How to prepare your home for faster nbn speeds

Thinking of upgrading to a faster nbn plan? Smart move. 
But here’s the catch: faster internet doesn’t magically make everything faster. If your home setup is stuck in 2012, you’re not going to get the full benefit of those sweet higher tier speeds. It’s like buying a sports car and never leaving the driveway. 

Before you start streaming, gaming, and downloading, make sure your internal setup isn’t holding you back. 

Here’s what to check, fix, or upgrade to make sure your place is ready to keep up. 

Check your nbn connection box 

Your nbn connection box (sometimes called an NTD or Network Termination Device) is the first stop for your internet connection. 

• Already on FTTP or HFC? You’re likely good to go. These connection types can support speeds up to a maximum speed of 1000 Mbps with the existing equipment. 

• On FTTC or FTTN? If you’re eligible for a nbn fibre upgrade, you’ll get a new connection box installed by nbn as part of the upgrade. This is essential to hit those higher speed targets. 

Check your wi-fi router 

Your router spreads the internet throughout your home. If it’s a few years old, it might not be up to speed...literally. 

• Look for Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 7. These routers are built to handle faster nbn plans like the Exetel One Plan or above. They also support more devices, perfect for modern households.  

• Device compatibility matters. Even with a high-speed router, if your laptop, phone or tablet only supports older Wi-Fi generations, you won’t get the full benefit. 

• Got lots of devices online at once? That adds up. Streaming, gaming and video calls all pull bandwidth, which can slow things down if your setup isn’t ready for it. 

Also, most modern routers use Wi-Fi Band Steering to send each device to the best available frequency band (2.4 GHz, 5 GHz or even 6 GHz). This helps keep things smooth, but check your router settings just in case it’s not turned on. 

What are wi-fi generations and why they matter 

Wi-Fi tech has generations, just like mobile networks. Newer generations deliver faster speeds and better stability. 

Here’s a quick guide: 

If your router or device was bought before 2019, chances are it might not support anything above Wi-Fi 5. Upgrading could make a big difference to your connection quality. For Exetel’s One Plan that’s at least a Wi-Fi 6 router.  

Are your devices and router working together? 

To get the most out of your internet, your devices, router and cables all need to be on the same page — or at least in the same speed bracket. 

Common scenarios: 

• Old device + new router: Your new router might support 1 Gbps speeds, but if your tablet only does Wi-Fi 4, you’re capped around 100 Mbps. 

• New device + old router: Your fancy new laptop won’t be able to reach top speeds if your router’s still stuck on Wi-Fi 4. 

Even if everything connects fine, your speeds will be held back by the slowest part of the setup — whether that’s the modem, the cables or the devices themselves. 

Check your ethernet cable 

Wi-Fi isn’t the only factor. If you’re using Ethernet cables, the type of cable you use can have a big impact too. 

Here’s what to look for: 

If your cable is older than Cat 5e, it’s probably time for a swap. For anything above 100 Mbps, like Exetel’s The One plan, Cat 5e or Cat 6 are suitable. 

How to ensure your router reaches all your devices  

Wi-Fi signal issues at home can be caused by obstacles and interference. Solid materials like metal doors, walls, floors, and ceilings can block or weaken the signal. To improve coverage, place your router in an open, elevated spot—ideally central to your most-used devices—and minimise obstructions and electronic interference. 

For more tips and tricks, you can read all about it here. 
 

Not sure where to start? Start at home 

If all this sounds a bit overwhelming, don’t stress—we’ve got your back. Take a moment to check your devices and home setup or reach out to us for help via the app chat or contact us here. Because squeezing the most out of your One Plan doesn’t just start with the connection… it starts with what’s plugged in at your place.