5 ways you can improve your internet connection
Your internet doesn’t just depend on the nbn® connection coming into your house — how things are set up inside your home can make a huge difference to speed, reliability, and coverage.
This guide walks you through the key things that affect your internet at home, plus some tips to get the best performance for your household.
1. Where you put your router matters
The location of your router affects how far and how strong your Wi-Fi signal reaches. Walls, furniture, and appliances can block or weaken Wi-Fi.
✔️ Do: Place your router in the middle of your home, on a table or shelf, and in the open.
✔️ Keep it away from thick walls, microwaves, and metal objects.
❌ Don’t: Hide it in cupboards, behind the TV, or on the floor.
Why it matters: A well-placed router can improve coverage, reduce dead spots, and ensure all your devices get a strong signal.
2. Update your Wi-Fi router
Older routers may not support the speeds your plan offers, especially if you have a faster plan or many devices.
✔️ Do: Upgrade to a Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 7 router to handle more devices and faster speeds.
✔️ Keep your router’s software (firmware) updated.
| Wi-Fi Generation | Typical Speed | Recommended for |
|---|---|---|
| Wi-Fi 7 | Over 1 Gbps | Hyperfast plans (2Gbps) |
| Wi-Fi 6/6E | Up to 1 Gbps | Ultrafast / Superfast plans |
| Wi-Fi 5 | Up to 500 Mbps | Standard Fast plans |
| Wi-Fi 4 | Up to 100 Mbps | Not recommended |
❌ Don’t: Keep using a router that is more than 5 years old — it could limit your speed.
If your router is older than 5 years, consider upgrading to Wi-Fi 6 or higher.
Why it matters: Modern routers handle multiple devices better, maintain strong signals, and support the latest security features.
3. Expanding coverage with mesh systems
Large or multi-level homes may have areas where Wi-Fi doesn’t reach well.
✔️ Do: Use a mesh Wi-Fi system with extra access points (nodes) in different rooms.
✔️ Place nodes in open areas, not behind furniture or in cupboards.
❌ Don’t: Rely on a single router if some rooms have weak or no Wi-Fi.
Why it matters: Mesh systems spread Wi-Fi evenly across your home, eliminating dead spots and maintaining connection when moving between rooms.
4. Use Cables for Important Devices
While Wi-Fi is convenient, a wired (Ethernet) connection is faster and more stable.
✔️ Do: Plug in devices like TVs, gaming consoles, smart TVs, or work computers using Ethernet cables.
✔️ Use CAT6 or CAT6a cables for best performance.
❌ Don’t: Depend solely on Wi-Fi for devices that need high speed and reliability.
Why it matters: Wired connections avoid interference and latency, which is especially useful for online gaming, streaming, and video calls.
5. Managing your devices
Every device connected to your network shares your internet bandwidth. Too many devices online can slow everything down.
✔️ Do: Disconnect devices that aren’t being used.
✔️ Prioritise key devices such as work laptops or main TVs.
| Home Size | Recommended Setup | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Large (4+ bedrooms / multi-level) | Mesh system + Ethernet cabling for important devices | Ensures Wi-Fi reaches every room |
| Medium (3-4 bedrooms) | Router + Mesh system (cabling if possible) | Good coverage and speed |
| Small (1-2 bedrooms) | Router (Ethernet for high-use devices) | Simple setup is usually enough |
❌ Don’t: Leave lots of devices connected at once, especially older devices that may use more bandwidth.
Why it matters: Reducing the number of active devices prevents congestion and keeps your internet running smoothly.
Helpful Guides
- Internet Connectivity 101 Fact Sheet – Explains the basics of how internet works at home for residential customers.
- In-Premises Optimisation Fact Sheet (Residential) – Offers practical tips for residential customers to get better Wi-Fi speed, coverage, and reliability throughout the home.
- In-Premises Optimisation Fact Sheet (Business) – Provides advice for businesses to improve internet performance in offices or workplaces.
- In-Premises Optimisation Fact Sheet (New Developments) – Guidance for new builds or major renovations to ensure the home or office is set up for the best possible internet from the start.