Your Wi-Fi router delivers your internet signal to every connected device in your home. From laptops and smart TVs to security cameras and EV chargers, all of your connected devices rely on your Wi-Fi router to access the internet.
If your connection feels slow, drops out, or struggles in certain rooms, your Wi-Fi router’s age or its placement could be the issue.
This page explains:
- The best location for your Wi-Fi router
- Why your Wi-Fi router may slow your connection
- How to check your Wi-Fi speeds
- When to consider a mesh router network
Not sure where to start? Our optimisation assistant can help you find the right advice for your setup at home.
Choose the best location for your Wi-Fi router
You’ll want to place your Wi-Fi router somewhere central, raised, and open. At waist height, if you can. The clearer the line between your Wi-Fi router and your devices, the better the signal.
What can interfere with your Wi-Fi signal?
Things like:
- Thick walls: Brick or cement walls, floors, ceilings
- Metal panels: Cupboard doors, mirrors, shelves
- Appliances: Refrigerators, televisions, microwaves
- Liquids: Fishtanks, hot water systems
- Other technology: Radios, baby monitors, Bluetooth devices
Why the age of your Wi-Fi router matters
Wi-Fi technology is always getting better, and older Wi-Fi routers (pre 2019 or with Wi-Fi generation 5 and lower) may struggle to keep up with faster nbn plans.
You can usually find the model number on the sticker underneath your Wi-Fi router – a quick online search could tell you how old it is.
If you have an older Wi-Fi router or Wi-Fi generation, check with your service provider if your Wi-Fi router is compatible with your plan, what your upgrade options are, and whether a new Wi-Fi router may help improve your Wi-Fi performance.
| Wi-Fi generation | Typical maximum Wi-Fi speeds | Approximate year of release |
|---|---|---|
| Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) |
Over 1Gbps | 2024 |
| Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) |
Up to 1Gbps | 2019 |
| Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) |
Up to 500Mbps | 2013 |
| Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) |
Up to 100Mbps | 2009 |
This table is intended to be a guide only. Device capabilities may vary by internet provider or manufacturer. We recommend speaking with your internet provider about the performance of your Wi-Fi router and your nbn plan.
Replacing your Wi-Fi router? Don’t forget to recycle
There are plenty of ways to recycle your old Wi-Fi router responsibly. Check with your local council, electronics retailer, or service provider about local, free e-waste recycling options. or visit the Recycle Mate website.
Check your Wi-Fi speeds
A speed test can help you find out how your Wi-Fi signal is performing in different parts of your home.
How to run a speed test
- Search for a speed test app or search in your browser for a speed test.
- Run the test right next to your Wi-Fi router then record the results.
- If you can connect your device to your Wi-Fi router with an Ethernet cable, run the test again while on that wired connection and note any difference.
- Run the Wi-Fi test in other rooms so you can compare results and see how the speed changes as you move around.
- If you're not satisfied with your internet speed or connection stability, please contact your service provider to discuss your options.
What your speed test results may mean
If your Wi-Fi speeds are similar to your wired speeds or your nbn plan speeds:
Your Wi-Fi setup should be capable of providing consistent speeds and performance.
If you are still unhappy with the speed or connection performance you’re getting, talk to your service provider. The nbn speed plan you’re currently on may not be meeting your requirements, or there may be another network issue that needs to be investigated.
If your Wi-Fi speeds are much slower than your wired speeds or your nbn plan speeds:
Your Wi-Fi setup may have room for improvement. Check the age and Wi-Fi generation of your Wi-Fi router and connected devices.
Learn about how Wi-Fi generations can impact the performance of your internal setup.
If your speeds vary between rooms:
Your Wi-Fi router’s location may be affecting your Wi-Fi signal coverage so check whether walls, furniture, appliances, or other obstructions are impacting your signal.
If your speed slows significantly as you move throughout your home, you may want to consider a mesh network to improve your Wi-Fi signal.
You can also try improving your connection performance by:
- Connecting your devices to your Wi-Fi router with an Ethernet cable.
- Talking to a registered cabler about relocating your nbn connection box and Wi-Fi router.
Find out more about how these wired connection options could help you get the best from your nbn plan.
How to run a speed test
- Search for a speed test app or search in your browser for a speed test.
- Run the test right next to your Wi-Fi router then record the results.
- If you can connect your device to your Wi-Fi router with an Ethernet cable, run the test again while on that wired connection and note any difference.
- Run the Wi-Fi test in other rooms so you can compare results and see how the speed changes as you move around.
- If you're not satisfied with your internet speed or connection stability, please contact your service provider to discuss your options.
What your speed test results may mean
If your Wi-Fi speeds are similar to your wired speeds or your nbn plan speeds:
Your Wi-Fi setup should be capable of providing consistent speeds and performance.
If you are still unhappy with the speed or connection performance you’re getting, talk to your service provider. The nbn speed plan you’re currently on may not be meeting your requirements, or there may be another network issue that needs to be investigated.
If your Wi-Fi speeds are much slower than your wired speeds or your nbn plan speeds:
Your Wi-Fi setup may have room for improvement. Check the age and Wi-Fi generation of your Wi-Fi router and connected devices.
Learn about how Wi-Fi generations can impact the performance of your internal setup.
If your speeds vary between rooms:
Your Wi-Fi router’s location may be affecting your Wi-Fi signal coverage so check whether walls, furniture, appliances, or other obstructions are impacting your signal.
If your speed slows significantly as you move throughout your home, you may want to consider a mesh network to improve your Wi-Fi signal.
You can also try improving your connection performance by:
- Connecting your devices to your Wi-Fi router with an Ethernet cable.
- Talking to a registered cabler about relocating your nbn connection box and Wi-Fi router.
Find out more about how these wired connection options could help you get the best from your nbn plan.
When to consider a mesh network
Sometimes one Wi-Fi router may not provide full coverage, leading to slower speeds or dropouts. In a property with three bedrooms or more, it might make sense to install a mesh network.
What is a Wi-Fi mesh network?
Put simply, a Wi-Fi mesh network adds nodes (or access points) around your home. They connect to your Wi-Fi router, spreading the coverage of your Wi-Fi signal.
Benefits to a Wi-Fi mesh network:
- Better coverage over larger or multi-storey properties
- Fewer dead spots around thick walls or dense materials
- One streamlined Wi-Fi network throughout your property
Without a mesh network
The diagram illustrates how some materials and obstructions such as thick walls and refrigerators can significantly reduce your Wi-Fi signal if they sit between your Wi-Fi router and Wi-Fi connected devices.
With a mesh network
This diagram illustrates how a mesh network, using mesh nodes, can reduce the impacts of obstructions, such as thick walls and refrigerators, and create a stronger Wi-Fi signal throughout your home, including to harder to reach areas.
