.

What speeds should you actually expect?

Here’s what your NBN plan should be delivering:

Notice how upload speeds are much lower than download speeds? That’s totally normal — NBN plans are designed that way.

Hunt down the dead zones

Got your baseline speeds sorted? Good. Now it’s time to play detective and find the slow spots around your home:

• Test speeds in different rooms to see where your Wi-Fi starts struggling
• Check areas with thick walls, big appliances, or lots of electronic gear — they’re usual suspects for speed drops
• Rooms far from your router will naturally be slower

If you find devices that are consistently underperforming, have a look at:

• Whether the device can actually handle your connection speeds
• Any nearby gadgets that might be causing interference
• Whether your router’s antennas or mesh nodes need repositioning

Based on what you find, you might need to move your router, reposition those mesh nodes, or run ethernet cables to problem areas.

Still getting speeds way below what you’re paying for? Give your internet provider a call — they can run diagnostics from their end and might spot connection issues you can’t see.

Planning Ahead: Future-Proofing Your Network

Think your home has a lot of connected devices now? You haven’t seen anything yet. The typical Australian household is projected to have more than 37 connected devices by 2026. Within the decade, we’re looking at around 40 internet-connected devices chewing through more than 1,100 gigabytes monthly.

That’s a lot of Netflix, gaming, and smart home gadgets all fighting for bandwidth.

Smart Home Growth: It’s Coming Whether You’re Ready or Not

Smart home tech adoption is happening gradually, but it’s definitely happening. Right now:

• Only 20% of Aussies have smart home devices for chores
• 19% have smart home security gear
• 18% use smart tech to cut electricity bills

But here’s where it gets interesting: nearly 50% of Australians want tech to keep their homes safe over the next decade. Plus, 36% want tech for environmental responsibility, and 33% are keen on health and wellbeing solutions.

The writing’s on the wall — smart homes are coming, and your network needs to be ready for them.

Adding More Wired Connections with Switches

Wireless is convenient, but it’s not always the best option. Network switches let you add more Ethernet connections, which means less congestion on your Wi-Fi and better performance for your NBN speed upgrade.

Switches work like power boards for your internet — plug one into your router, and suddenly you’ve got multiple wired connection points. This is particularly handy near your entertainment centre, home office, or gaming setup where you want rock-solid connections.

If your home already has some network infrastructure, installing conduits between key areas makes future cable management much easier. It’s like future-proofing your future-proofing.

Keep Everything Updated

Your router’s firmware updates should be part of your regular routine, just like checking your tyres or cleaning the gutters. These updates fix security issues, improve performance, and keep your connection running smoothly.

Check for updates monthly to make sure your router is protected against the latest threats. Most modern routers make this pretty straightforward — usually takes less than five minutes.

The same goes for your mesh network apps. Regular updates help your system adapt to changing conditions and keep everything optimised as you add more devices to your home network.

Your future self will thank you for staying on top of this stuff now.

Wrapping It All Up

Look, getting an NBN speed upgrade isn’t just about ticking a box and hoping for the best. There’s a bit more to it than that if you want to actually see those faster speeds in action.

We’ve walked through the key steps — checking if you’re eligible, sorting out your hardware, setting up your network properly, making sure your devices can keep up, testing everything works, and planning ahead for when you inevitably add more gadgets to the mix.

Here’s the thing: you can have the fastest NBN plan in the world, but if your router’s older than your last phone or you’ve got it tucked away behind the TV cabinet, you’re not going to see much difference. It’s like buying a sports car and putting budget tyres on it.

The good news is that most of this stuff isn’t rocket science. Sure, there’s a bit of setup involved, but once you’ve got it sorted, you should be able to stream, game, and work from home without wanting to throw your laptop out the window.

Your network setup today needs to work for how you’ll be using the internet tomorrow. More devices, more streaming, more video calls, more of everything online. Getting it right now means you won’t be scrambling to fix things when your connection starts struggling under the load.

Ready to make the most of your NBN upgrade? Start with checking your eligibility, then work through each step at your own pace. Your future self will thank you when everything just works the way it’s supposed to.

At MATE, we’re all about helping Aussies get the most out of their internet without the hassle. Whether you’re looking to upgrade your NBN plan or just want reliable internet that works when you need it, we’ve got you covered with no lock-in contracts and real Australian support when you need a hand.

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