If you’ve recently moved or switched internet providers in Australia, you’re probably eager to get your new modem up and running. To ensure a smooth connection without any delays, follow these step-by-step instructions:
Prepare for Your New Internet Connection
- Preparation is key when it comes to setting up your new home internet. Start by making important decisions to ensure your new plan meets your needs.
- Choose Your Internet Type: The two leading options for high-speed internet in Australia are NBN and 5G. NBN is widely available, offering speeds over 50 Mbps in most areas. You can check if your home is NBN-ready on the NBN Co website. Although 5G is newer and not as widely available, it delivers faster, uncapped speeds.
- Choose Your Provider and Plan: With over 150 providers in the market, finding the best optus home internet plan in Australia can be time-consuming. Consider your budget, speed requirements, and the number of people who will need to connect simultaneously. Use comparison tools like CheapBills to simplify the process and get expert recommendations.
- Book an NBN Installation (if required): If you opt for an NBN plan and your property hasn’t been connected before, a technician will need to install the necessary equipment, such as an NBN utility box and connection box. Your retailer will schedule an appointment, so ensure someone is home, seek permission from your landlord if you’re renting, and decide on the placement of the NBN boxes.
Connect Your Modem
- When your new modem arrives, follow the specific setup instructions provided by your retailer. Here are some general steps that apply to most modems:
- Choose a Central Location: Select a central spot in your home for your modem, preferably near a window for better 4G or 5G connectivity. Avoid direct sunlight.
- Insert the SIM: If your modem comes with a separate SIM card, insert it into the designated slot.
- Plug in Your Modem: Connect your modem to an electrical socket.
- Power On the Modem: Use the ON/OFF button to turn on the modem.
- Allow for Boot-up Time: Wait for 3 to 5 minutes while the modem boots up. During this time, various indicator lights, such as power, 4G/5G, internet, and WiFi, should turn on and settle. Once all the lights are on, your connection is ready. If the 4G/5G light turns red, try a different location in your home and repeat the process.
- Connect Your Devices: Use the WiFi name (SSID) and password found on the base or back of your modem to connect your devices. Alternatively, you can use an Ethernet cable for computers or smart TVs located nearby.
Optimise Your Connection
- To ensure optimal performance of your new internet connection, consider the following steps:
- Check Your Cables: If you have an NBN connection, the quality of the cabling inside your home can affect internet speed. If you experience speed issues, a registered cabler can assess and potentially improve your cables.
- Choose the Right Location: Solid walls, complex structures with cabling, and various household appliances can interfere with your internet signal. If you can’t find a spot that provides coverage throughout your entire home, consider using a WiFi extender or booster.
- Select the Right Wi-Fi Band: The 2.4GHz band offers wider coverage but slower speeds and more interference, while the 5GHz band provides higher speeds with less interference but has a smaller range. Experiment with different bands to determine which one offers a stronger signal throughout your home.
- Avoid Overloading the Modem: Ensure that the number of devices connected simultaneously doesn’t exceed the modem’s capacity. If multiple devices are streaming content or using the internet simultaneously, it can affect performance.
- Use Ethernet Connections: For tasks like high-definition streaming or online gaming, a direct ethernet connection to your TV or computer can provide a fast and consistent internet connection without the interference that wireless connections may experience.
- Check Device Compatibility: If you notice that some devices perform better than others, it may be worth upgrading older devices to improve performance. Alternatively, make sure to switch off unused devices to minimize interference with the network.
Run a Broadband Speed Test
Once you’ve completed the setup and optimization process, it’s a good idea to run a broadband speed test to verify that you’re receiving the speeds promised in your plan. Conduct multiple tests at different times of the day to account for temporary factors like network congestion.
In summary, setting up your new modem with an Australian internet provider involves careful decision-making, proper installation, and optimization. Choose the right type of internet, select a suitable provider and plan, follow the setup instructions, and optimize your connection for the best performance. Utilizing comparison services like CheapBills can save you time and money during the process. Plus, when you compare with CheapBills, you can even support a fundraising campaign through Switch and Donate on icause. It’s a win-win situation for you and a good cause!
