Fix Your Internet: 6 Key Reasons Your nbn® Is So Slow

Why Is My nbn® So Slow?

There are numerous factors that can affect your internet speed and performance. Let’s examine the six most common culprits and how to address them:

1. Network Congestion

The Problem

Network congestion occurs when too many users are simultaneously accessing the same network resources. This is particularly noticeable during peak usage times, typically between 7 PM and 11 PM when most people are streaming, gaming, or browsing.

During these hours, the increased demand can slow down everyone’s connection, similar to traffic congestion on a busy highway.

The Solution

While network congestion is largely outside your control, there are strategies to minimise its impact:

• Schedule bandwidth-intensive activities during off-peak hours. Large downloads, system updates, and backups can be scheduled for early mornings or late nights when network traffic is lighter.
• Consider upgrading your plan. Higher-tier plans often provide better speeds during congestion periods due to higher bandwidth allocations.
• Use Quality of Service (QoS) settings. Many modern routers allow you to prioritise certain activities or devices. This ensures that important applications (like video calls) receive bandwidth priority over less critical tasks.

– Use wired connections for essential activities. During peak hours, connecting critical devices directly to your router via ethernet cable can bypass some of the congestion issues that affect Wi-Fi connections. While wireless offers convenience, a direct ethernet connection provides more consistent performance when the network is under strain.

2. Distance from the Node

The Problem

For those on Fibre to the Node (FTTN) connections, the distance between your home and the nearest node can significantly impact your speeds. The further you are from the node, the more signal degradation occurs over the copper portion of the connection.

The Solution

While you can’t physically move your home closer to the node, you can:

• Confirm your connection type. Understanding your specific nbn® technology (FTTN, FTTP, HFC, etc.) helps set realistic expectations for performance.
• Speak with your provider about realistic speeds. They can advise what speeds are achievable at your location based on your distance from infrastructure.
• Explore alternative connection types if available. In some areas, alternative technologies like Fixed Wireless or 5G home internet might offer better performance.

3. Equipment Issues

The Problem

Outdated or poorly configured equipment can significantly limit your internet performance, regardless of your plan speed or external factors.

Many Australians are using routers that simply can’t keep up with modern internet demands. If your router is more than 5 years old, it likely uses outdated technology that cannot support current internet speeds and security protocols.

Additionally, router placement plays a crucial role in Wi-Fi distribution throughout your home. Poor positioning can create dead zones and significantly reduce performance in certain areas.

The Solution

Optimise your equipment for better performance:

– Consider your router’s age and capabilities. Modern routers support newer Wi-Fi standards (Wi-Fi 5/6/6E) that offer significantly better performance than older generations. Upgrading an aging router can dramatically improve your internet experience without changing your plan.

– Strategic router placement is essential. Position your router centrally in your home, away from:

• Concrete walls and metal objects that block signals
• Electronic devices that cause interference (microwaves, cordless phones)
• Water features like aquariums
• Thick furniture or appliances

– Update firmware regularly. Router manufacturers frequently release updates that improve performance and security. Check for updates through your router’s administration interface.

– For larger homes, consider your network extension approach carefully. Traditional Wi-Fi extenders often create separate networks and can actually reduce your overall speeds while appearing to improve coverage. Mesh systems provide more seamless coverage by creating a unified network throughout your home, automatically connecting your devices to the strongest signal.

• Check all physical connections. Ensure cables are properly connected and not damaged. Sometimes, a loose or faulty cable can cause significant speed reductions.

4. Too Many Connected Devices

The Problem

Modern households typically have numerous devices connected to the internet simultaneously – smartphones, tablets, computers, smart TVs, and various IoT devices. Each connected device consumes a portion of your available bandwidth.

The Solution

Manage your connected devices more effectively:

• Identify and disconnect unused devices. Many devices remain connected to Wi-Fi even when not in active use, consuming bandwidth through background processes and updates.
• Set up device usage schedules. Many routers allow you to control when certain devices can access the internet, helping manage bandwidth during critical times.

– Understand Wi-Fi technology limitations. Older Wi-Fi standards struggle when multiple devices are connected simultaneously. Newer Wi-Fi standards (Wi-Fi 5/6/6E) handle multiple connections more efficiently, but this improved performance is only realised when both your router and devices support these standards.

– Prioritise wired connections for stationary devices. Connect devices like smart TVs, desktop computers, and gaming consoles directly to your router via ethernet cable when possible. This not only improves their performance but also reduces congestion on your wireless network.

5. Wi-Fi Signal Interference

The Problem

Wi-Fi signals can be disrupted by various sources of interference in your home environment. This interference can significantly reduce your effective speeds, even when your actual internet connection is performing well.

Your nbn connection box (formerly called the Network Termination Device or NTD) brings the connection to your home, but how that connection is distributed via Wi-Fi determines the experience on your devices. Many connectivity issues that appear to be “slow internet” are actually Wi-Fi distribution problems.

The Solution

Minimise interference and optimise your Wi-Fi signal:

• Change your Wi-Fi channel. In densely populated areas, neighbouring Wi-Fi networks can cause interference. Most routers allow you to manually select less congested channels.
• Consider using dual-band capabilities. If your router supports both 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequencies, use 5GHz for devices that require higher speeds. While 5GHz has shorter range, it typically experiences less interference.

– Be strategic with device placement. Keep Wi-Fi-dependent devices closer to your router when possible, or in direct line of sight. Physical barriers like walls significantly reduce signal strength.

– For multi-level homes, consider vertical router placement. Placing your router on the upper floor of a two-story home can improve overall coverage as signals travel downward more effectively than upward.

6. Plan Limitations

The Problem

Sometimes, your internet is performing exactly as expected based on your selected plan. Different nbn® speed tiers offer different maximum speeds, and your plan might simply not be suitable for your usage patterns.

The Solution

Ensure your plan aligns with your needs:

• Audit your internet usage. Consider how many people use your connection, what activities they engage in, and when peak usage occurs in your household.
• Compare different plans. Higher-tier plans generally offer better performance, especially during peak hours, but come with higher costs. Find the right balance for your needs and budget.
• Speak with your provider about your specific requirements. They can recommend the most suitable plan based on your usage patterns and location.

– Remember that no plan can overcome equipment limitations. Before upgrading to a more expensive plan, ensure your equipment can support higher speeds. Upgrading your router might provide the performance improvement you need without the additional monthly cost.

Additional Strategies to Fix Your Internet

Beyond addressing the six common issues above, consider these additional approaches to improve your internet performance:

Conduct Proper Speed Tests

When troubleshooting internet issues, accurate testing is essential:

– Use wired connections for testing. For the most accurate assessment of your connection’s true capabilities, conduct speed tests using a wired ethernet connection rather than Wi-Fi. This eliminates variables introduced by wireless signal interference.

– Test at different times. Run tests during both peak and off-peak hours to understand how congestion affects your specific connection.

– Use reputable testing tools. Services like Speedtest.net, Fast.com, or your provider’s recommended testing platform provide more reliable results than lesser-known testing sites.

Review Your Wi-Fi Technology

Understanding the technical aspects of your Wi-Fi can help identify bottlenecks:

– Check which Wi-Fi standards your devices support. Even if you have a Wi-Fi 6 router, devices that only support Wi-Fi 4 or 5 will be limited to those speeds.

– Consider the number of spatial streams your router supports. More advanced routers support multiple spatial streams, allowing for greater throughput when used with compatible devices.

– Evaluate whether your router supports beamforming. This technology focuses the Wi-Fi signal toward connected devices rather than broadcasting in all directions, improving performance for active devices.

Key Points to Remember

When troubleshooting slow internet issues, consider these key factors:

• Multiple factors affect speed: Network congestion, distance from nodes, equipment quality, connected devices, signal interference, and plan limitations all play roles in your internet experience.
• Home setup impact: Recent research shows that 95% of customers don’t realise their in-home setup impacts their broadband experience.* Your equipment configuration fundamentally shapes your internet performance.
• Equipment considerations: If your router is more than 5 years old, consider upgrading as it likely uses outdated technology that cannot support modern internet speeds. Strategic router placement away from interference sources can dramatically improve performance.
• Connection type awareness: For activities requiring stability and maximum speeds, use wired connections instead of Wi-Fi. While wireless offers convenience, a direct ethernet connection provides superior reliability.
• Coverage solutions: For larger homes, mesh systems provide superior coverage compared to traditional Wi-Fi extenders. Unlike extenders that often create separate networks and can reduce overall speeds, mesh systems create a unified network throughout your home.
• Test methodically: When troubleshooting, change one factor at a time and test the results before moving to the next potential solution.
• Consult experts when needed: If you’ve tried basic troubleshooting and still experience issues, contact your internet service provider for specialised assistance.

Internet problems can be frustrating, but with systematic troubleshooting and the right approach, most issues can be resolved or significantly improved. By understanding these common causes of slow internet and implementing the suggested solutions, you can enjoy a more reliable and faster online experience.

*nbn commissioned survey in 2025: residential consumers who use nbn as their main internet service at home (Sample size of 6,225)