Thick walls
Brick, concrete, floors and ceilings can weaken WiFi signals.
1st Internet & WiFi Guide
Making WiFi Work
Confused about where to stick this?
Your WiFi modem router — or that WiFi thingy with the flashing lights — is the heart of your home internet. Where you put it can make a huge difference to how well your internet reaches your devices.
As a general rule, keep it central, raised, open and away from things that block the signal.
Central
Raised
Open
Not hidden away
Signal killers
What can interfere with your WiFi signal?
A strong WiFi signal depends on where your router is placed and what sits between it and the devices you are trying to connect.
Metal and mirrors
Metal surfaces, cupboards, mirrors and shelving can reflect or block WiFi.
Large appliances
Refrigerators, televisions and microwaves can create signal shadows and interference.
Water
Fish tanks and hot water systems can absorb WiFi energy and reduce signal strength.
Other wireless devices
Baby monitors, Bluetooth devices and other radios can add interference.
One WiFi router
One router can create WiFi signal shadows
Walls, large appliances and dense materials can absorb, reflect or weaken your WiFi signal. The further the signal has to travel — and the more obstacles it passes through — the harder it can be for devices to maintain a strong connection.
Fast nbn does not automatically mean fast WiFi everywhere.
Your internet connection can be fast at the router but still feel slow in rooms where the WiFi signal is weak.
Add another WiFi unit
A second WiFi unit can help fill the gaps
A mesh WiFi setup adds another WiFi unit in a different part of the home. The units work together to extend coverage into areas that are harder for a single router to reach.
✓ Better coverage in larger homes
✓ Fewer weak spots behind dense walls
✓ One WiFi network across the property
Do I need mesh?
When should I consider Mesh WiFi?
Mesh is worth considering when the shape, size or construction of your home makes it difficult for one WiFi router to provide reliable coverage everywhere.
✓
Large homes
✓
Multi-storey homes
✓
Long or narrow layouts
✓
Backyard or outdoor coverage
✓
Dense walls or difficult building materials
✓
Persistent WiFi weak spots
What is a WiFi mesh network?
Put simply, multiple WiFi units work together as one network to extend coverage around your home.
Router capability
Could your router be holding your internet back?
Older WiFi technology may not make the most of a faster nbn plan, especially when several devices are connected at the same time.
WiFi 4
802.11n
Older WiFi technology that may be more suitable to lower-speed services and lighter device use.
Older generation
WiFi 5
802.11ac
Still common in many homes, but older routers may become a bottleneck on faster plans or busy networks.
Still common
WiFi 6
802.11ax
A strong modern baseline for faster nbn plans and homes with many connected devices.
Modern baseline
WiFi 7
802.11be
The newest generation, designed for very high throughput, low latency and newer compatible devices.
Latest generation
i
Use this as a guide only
Actual WiFi performance depends on the router, connected device, home layout, interference, distance, radio configuration and many other factors.
Why Choose 1st Internet & WiFi?
You need more than just an nbn plan. We'll help you choose the right internet and WiFi solution for your home or business — with simple plans, friendly service and support from start to finish.
No lock-in contracts
Choose a plan with flexibility and stay in control.
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Friendly local help from people who understand Australian homes & businesses.
Unlimited data
Stream, work, browse and connect without worrying about data limits.
Reliable connection
nbn-powered plans built around your home & business internet needs.