How to guide: Optimise your WiFi
Wireless connectivity transform the modern home but when you’re struggling with a weak WiFi signal it can be frustrating, to say the least. A weaker signal means slower performance, which can leave you suffering the buffer when you should be cosied up on your couch, streaming your favourite shows on your devices.
Thankfully, there are some simple steps that you can follow to make sure your home WiFi signal is the best that it can be. If you’re suffering from a weak WiFi signal, have a read of this handy guide we’ve put together to find out what to do.
Step 1: Check if you’re using the best WiFi available
Most WiFi devices these days are using 2.4GHz N WiFi when they could be using 5GHz AC WiFi. Don’t let the names scare you away – we’ll break it down for you. Basically, all you need to know is the main differences between these two types of WiFi and you’ll be good to go!
5GHz WiFi
This type of WiFi uses more bandwidth and it can provide faster speeds but it has less range for coverage.
2.4GHz WiFi
This type of WiFi uses has less bandwidth so it isn’t as fast as 5GHz but it provides coverage over longer distances.
If you have a small to medium home, you may be better off on the latest 5GHz WiFi but larger households might not benefit from making the switch. How do I switch, you ask? First of all, you need to do a quick Google search to see if your WiFi modem broadcasts 5GHz WiFi – it’ll be faster than digging through the manual. If you have a TG-789 Broadband Gateway, Cable Gateway Pro or Budii Lite supplied by us, you’re in luck – these modems have 5GHz WiFi built in and they should broadcast by default. Check the barcode sticker on the modem for the name and password for the default 5GHz WiFi network.
Next, make sure that your devices can connect to 5GHz WiFi. If your device was manufactured after 2014, chances are that it’s compatible. If you have an older laptop or desktop computer, you can also purchase a USB plug-in AC WiFi adapter from your local computer shop or office supply store to allow you to connect to this channel.
If you’re still not sure if your devices connect, the easiest way to find out if your device is compatible is just to have a go at connecting to the 5GHz WiFi network. If you’re not sure how to do that, just follow our guide on Connecting to a WiFi Network. Once you’ve got all your devices connected, you may notice an improvement in performance, especially if you have a lot of devices connected simultaneously!
Step 2: Check your modem’s location
It’s all about location! Where you place your WiFi modem in your home can have a big impact on your WiFi signal strength and coverage. Follow these tips to make sure your WiFi modem is in the best spot possible:
- Put your modem in a clear, central place in your home. A typical indoor WiFi signal has a range of about 30 metres, but this distance can be reduced if there are a large amount of obstacles (e.g. walls, cupboards) between you and your modem.
- If you have a larger area to cover, you may want to buy a WiFi signal extender from your local electronics store. This device will plug into a power outlet and relay your WiFi signal over a longer distance.
- Place your modem on a desk or elevated shelf; WiFi signal travels better “downwards”. A modem should never be placed on the floor as the ground causes a lot of signal interference.
- Keep your modem away from any trees, plants, microwaves, metal objects and also any other devices that broadcast a WiFi signal. Try to avoid having these obstacles between you and your modem while you’re using the WiFi.
Step 3: Find the best WiFi channel to use
Finally, it’s worth checking if your WiFi network is using the best channel. Much a like a radio, WiFi has different channels to choose from and if too many WiFi networks are operating over the same channel, it can cause some performance issues. This is most common in high-density living areas like apartment buildings where there are more WiFi networks closer together.
To find out which WiFi channels are being used in your area, follow the steps in our guides for Windows and Mac computers. Take note of which channels are being used – For 2.4GHz WiFi, out of channels 1, 6 and 11, you want to find the one that’s being used the least. While you can use a channel that isn’t 1, 6 or 11, these three channels are the best choices for WiFi networks in Australia.
5GHz WiFi operates on a much higher frequency than 2.4GHz WiFi so it isn’t subject to the same common microwave interference that can affect 2.4Ghz WiFi. You shouldn’t need to worry too much about which channel you’re using, although you may want to switch to a different available channel if nearby connections are using the same channel.
Once you know which WiFi channel to use, you’ll need to change the channel your WiFi modem’s settings. We’ve got a guide on how to do this for all modems currently and previously sold by iiNet here. If you have a third party WiFi modem, please visit the manufacturer’s website for support information or try running a Google search for a guide.
Do you have a top tip for boosting your home WiFi signal? Share it with us in the comments.
102 comments
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Tried this; Auto con fig not enabled is what I get?
Help!-
Hi Ray,
Have you had a look at:
https://iihelp.iinet.net.au/Improving_WiFi_Signal_and_Changing_Channels
You may need to Factory Reset your modem as well.
– Leo
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The Wifi on my phone is shocking it never goes above 2 lines at any time and I would like to know why please
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Hi Lynne,
There are a multitude of factors that can affect your Wi-Fi at home; everything from where your modem is placed, through to what appliances are nearby, as well as how far away your modem is from the devices.
It sounds like you’re not able to achieve a strong enough signal for your devices internally, so you may want to have a look at the placement of your modem, or consider a Wi-Fi extender. We cover this in greater detail, here:
https://iihelp.iinet.net.au/Improving_WiFi_Signal_and_Changing_Channels
– Leo
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Try as I might, my net phone continually drops out mid-call.
I have , under guidance, tried fiddling with modem settings to no avail. It is driving me nuts!
Ivor-
Hi Ivor,
When it comes to Netphone drop out’s it’s always best to start at square 1 and move forward accordingly. Does the Internet drop out at the same time? The Netphone service requires the internet, so if this is dropping out, the Netphone will also and definitely recommend chatting with the team on 13 22 58 to have this seen to.
If it is only the Netphone service having difficulties, check the cable is secured firmly in the back of the modem and try another phone cable just in case. If you’re still not having any luck, try running through the setup again to ensure all settings are correct and accepted (Can’t hurt if your modem has 2 VoIP ports to set the service up on the other port):
https://iihelp.iinet.net.au/Setting_up_Netphone_(VoIP)
– Josh
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As much as the lady was very helpful, my connection is still the same. This frustrates me as I was on the phone for nearly half an hour. The wifi connection has been very slow on and off for the past month. I pay to be connected and hope this can be fixed on your end. Thank you.
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Hi Shannon,
Concerning the speed is fluctuating through the day over WiFi. Are you experiencing similar speed fluctuations on devices connected via Ethernet at all? If so, it might be indicative of some speed issues on the network that would need to be investigated by giving the team a call on 13 22 58.
Keep an eye out for potential patterns when it’s occurring; Is there another user in the house connected at this time, Any devices updating or backing up when the speed drops? If the issue is only occurring to WiFi Connected devices try move the modem away from any other appliances that may be causing some interference (Microwaves are a common culprit for this).
There are also some further details on improving WiFi performance that can be found here: https://iihelp.iinet.net.au/support/node/12603
– Josh
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Guys, good points all of the above. However, if the incoming Provider ADSL signal is rock-bottom weak and slow, as is the case in my location, then even the most lightning fast WLAN is not going to make much of a difference!
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Please could you restore our Message Bank again. It says this number is not available but it was working till few weeks ago. Many thanks Jeremy Harris.
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Hi Jeremy,
Might be beneficial to check in on your message bank settings for your phone service. Great news is, this can be done through toolbox. We have a handy link here that might help checking in on the message bank settings: https://iihelp.iinet.net.au/Netphone_%28VoIP%29_Features
– Josh
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Thanks Gina, any information is always welcome.The only problem we have is a weak Optus signal with mobiles cutting out during calls, probably due to our location and quality of copper service.
Thanks anyway.
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You advise that 1,6 and 11 are the best channels to use in Oz.
Is this information up to date for the 5 Gig band, as my modem automatically selects channel 36?
I usually get 45-48/9 Mb/sec on my NBN 50 plan, often heading toward 60 in quiet periods, using 5gig Wi-Fi. This, despite being an estimated 800 metres from our node.
Must share this with you: my friend was talking with the guy installing an NBN node right out front of his house, with the installer talking-up the resultant lightning speed. “Fine”, says my friend “but I don’t own a computer, I do it all on my phone!” Boom Boom.
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Interesting
I had no knowledge of the 5K signal
My modem is a TGiinet-1 and doesn’t broadcast 5G. Although i’ve an air B&B with what appears to be the identical modem and it does.-
Hi Ian,
The TGiiNet-1 Modem is sadly, only single band unlike our current provided modem (TG-789) which is dual band offering both 2.4 and 5GHz frequencies. The two modems do look quite similar though one is slightly more rounded. We offer these updated modems for sale for $79 ($10 shipping may apply) and can be ordered with our friendly existing sales team on 13 22 58 or ordering through toolbox https://toolbox3.iinet.net.au
We also have fantastic re-contracting options in order to remove the cost of the hardware for a free new updated modem.
– JOsh
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Our modem had to be put in a room at one end of our house, so we had reception problems at the other. The best Wi-Fi improvement we’ve had was when we bought an extender/repeater. It picks up the (faint) existing Wi-Fi and re-broadcasts it strongly.
Not Wi-Fi, but extending the Ethernet through the house using Ethernet over mains plugs has been more than useful as well. It’s how our TVs get a better signal. And more.
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Hi Steve,
These are also fantastic options when the Wi-Fi range doesn’t quite cover the span of the house or the phone port is unfortunately at a far corner of the house. Wi-Fi extenders and Power Line Adapters are great ways to ensure your signal isn’t lost while roaming the house and provide a wired connection to devices not near to the modem.
– Josh
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I have a bob lite modem supplied by iinet.
It has never been satisfactory.
I get lots of buffer drop outs and slow downloads.
It is large and awkward.
The indictor lights are hard to see.
The information sticker is largely hidden by the support stand stuck over it.What do I need to do to get a better modem?
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Hi Chris,
Our BoB lite modems are certainly getting a little older these days, but I would guess it has had quite a long life. We now offer the TG-789 iiNet branded modem which may be the perfect upgrade to boost your WiFi’s performance to devices around the home. These can be ordered through our existing sales team on 13 19 17 where we can also discuss contracting options to waive the upfront cost of hardware.
If you have access to toolbox https://toolbox3.iinet.net.au you can also order hardware through the add products tab and selecting the ‘Modems & Networking Hardware’ option.
– Josh
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Aluminium foil in external walls weakens or blocks transmission. If building has been revonovated making a former outside wall into an inside wall, you may have problems. Took me a while before the penny dropped. Moved the modem and problem fixed. Suggest you add this to the above publication. ( NB. the al foil usually referred to as “sisal” in aus.
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The channels listed in Step 3 are only relevant for 2.4 GHz, not 5 GHz which is the better band to be using for people living/working in apartments/units.
Channels 1, 6, and 11 are only the “best choices” if everyone around you only uses those channels; a strong signal on, say, channel 3 from a neighbour will affect the performance of both 1 and 6. Again, use 5 GHz if you can as the channels do not overlap each other.
All three links in Step 3 go to the same place.
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while having your coffee could you advise if n apple ipod touch is compatiable for an iinet modem provided to connect to the nbn?
regards
david fennell
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Hi David,
Provided a device is WiFi capable, it shouldn’t have any problems connecting to the WiFi network transmitted by our modems.
– Josh
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How much of this information would still apply if I am using Wifi in France? Thank you!
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Hi Melody,
Great news is that most of this information is pretty universal. The optimal WiFi channels may be a little different in France but the rest of the points would work to optimise your WiFi no matter where your service resides.
– Josh
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We have recently subscribed to a ‘SIM only plan’. What router, or similar device would you recommend?
Lance-
Hi Lance,
SIM-only plans are purely for mobile voice services. If you’re needing an internet connection, have a look at:
https://www.iinet.net.au/internet-products/
– Leo
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Is bob lite 2 GHz or 5 ghz?
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Hi Vanidol,
The BoB Lite is 2.4GHz. It is quite an old modem though, our TG-789 modem is dual band.
– Leo
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How can you measure your WiFi signal performance? Say to test alternative locations in your home, as well as testing alternative channels. This might be particularly relevant to determine now, before I switch to NBN as there is every possibility I shall need some rewiring and re-location of the incoming equipment.
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Bluetooth can interfere too on 2.4Ghz as it uses the same bandwith. Try turning off Bluetooth on your device if you don’t need it.
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When you get the NBN put on to your house they don’t put the box in to the best place for the modem.
they put it where it is easiest for them to get in & out quickly.
then you are stuck with it.
Too bad-
Hi Albert,
This is always worth raising with ourselves and NBN, as we can request that a better installation location be found. You do have a choice on where NBN installs hardware inside the premises and if you’re unhappy, this can be disputed.
– Leo
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I think our problem is slow ADSL – our upload is 0.7 Mb/s and download is 4-5 Mb/s.
I have hardwired my laptop and PC to the modem to maximise the speed.
Thanks – maybe iiNET should try to improve their speeds.
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Hi Mike,
If you have a poor ADSL connection speed, then it is always worth troubleshooting that first:
https://iihelp.iinet.net.au/Troubleshooting_ADSL_or_Naked_DSL_Speed_Issues
It may be that you’re simply too far from the exchange to be able to achieve faster speeds, but it is always worth investigating what the connection is capable of first, given the infrastructure that you’re connected to (as ADSL will run as fast as the line allows).
– Leo
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this is great if you live near a store. Also putting up with 4-5 buffering sessions in the first hour of going on line is a bit much. Yes I am using all the equipment sent by iiNet an am stuck with it, other wise I would chuck it all in the bin and go with another provider. I have moved it, changed cables and still it has to reset so that I can read emails telling me how to improve my wifi. What a joke
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Hi Terry,
Wi-Fi issues can be very frustrating, but the information here, as well as in:
https://iihelp.iinet.net.au/Improving_WiFi_Signal_and_Changing_Channels
can be of assistance. Usually, we recommend isolating the connection down to a single device, connected via ethernet to the modem first with Wi-Fi disabled, just to rule out if there is a connection issue present, before moving to address the Wi-Fi. Also, remember that some devices in the home, like microwaves, baby monitors etc can also affect your Wi-Fi signal.
– Leo
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A wifi extender is worth considering if nothing else helps. Not so expensive and quite easy to set up.
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A WIFI extender is worth considering. Not so expensive and quite easy to set up.
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Good concise info.. now when I have all details in one email, no excuse to not to change channel and band. Moreover the biggest mistake I have been making was to place the router on floor..
thanks Gina. -
Now that’s what I call value added service! Thanks IINET!
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Great tips. It’s also helpful to reduce number of WiFi devices. Wherever possible, choose to use a wired connection to the router ports. This is especially true for band width hogs such as smart TVs, Raspberry Pi, Roku boxes, etc. And check for freeloaders who’ve hacked into your router to borrow your WiFi. I use Fing on my iPad to occasionally see all devices (wired and wireless) tied into my network.
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We can’t watch pay tv by streaming on our smart tv which is only 2 years old. We have NBN (fibre to the node), the modem iiNet provided to us when we got NBN, and the wifi signal still can’t make it across the lounge room (less than 5 metres) without serious buffering issues or dropping out. Suffice to say we have issues with speed and have never managed to get anything close to the top speed we paid extra for. Your thoughts are welcome…
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Hi Paul,
We’re certainly unhappy to hear this, as we expect your connection to be working to your satisfaction!
The best course of action here is to isolate the connection down to a single device and confirm that it is working when directly connected via ethernet cable. If the connection performs as expected, then we can state the the issue is internal – likely to do with Wi-Fi. This is one of the reasons why we recommend:
https://iihelp.iinet.net.au/Improving_WiFi_Signal_and_Changing_Channels
This will guide you through identifying what is using Wi-Fi and how to improve the performance at home.
– Leo
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Very helpful! Thanks Gina!
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Dirk is on the money. If the main tap is 3/4 closed it doesn’t make any difference how much you can open the taps further down the line.
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Best thing I did was install a LAN point downstairs connecting to upstairs modem directly when building new townhouse. Add Netgear AC1200 Router and it is same speed wireless as upstairs where modem is, whereas previously it was poor speed trying to connect to upstairs wirelessly
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Have had the 5Ghz option from the start so I use that all the time but still the signal drops out/ freezes all the time, especially noticeable when FaceTiming my partner who leorks a long way away. Very frustrating. The network can’t support the demand in this area. Need to change infrastructure. Particularly frustrating when, 2 years ago when we changed to NBN I was told that would have the option to go back to the old phone line. On contacting Iinet I was then told the copper cables had been cut and there was no going back.
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Hi Janie,
That’s certainly not fun at all and the frustration it causes would be palpable. In these situations, we recommend ignoring your internal Wi-Fi altogether; instead its better to go back to a direct connection to the modem via ethernet cable and see if that stabilizes things. If it does, then we know that we can work on the Wi-Fi. If it doesn’t, then it suggests that there is a deeper issues wit the connection itself.
– Leo
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Step 4 – Turn your routers signal strength down to only what you need to cover your property. We don’t need to see DannysDenOfDoom blasting data from 2 blocks away eating into our airspace.
Step 5 – Turn off the frequency you don’t need. If all your devices use 5Ghz, turn off the 2.4Ghz.
Not doing these 2 things will inadvertently slow down your neighbours wifi and they will hate you even more.
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My router (Budii Lite) is set to “AUTO” in the drop down channel selection box. Is selecting one specific channel manually better than letting the router do that for me automatically?
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Hi Michael,
For more people, letting the modem do the work is just fine. However, there are occasions where you may need to tweak your Wi-Fi to achieve the best performance and to overcome any interference, hence this article. We have further information on this subject, right here:
https://iihelp.iinet.net.au/Improving_WiFi_Signal_and_Changing_Channels
– Leo
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Calculator for The Best Place to Put Your Router
https://www.sciencealert.com/physicist-has-calculated-the-best-place-to-put-your-router-science-signal -
Can anyone please tell me how to find out which channel WiFi is being used the most at the moment in my area? I’m not sure how to check! Thank you!
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Hi Aaron,
We have a handy guide on this:
https://iihelp.iinet.net.au/Improving_WiFi_Signal_and_Changing_Channels
This will help you discover what Wi-Fi is being used in your area.
– Leo
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I have a TGiiNet-1 modem which seems to only operate at 2.4Ghz. Is there anything I can do to change this – short of a new modem.
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Hi Caroline,
The TG-1 is a 2.4GHz WiFi modem only, so no ability for a higher Wi-Fi range. The following article may help, though:
https://iihelp.iinet.net.au/Improving_WiFi_Signal_and_Changing_Channels
– Leo
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Some router reviews mention the need to replace their aerials? Any thoughts about that?
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Hi longinthetooth,
Replacing aerials is certainly an option but its a bit of a long shot.
– Leo
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My WiFi performance is rubbish. I just did the google check. Got to Whirlpool and they say this about the modem you sold meTGiinet-1
The wifi performance of this model is absolutely pathetic in an area where there is any other detectable wifi. Three units were tested – all were very poor, dropping in and out constantly, even sitting within 1 metre of the unit. Replaced the wifi functionality with a TP-Link C9 and now experience no problems with wifi at all.WiFi speed is limited to only 100 mbps, and the UI is very limited. For basic use only.
If I bur a TP Link modem is there iinet instructions on how to set it up?-
Hi Peter,
The TG-1 is a superceded modem and was replaced by the TG-789. The guide for improving Wi-Fi still does apply though:
https://iihelp.iinet.net.au/Improving_WiFi_Signal_and_Changing_Channels
You’re certainly free to use whatever modem you like, but we may not be able to support your chosen device. We do, however, have basic setup guidelines on our iiHelp pages:
https://iihelp.iinet.net.au/categories/internet
– Leo
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Thanks for the tips
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Interesting to read that the modem shouldn’t be near the floor however when the nbn connection was done, the cable supplied is so short that I have no option but to have it near the floor … not impressed with this at all, but lately I have not had any joy complaining to you guys so sometimes it saves my sanity to just suck it up and get on with life.
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Hi Nat,
Sorry to hear this, the last thing we want is for you to be frustrated with your connection. You can obtain a longer cable to connect to your modem, which will allow some extra freedom when it comes to placement. They aren’t expensive (usually less than $10 in some places) and its worth trying.
– Leo
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I’m pretty much fed up with trying to sort out the appalling WiFi in my flat. I tried with TPG. I have tried with iinet. I have received so much contradictory advice form your help line. To be honest this should be part of the set up process when a person signs on. It makes the speeds of the NBN pretty irrelevant that’s for sure to have consistently dodgy Wifi.
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Hi Martin,
It sounds like the issue you’re having with WiFi may be done to the location itself. If you’ve tried this with multiple devices and multiple hardware, then there’s a fair chance that there are multiple Wi-Fi signals around you, or sources of interference that are at play here. When connected via ethernet with Wi-Fi disabled, these issues should disappear. If they don’t then Wi-Fi isn’t the issue after all.
We have a comprehensive guide to troubleshooting your Wi-Fi, here:
https://iihelp.iinet.net.au/Improving_WiFi_Signal_and_Changing_Channels
Take note of the section describing what Wi-Fi signals are being detected as it may well prove to be useful. Also note that even some household devices can interfere: microwaves, baby monitors and the like can introduce interference.
– Leo
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I made the move through iinet to iinet & nbn and reception has been a serious issue ever since despite being in the inner city with a node right outside the front door of the apartment block im in. my flat is small and the 2 modems are together on a windowsill. the nbn lights are stable & all I use is a pc note book and and iphone both of which say they can receive 5G but does the nbn router 9 and dotn tell me to ask them). I cant do speed tests directly into the router because the notebook doesnt have the required port. speedtests via wifi show that im often trying to operate at 1 – no wonder I cant have 2 things happening at once and my requirements are modest. Im not getting what I pay for and despite regular attemtps to g et iinet to fix the problem – nothing! I have a complaint yet again with the ombudsman – will anything ever be sorted/
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Hi Judy,
These are frustrating issues to deal with, as Wi-Fi connections aren’t guaranteed due to the multitude of factors at play.
There are couple of things that we can suggest:
* Don’t rely on Wi-Fi – there will be times when it may not be available, limiting your connection options.
* Pick up an ethernet adapter for your laptop if it doesn’t come with one. Its very handy for troubleshooting and allows for hardwired connections in places where they’re more available than Wi-Fi (for instance, some hotels with poor Wi-Fi but lightning fast ethernet connections).
* Finally, we have a comprehensive guide to troubleshooting Wi-Fi, here: https://iihelp.iinet.net.au/Improving_WiFi_Signal_and_Changing_ChannelsHope this helps!
– Leo
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WiFi not the problem it’s getting a continual NBN service in the first place. Frustrated and tired of the status red light coming up on the modem. Sometimes briefly other times not, regardless that interruption especially when attempting to watch a movie etc. is past a joke.
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Hi Anne,
Sorry to hear that your NBN connection isn’t working as required. It sounds like you’re experiencing multiple dropouts, which is incredibly frustrating. We do have some handy guides on our iiHelp pages than can walk you through troubleshooting this, before needing to contact our Support team.
https://iihelp.iinet.net.au/categories/internet/troubleshoot-nbn-fibre
Hope this helps!
– Leo
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I have internet provided on my modem but nevr connected it up so do not have a clue how to connect. I would like to as have people stay at my place they say what is the pass word not have a clue it all so does nor seem to be putting out a single to get password
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Hi Garry,
Our support team would be more than happy to help with this! WiFi settings such as passwords etc. are saved in the modem and while we cannot access them from here we would certainly be able to assist with walking you through the process of accessing them so you can provide any future guests with access to your WiFi! Please feel free to give us a call on 13 22 58, or send us an E-Mail at support@iinet.net.au and we’ll get this sorted out for you!
– Chris
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I’m not sure what all that meant being an older schooled fella and also tech illiteracy is somewhat abundant, but I did take away from this that all my devices using the one wifi channel slows the speed down so, I will attempt the channel changing advice and hope I don’t stuff it up, common occurrence with my CPTSD
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Hi Tui,
Some of these steps can be a bit tricky to follow, it can get a bit technical (especially when we start talking about 2.4/5Ghz frequencies and channels), but the results can definitely be worth it if your network is experiencing interference! Let us know how you get on with changing the WiFi channel, and if you require any assistance please let us know on 13 22 58 and we’ll be happy to help!
– Chris
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I have had all these steps carried out by iiNet techs and nothing has improved the dead wifi spots I have around my small home that I never experienced before going to NBN and receiving a new router.
The router you have supplied is not doing the job I’ve paid for so you should rectify this-
Hi, thanks for commenting!
I am sorry to hear that there seem to be some issues with you WiFi network. Beyond the steps listed here there are a couple of other things we might be able to look at to improve your WiFi signal strength in your home. I’d recommend giving our support team a call on 13 22 58 so that we can look into this for you and see what might be done to boost your WiFi.
– Chris
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Ironically, when I signed up with iiNet only at the beginning of this year, I was sent a crummy modem with only 2.4GHz wifi. I honestly couldn’t believe it.
I had to talk to support to get a proper modem sent out that had 5GHz wifi.
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Hi Adam,
Thanks for commenting! I wasn’t even aware that we had modems that only supported 2.4Ghz still! Sorry for the mix-up and glad to hear that this seems to have been resolved.
If there’s anything that we might be able to assist you with please let us know and we’ll be happy to help!
– Chris
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Slow connection NBN services is not iiNet problem, is NBNCo problem. This was, I got an responses from iiNet.
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Hi, I have a Buddii Lite, can it run 5Ghz and 2.4Ghz at the same time? Some of my devices use AC and some older ones N so I would like to have both frequencies running at the same time. I have read the instructions but it is unclear if this is possible? Some help/clarity please.
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Hi Glenn,
Yes, the Budii Lite can run both Wi-Fi signals at the same time, but be aware that it will create two connections – these can’t be combined!
– Leo
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A second wifi access point (I think that’s the right term) on an ethernet connection is much more effective than a simple plug-in repeater.
I have a long narrow house with thick brick walls. The NBN box is (where else?) on the front wall, with the main wifi router is close by. Result: very limited wifi range. Fortunately the previous owner installed an ethernet cable from the front room to a spot upstairs near the back, so I connected an old modem there, configuring it purely as a second wifi access point. My phone and laptop now connect automatically to whichever has the strongest signal though occasionally I need to select manually.
Admittedly it took a while to get it all set up – definitely not just plug’n’play. Fortunately there are several articles available online which will guide you through the process.
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I got Fibre cable installed in my house after upgrading from adsl2. My problem is only 1/3 of my house can now only receive internet. How do I get my modem installed elsewhere in the house? Will I be charged as a result?
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Hi Jesse,
You’ll need to pay a private technician to install additional data points in the premises and a patch panel for them to be connected to, by the sounds of it. The other, cheaper option, is to purchase a Wi-Fi extender, which will push out the Wi-Fi signal to cover the rest of the premises (depending on its size).
– Leo
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When the iiNet nbn installer came to my house it took us ages to find the right connection point, which happens to be in a bedroom and not the ideal location in the centre of the house. I have had a bad connection ever since. What are the options for getting a central connection point installed?
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Hi Susan,
Thanks for your question!
We actually don’t complete installs ourselves, the technicians that complete these are from the relevant wholesaler (NBN or Telstra Wholsale) unless its for our own Cable network in Victoria or for our VDSL2 network in the ACT.
If this was for an NBN service, you can contact us and we can request that NBN attend to move the connection to another part of the premises. Alternatively, you can engage a private technician to install connection points for you in the premises and have them linked back to where the main connection currently is attached.
– Leo
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My devices (laptops, tablets, phones) Wi-Fi connection constantly drops out and I have to reconnect. I am on the iinet cable, I have an extender but that doesn’t help. I never had such issues with my ADSL modem I had previously. It is really dissapointing, I suspect the iinet supplied modem is of poor quality
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Hi Paul,
We’d recommend running through some further troubleshooting to ensure the wireless network is performing optimally. We have a step-by-step troubleshooting guide available here: https://iihelp.iinet.net.au/Improving_WiFi_Signal_and_Changing_Channels
It sounds like you have completed some steps already, however testing alternate channels may help find a more stable connection.Let us know how you get on,
– Brianna
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Hi I have a Budii Lite VGDAC4 MODEM that I have been using on the 2.4 band for 2 and a half years since I have been with iiNet. Can this modem be used on the 5.8 band. If so how can I change it over???
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Hi John,
The Budii Lite does have dual-band Wi-Fi. For instructions on how to set this up, take a look at Page 12 of the User Manual: http://iihelp.iinet.net.au/sites/iihelp.iinet.net.au/files/Budii%20Lite-Manual%20WEB%20v3.pdf
Our Support (13 22 58) team are available 24/7 if you hit any obstacles.
– Brianna
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I am having similar problems to Paul Foot above. I changed from ADSL with iinet to NBN with iinet in March. Could watch youtube on my fetch box and phone via wi-fi and all was fine until about a month ago. Now youtube on phone wi-fi and fetch is unusable. Stops and buffers every few seconds. Incredibly annoying.
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Hi Steve,
Have you had the chance to have a look at:
https://iihelp.iinet.net.au/Improving_WiFi_Signal_and_Changing_Channels
Absolutely worth giving this a look. Also, it may pay to make sure that the Wi-Fi is indeed the root cause of your connection issues. We’d suggest disabling the Wi-Fi on the modem and devices, then connecting a single computer via ethernet cable to the modem. Reboot the computer and test the connection. If YouTube, for instance, still buffers then we have a deeper connection issue happening.
– Leo
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Hi,
I am using 2.4ghz and how do i change it to 5ghz using the 10.1.1.1 router access.
the router model is a
MediaAccess TGiiNet-1
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Hi Scott,
Thanks for reaching out to us. Check out the TG-1 Setup Guide here: https://iihelp.iinet.net.au/support/node/10543/#TG1
On page 16 it shows step-by-step how to reach the WiFi settings in your modem gateway and set up the 5Ghz.Sing out if you hit any obstacles,
– Brianna
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I have an old mobile device which is samsung galaxy grand prime,I could connect to 2.4 Ghz but the problem is the wifi signal that keeps disconnecting to my phone. I tried all the troubleshooting that you posted on your website which is changing channel band changing the b/g/n to b/g and i end up replacing the the modem that i ordered and still the same. I tried also upgrading the modem manually and reset factory not of these are working right. Im just feel sorry to my old phone that i coudn’t connect to 5ghz that’s why i’m just using 2ghz band and by the way my modem is TG789. I hope you can help me.
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Hi Hedrew,
This isn’t a fun situation to be in. There’s a couple of reasons:
* Maybe the phone itself is the issue and an upgrade is needed, or;
* There is a lingering source of interference in the premises, for instance an appliance or wall that is interrupting the signal.– Leo
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My Sony Smart Watch 3 and Nexus tablet do not see the WiFi network. The router is model TG789VAC V2. With my previous ASUS router they worked fine. Unfortunately, the ASUS router does not work with NBN, so I have to use the one supplied by iiNet.
Any ideas why these 2 devices cannot see with the 5GHz or 2.4Ghz networks?-
Hi Rob,
Cheers for commenting! Odd that these 2 devices aren’t locating the wireless network from your modem. I’d definitely recommend first things first, flicking the wireless off for a minute and then back on by pressing the wireless button/light on the far right of the status light bar. If still not coming up, perhaps try forgetting the previous wifi network on the devices as it might be stuck trying to find the old familiar network. If both of those see no joy, it may be a situation where the devices don’t like the channel that the modem has selected. This can be changed by following the walkthrough here: https://iihelp.iinet.net.au/Improving_WiFi_Signal_and_Changing_Channels
– Josh
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Wi-Fi drops out on Foxtel all the time takes ages to download and still drops out, down load 4. Upload 0.52 why does this happen???
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Hi Sunnee,
This usually happens when the Wi-Fi signal is suffering from interference. All it takes is another signal nearby to play havoc; something as simple as a microwave can even interfere! Following the steps in this article though, will go a long way to ensuring that your Wi-Fi is working at its best.
– Leo
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