7 Practical Tips for Optimising Your NBN for Multiple Users and Devices
If you’re finding it hard to manage several devices in your household, that’s understandable. These days, homes have increasingly become more reliant on smart technologies, streaming services, and remote work environments. If any of these is the case for yours, listen up. We’ve compiled seven practical tips for optimising your NBN fibre network to ensure consistent performance.
1. Evaluate Your Current NBN Speed and Data Needs
Different households have unique speed and data needs. That means the average NBN plans Melbourne providers offer might work for a couple but not for a family with gamer teenagers. To assess your NBN’s speed, follow these steps:
- Use a trusted speed test tool, such as Ookla or Fast.com.
- Compare the current speed of your plan with its maximum potential.
- Does your current speed tier really suit your household? For instance, Standard Plus (50 Mbps) might suffice for moderate use, but you’ll want the Premium (100 Mbps) for heavy-duty usage.
2. Position Your Modem Strategically
You’re probably not aware, but where you place your modem makes a difference in your connection. Modems work best when they’re in a central, elevated location, as this ensures the signal can reach all corners of your space.
Avoid hiding your modem behind thick walls, near metal appliances, or alongside electronic devices that could interfere with the signal. Do you have a large house or one with multiple storeys? Investing in a Wi-Fi extender might make sense, as it bridges the gap between dead zones and strong connectivity.
3. Prioritise Devices on Your Network
Not all devices need the same amount of bandwidth as the others. For example, your smart TV might not be as important as your laptop, which you use heavily for video conferencing and online work. That’s where Quality of Service (QoS) settings come in. Use them to tailor your network’s priorities to suit your lifestyle, and watch your frustrations fade.
With modern routers, you can adjust QoS settings via the admin interface. So in your case, assigning priority to work devices during business hours might be the way to go. This ensures smooth Zoom calls and uninterrupted uploads when you need them. During the night, you can switch priority to entertainment devices like your smart TV for some relaxing downtime.
4. Upgrade Your Router for Better Performance
Even if your NBN plan is fast, an outdated router can slow it down. Consider upgrading to a dual-band or tri-band version if your router has been around for a while already.
Dual-band routers allow you to switch between the 2.4 GHz (longer range, slower speed) and 5 GHz (shorter range, quicker speed) bands based on your need. Tri-band routers add a 5 GHz band to handle massive traffic, providing even more flexibility and performance. By upgrading your hardware, you can fully utilise your NBN subscription.
5. Secure Your Network to Avoid Unauthorised Usage
An unsecured network can also slow your connection to a crawl (not to mention it’s risky). Neighbours or passers-by might latch onto your Wi-Fi, leaving you with less bandwidth to work with. Here’s how you can tighten security:
- Use a strong, unique password that’s tough to guess.
- Enable WPA3 encryption, the latest and most secure wireless protocol.
- Regularly update your router’s firmware to patch any vulnerabilities.
6. Minimise Bandwidth-Heavy Activities
Streaming in ultra-high definition or downloading large files can gobble up bandwidth. Now, imagine doing it throughout the day. To avoid other users struggling, try to make small adjustments to free up space for everyone.
When streaming, it probably won’t mean much to lower the video quality from 4K to HD. If possible, schedule large downloads for off-peak times. Late nights or early mornings are advisable. In addition, you can enable data-saving modes on certain apps and devices.
7. Consider Adding a Mesh Wi-Fi System
Are Wi-Fi dead spots driving you up the wall? A mesh Wi-Fi system might be the answer. Unlike a single router, it employs numerous nodes to broaden your network's reach and ensure consistent speeds across your home. Mesh Wi-Fi works particularly well in larger residences, homes with thick walls, and multi-storey buildings.
Which NBN Provider in Melbourne Should You Choose?
You might already be eyeing a suitable plan, but are you as diligent in choosing the provider? Look for one that offers not only competitive plans but also excellent support and the flexibility to switch tiers as needed. MATE is one such provider, which is why it’s a popular choice for users in Melbourne.
It doesn’t matter if you have multiple users and devices in the household. With a reputable NBN plan provider like MATE, you can look forward to a seamless, frustration-free experience every time!