Tips to optimise your office set-up
These tips will help you make informed decisions about your connection, so you can have the best possible internet set-up in your office
Upgrade your modem
Selecting a modem based on your specific needs can help improve your online experience. Before you purchase a new modem, consider the following points:
Check for objects that can interfere with your Wi-Fi signal
The objects around your modem can absorb and reflect Wi-Fi signals and this varies greatly depending on the type of material.
Try to avoid placing your modem behind:
- Solid walls made from brick or cement.
- Televisions, fridges, microwaves, cordless phones and large electrical household appliances.
- Metal panels, mirrors, cupboards, shelves and water.
For your best chance at a stronger signal, follow these general tips:
Assess the number of multiple connected devices
Offices with a number of internet-connected devices and applications should consider the following advice:
Check the set-up of your landline phones and fax machines
Australia is currently undergoing a digital transformation from a copper backbone network, to a fibre backbone network. This will affect the way you currently use your landline or fax machine.
As we roll out the nbn™ broadband access network in your area, you may be required to plug your landline phone into your Wi-Fi modem. This may be done directly, or via a network switch or adapter (e.g. VoIP or PBX) depending on your particular configuration and office set up. This means the existing phone cabling in your office may no longer be used. Consider contacting a licenced professional to assess your in-office cabling options if you need to change your phone’s location.
Please check with your phone company whether they support fax transmission and/or teletypewriter devices on their phone service over the nbn™ access network at your address.
Note: landline phones will not work in a power outage.
Speak to a professional about network cabling
The quality of the cabling throughout your building and inside your office has an effect on the speeds you experience.
The following are some points you may wish to discuss with the registered cabler:
- Ask them to check the cabling in your office.
- If you’re in an older building, ask if there is evidence of older phone installations.
- Discuss the option of installing Ethernet cable throughout your office.
When the nbn™ technician arrives to install your nbn™ connection box, make sure you request that they physically install it in your office or wherever the majority of your usage will take place. Your service provider can also assist in arranging the registered cabler for you.
Ensure your devices and software are compatible
The rollout of the nbn™ access network involves new technologies which some existing or older devices may not be compatible with.
It’s important to talk to your device provider, IT professional or ICT partner to find out if your devices will work on the nbn™ access network, or what alternatives may be available. It’s also important to register safety-critical equipment with nbn by calling 1800 227 300 or visiting nbn.com.au/compatibility.
Devices to register:
- Medical alarms, autodiallers or emergency call buttons. If you have a medical alarm connected to your modem, check with your alarm provider before moving your equipment.
- Monitored fire alarms
- Security monitoring systems
- Fax and teletypewriter devices
- EFTPOS terminals
- Lift emergency phones
- Video conferencing equipment
Software compatibility
Some older devices in your office may struggle in terms of speed and capacity when you switch to your new plan. Often the solution is to simply update your device software. Check with your device manufacturer's support community for additional help.
Tips to optimise your office set-up

1. Upgrade your modem
These tips will help you make informed decisions about your connection, so you can have the best possible internet set-up in your office
2. Check for objects that can interfere with your Wi-Fi signal
The objects around your modem can absorb and reflect Wi-Fi signals and this varies greatly depending on the type of material.
Try to avoid placing your modem behind:
- Solid walls made from brick or cement.
- Televisions, fridges, microwaves, cordless phones and large electrical household appliances.
- Metal panels, mirrors, cupboards, shelves and water.
For your best chance at a stronger signal, follow these general tips:
3. Assess the number of multiple connected devices
Offices with a number of internet-connected devices and applications should consider the following advice:
* nbn provides wholesale services to phone and internet providers. nbn™ wholesale speed tiers available to providers vary depending on the access technology in an end customer’s area. An end customer’s experience, including the speeds actually achieved over the nbn™ broadband access network, depends on the nbn™ access network technology and configuration over which services are delivered to their premises, whether they are using the internet during the busy period, and some factors outside of nbn’s control (like their equipment quality, software, chosen broadband plan, signal reception, or how their provider designs its network). Business nbn™ Satellite Service end customers may also experience latency.
4. Check the set-up of your landline phones and fax machines
The rollout of the nbn™ access network involves new technologies which some existing or older devices may not be compatible with.
5. Speak to a professional about network cabling
The quality of the cabling throughout your building and inside your office has an effect on the speeds you experience.
6. Ensure your devices and software compatible
The rollout of the nbn™ access network involves new technologies which some existing or older devices may not be compatible with.
It’s important to talk to your device provider, IT professional or ICT partner to find out if your devices will work on the nbn™ access network, or what alternatives may be available. It’s also important to register safety-critical equipment with nbn by calling 1800 227 300 or visiting nbn.com.au/compatibility.
Devices to register:
- Medical alarms, autodiallers or emergency call buttons. If you have a medical alarm connected to your modem, check with your alarm provider before moving your equipment.
- Monitored fire alarms
- Security monitoring systems
- Fax and teletypewriter devices
- EFTPOS terminals
- Lift emergency phones
- Video conferencing equipment
Software compatibility
Some older devices in your office may struggle in terms of speed and capacity when you switch to your new plan. Often the solution is to simply update your device software. Check with your device manufacturer's support community for additional help.