I want to extend my Wi-Fi, what is the best option?

Contrary to the advice nbn provides, we do NOT recommend WiFi extenders or Power over Ethernet adapters (sometimes called powerline adapters) if you wish to extend your Wi-Fi coverage. These devices can cause other issues such as dropouts and speed issues and are not recommended by MATE.

To clarify further, when using a Wi-Fi extender, your network bandwidth needs to travel from your nbn device (if applicable), to your modem/router, and then to your WiFi extender – this can potentially cause poor network speeds due to the extender receiving the signal, processing it, and then rebroadcasting it. If you use a Wi-Fi extender, you are likely to experience slower internet and see reduced performance on your connection.

If you require stronger Wi-Fi to cover a wider area of your home, then we would highly recommend a Mesh WiFi router system.

These devices consist of a main router that connects directly to your nbn equipment or modem, and a series of modules placed around your house for full Wi-Fi coverage. The main advantage here is that all Mesh products form part of a single wireless network and share the same wireless name and password, unlike traditional Wi-Fi routers or WiFi extenders.

Please see below a list of quality Wi-Fi Mesh Routers that we would highly recommend using with your internet service:

• TP-Link Deco
• NETGEAR Orbi

These products can be purchased from most major electronics stores such as JB Hi-Fi, Harvey Norman and Officeworks and come in a range of different options, depending on the size of your home.

Please note that if your nbn internet connection is Fibre to the Node (FTTN) or Fibre to the Building (FTTB) then you still require a VDSL modem – in this case, to use a Mesh Wi-Fi router, you would plug this into one of the Ethernet/LAN ports on the back of your VDSL modem and disable the Wi-Fi from the modem.

If your nbn internet connection is Fibre to the Premises (FTTP), Hybrid Fibre Coaxial (HFC) or Fibre to the Curb (FTTC) or Fixed Wireless, then you can plug your Mesh Wi-Fi router into the nbn device – no other modem/router is necessary.

If you are unsure what nbn connection type you have, simply enter your full address (including any unit numbers) into our nbn address checker to find out.