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  

Choose your own modem Check for objects that can interfere with your Wi-Fi signal Assess the number of multiple connected devices Check the set-up of your landline phones and fax machines Speak to a professional about network cabling Ensure your devices and software are compatible

Choose your own modem 

Check for objects that can interfere with your Wi-Fi signal

Assess the number of multiple connected devices 

Check the set-up of your landline phones and fax machines

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 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

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.
Next
In-Office layout

1. Choose your own 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  

Connect fixed devices, like your television or desktop computer, directly to your modem with an internet cable.
Older modems previously used on ADSL may not be compatible with the nbn™ broadband access network.
Modems made before 2009 may not support higher speeds. Ask your retailer for a 5GHz modem with either 802.11n or 802.11ac.
Generally the more antennas your modem has, the better. Keep in mind that some antennas can be internal, so it’s good to check with your retailer before purchase.
All nbn™ Fibre to the Node (FTTN) and Fibre to the Building (FTTB) connections require VDSL2 modems.
For all nbn™ Fibre to the Premises (FTTP), Hybrid Fibre Coaxial (HFC), Fixed Wireless or Sky Muster™ satellite connections, your modem should be capable of supporting a Gigabit Wide Area Network (WAN).
If you have a telephone service that is connected to your modem, you should check with your service provider whether changing modems will cause an interruption in phone service and what support is available to you. 

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:

The closer you are to your modem, the better your signal is likely to be.
If possible, position your modem in a raised and central area (never on the floor).
Aim to have line-of-sight with your modem.

Offices with a number of internet-connected devices and applications should consider the following advice:

For improved signal, connect your office using a fixed-line connection like an Ethernet cable.
Choose a business grade modem, most have the capacity to handle anywhere between 16-50 devices.
Offices that rely on video conferencing and cloud-based applications should use a business grade modem on a business grade nbn™ powered plan from a service provider.*
Speak to your service provider or IT professional/ICT partner to ensure you are using the correct equipment that suits your needs.

 

 

* 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.

The rollout of the nbn™ access network involves new technologies which some existing or older devices may not be compatible with.

Check if your landline phone needs to plug directly into your Wi-Fi modem.
Contact your service provider about your in-office cabling options.
Ask your phone company whether they support fax transmission and/or teletypewriter devices on their phone service over the nbn™ access network at your address.

The quality of the cabling throughout your building and inside your office has an effect on the speeds you experience.

Where possible, connect directly to your modem via Ethernet cable for a more reliable connection.
Speak to a registered cabler about ways you can improve your internal wiring
If you’re in an older building, ask if there is evidence of older phone installations.

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.