Here's something that surprises a lot of people: you could be on a great nbn® plan with a brand new modem and still have frustratingly slow WiFi in half your house, simply because of where the modem is sitting.
Modem placement is one of the most overlooked factors in home internet performance, and it's also one of the easiest to fix. No new hardware, no technician, no cost. Just a smarter position for the device you already have.
This guide covers everything you need to know, from where to put your modem, what to avoid, and what to do when one modem just isn't enough to cover your home.
How WiFi Signals Actually Work
Before the tips, a quick bit of context that makes everything else make sense.
Your modem broadcasts WiFi as radio waves, radiating outward in all directions. Think of it like a dome of signal expanding from the device. That signal gets weaker the further it travels, and it loses strength every time it passes through a wall, floor, or physical obstacle. Some materials are worse than others: concrete and brick are particularly tough on WiFi, while plasterboard and glass are more forgiving.
There are also two main frequencies to be aware of:
- 2.4 GHz: