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How to help optimise your nbn™ HFC connection at home*


Make the most of your experience with the nbn™ broadband access network thanks to these handy tips.


We want to help you get the most out of your nbn™ HFC connection, which is why we’ve created a short guide that explores frequently asked questions and provides easy-to-follow advice regarding the positioning of your equipment - whether you're setting up for the first time or optimising your connection.


There are a few things to keep in mind when installing and using your nbn™ connection.




Wi-Fi router/modem location

  • Try to position your Wi-Fi router/modem in the centre of your home or central to your internet-connected devices. This will help to ensure you receive the best connection possible at your premises.
  • When using Wi-Fi enabled devices, make sure nothing is blocking your Wi-Fi router/modem, as this may obstruct the connection.
  • Avoid placing your Wi-Fi router/modem behind the TV or thick walls, as this can affect the level of speed you experience.

Check your cables

  • Old cables can lead to slower speeds. If your speeds are limited, you may need to have your cabling checked by a registered professional - ask them If there are any additional charges.

Consider the age of your devices

  • Older devices may struggle to cope with the speeds when you switch to the nbn™ access network. Updating your device’s software may help to improve speeds.*

Alarm systems

  • If your alarm system is compatible with the nbn™ access network and it's in a different room to your nbn™ wall outlet, you will need to either have an Ethernet cable installed between the them, or move your alarm system so they are both In the same room. This is necessary as your alarm system will need to plug directly into your Wi-Fi router/modem.
  • You will also need to switch your alarm system over to an IP/mobile-based alarm system compatible with the nbn™ access network. Please speak to your alarm system provider or manufacturer for more information.



Some existing services may be affected

The rollout of the nbn™ access network involves new technologies, which some existing devices may not be compatible with such as medical alarms, autodiallers or emergency call buttons. Contact your device provider to find out if your alarm or device will work when connected to the nbn™ access network, and what alternative solutions are available.

Make sure you also register your devices with nbn. Registering helps nbn identify premises where support may be needed to help minimise a break in service.









Landline phone calls using the nbn™ access network use Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology instead of the standard copper phone networks. This means audio signals get converted into digital data before being sent over the internet to other landline phones.




VoIP-compatible phones

  • VoIP-compatible phones let you make voice calls over the internet. Your telephone provider can tell you whether your existing landline phone will be compatible and can also supply you with a new VoIP phone if necessary.
  • If you have a phone-only connection, your telephone provider will supply you with additional equipment, so you can connect your VoIP compatible phone to your Wi-Fi router/modem.


Switching a phone service can take a few days after ordering an nbn™ powered plan

For more information regarding wait times, please speak to your phone provider.



nbn™ compatible wall outlets

  • Most nbn™ wall outlets tend to be installed in the living room near the TV. This allows your Wi-Fi router/modem to be plugged directly into the wall outlet and provides a clearer signal. Your phone will most likely be connected in this room too.
  • If you would like to use your phone in another room, you will need to speak to your phone and internet provider about additional cabling. Alternatively, cordless phones can be connected to the back of your modem and used anywhere in the house without the need to change any wiring.







There are a few things to keep in mind when installing and using your nbn™ connection.




Wi-Fi router/modem location

  • Try to position your Wi-Fi router/modem in the centre of your home or central to your internet-connected devices. This will help to ensure you receive the best connection possible at your premises.
  • When using Wi-Fi enabled devices, make sure nothing is blocking your Wi-Fi router/modem, as this may obstruct the connection.
  • Avoid placing your Wi-Fi router/modem behind the TV or thick walls, as this can affect the level of speed you experience.

Check your cables

  • Old cables can lead to slower speeds. If your speeds are limited, you may need to have your cabling checked by a registered professional - ask them If there are any additional charges.

Consider the age of your devices

  • Older devices may struggle to cope with the speeds when you switch to the nbn™ access network. Updating your device’s software may help to improve speeds.*

Alarm systems

  • If your alarm system is compatible with the nbn™ access network and it's in a different room to your nbn™ wall outlet, you will need to either have an Ethernet cable installed between the them, or move your alarm system so they are both In the same room. This is necessary as your alarm system will need to plug directly into your Wi-Fi router/modem.
  • You will also need to switch your alarm system over to an IP/mobile-based alarm system compatible with the nbn™ access network. Please speak to your alarm system provider or manufacturer for more information.



Some existing services may be affected

The rollout of the nbn™ access network involves new technologies, which some existing devices may not be compatible with such as medical alarms, autodiallers or emergency call buttons. Contact your device provider to find out if your alarm or device will work when connected to the nbn™ access network, and what alternative solutions are available.

Make sure you also register your devices with nbn. Registering helps nbn identify premises where support may be needed to help minimise a break in service.









Landline phone calls using the nbn™ access network use Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology instead of the standard copper phone networks. This means audio signals get converted into digital data before being sent over the internet to other landline phones.




VoIP-compatible phones

  • VoIP-compatible phones let you make voice calls over the internet. Your telephone provider can tell you whether your existing landline phone will be compatible and can also supply you with a new VoIP phone if necessary.
  • If you have a phone-only connection, your telephone provider will supply you with additional equipment, so you can connect your VoIP compatible phone to your Wi-Fi router/modem.


Switching a phone service can take a few days after ordering an nbn™ powered plan

For more information regarding wait times, please speak to your phone provider.



nbn™ compatible wall outlets

  • Most nbn™ wall outlets tend to be installed in the living room near the TV. This allows your Wi-Fi router/modem to be plugged directly into the wall outlet and provides a clearer signal. Your phone will most likely be connected in this room too.
  • If you would like to use your phone in another room, you will need to speak to your phone and internet provider about additional cabling. Alternatively, cordless phones can be connected to the back of your modem and used anywhere in the house without the need to change any wiring.








*
An end user’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).